There’s no better way to embrace fall in New England than with an apple picking adventure. The crisp autumn air, the vibrant foliage, and the joy of filling bags with fresh apples all make for an unforgettable day. However, planning the perfect apple picking outing requires a little more than just showing up at the orchard. Here’s how to ensure your day goes off without a hitch, and how Simplified can help make it even easier.
Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips
Before you head out for a day of apple picking, a bit of prep can make a big difference. Here are some things to consider:
1. Choose the Right Orchard
New England is full of orchards, each offering something unique. Some specialize in organic apples, while others may have corn mazes, petting zoos, or hayrides. Narrow down what type of experience you want. Are you just there for the apples, or do you want to make a day of it with family-friendly activities?
Simplified Tip: If you’re not sure which orchard best suits your needs, let us help! Our personal assistants can research locations, check opening hours, and make any necessary reservations, ensuring your day is as seamless as possible.
2. Timing is Everything
Weekends can be crowded at the most popular orchards, so consider going on a weekday if you want a more peaceful experience. Also, different apple varieties peak at different times, so knowing when your favorite type of apple is in season can enhance your visit.
Simplified Tip: Don’t have time to research apple varieties or schedule your day around peak times? We can take care of that for you, along with weather forecasts, travel time, and parking details.
3. Prepare Your Supplies
Once you’ve picked your orchard, don’t forget the essentials: sturdy shoes for walking, comfortable clothes for the weather, a few reusable bags or baskets for apple-picking, and plenty of water. If you’re planning to stay all day, pack a picnic or plan ahead for local food options.
Simplified Tip: Need help gathering supplies or planning your picnic? We’ll ensure you have everything packed and ready so you can focus on having fun.
During the Day: Making the Most of Your Experience
When you arrive at the orchard, there are a few things you can do to make the day even more enjoyable:
1. Know What You’re Picking
While it may be tempting to fill your bag with every apple you see, take a moment to ask the orchard staff about the best varieties for baking, eating fresh, or making cider. This way, you can pick with a purpose and use your apples in a variety of recipes later on.
Simplified Tip: We can prepare a quick guide to the apple varieties at your chosen orchard, ensuring you pick the perfect apples for your needs.
2. Enjoy the Extras
Many orchards offer more than just apple picking. Take time to enjoy the additional activities like hayrides, petting zoos, or pumpkin patches. If you’re with kids, these little extras can make the day even more memorable.
Simplified Tip: Don’t worry about juggling multiple activities. We’ll help you map out your day, making sure you have time for everything without feeling rushed.
After Your Visit: Making the Most of Your Apples
Once you’ve returned home with bags full of apples, the fun doesn’t have to end. There are countless ways to enjoy your fresh apples, from classic recipes to creative new dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Apple Crisp: A New England classic, this dessert is the perfect way to end any fall meal.
- Hard Cider: Try your hand at making homemade hard cider with your freshly picked apples.
- Apples & Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa: A healthy and hearty way to start your day.
- Pork Roast with Apples & Onions: This savory dish combines the sweetness of apples with rich flavors, ideal for a cozy fall dinner.
- Candy Apples: A fall favorite, especially if you have kids in the house.
Simplified Tip: Don’t have time to cook? Simplified can help you plan meals around your apples, or even arrange for a private chef to do the cooking for you!
Let Simplified Handle the Details
Apple picking is supposed to be fun, but sometimes planning the perfect day can feel overwhelming. Simplified’s Personal Admin Services are here to help. Whether it’s researching the best orchards, packing your picnic, or helping you plan meals with your freshly picked apples, we take the stress out of the process so you can focus on the fun.
So, if your to-do list is getting in the way of your fall fun, reclaim your time by contacting Simplified. We’ll take care of the details—leaving you with more time to enjoy a perfect apple picking day in New England!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.