Green Thumbs for Everyone

For most of us in the Northeast and Northwest, summer is just about over.  Most of the country experienced some sort of closure which left some of us feeling a bit cheated out of our summer experiences and/or travel plans. However, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

 Tricks may be for kids, but pumpkin and apple picking can be for everyone. Fall is here, the vegetation is green and more establishments are pulling out all the stops because they had a late start. This holds true for orchards, farms and vineyards; apple picking, pumpkin picking, and wine tastings are very versatile activities that people from all walks of life can get into.

Apple Picking

Starting mid to late September for some, apple picking is a great way to get the kids up, out, and exposed to nature. It’s also an excellent way to illustrate the farm to table concept and get the whole family involved in learning more about healthy foods and nutrition. Most orchards have adapted to life during a pandemic by requiring masks and making trips to their orchard appointment only. Before visiting your selected orchard it is highly suggested that you visit their website and/or call. After that, you will likely be able to figure out what else is in season such as berries, peaches, and so much more.  

Pumpkin Picking

Starting late September to early October for some, pumpkin picking tends to bring out our inner child no matter our age. It’s something about a good ole corn maze and being able to select the biggest pumpkin we can carry, even one we may not be able to carry, that brings us joy. The farm stand is full of root vegetables that are perfect for soups and stews and those pumpkin donuts are to die for. Just as with apple picking, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about nutritious and wholesome foods. Most farms will ask that you wear a mask, set an appointment and have sanitization stations throughout the grounds.

Vineyards

Now that the kiddies have had their fun, it’s time for the adults to let loose. Have fun with it, maybe incorporate a theme and dress up and head out. As with apple and pumpkin picking, we strongly recommend visiting your desired vineyard’s website and/or calling them. Quite a few have great money saving packages available and COVID precautions designed to keep you safe. Vineyards also come with an amazing amount of Instagram worthy photo opportunities. So make sure you don’t forget your camera and show your feed some love.

Versatility

Although I started off by separating activities essentially by age group, apple and pumpkin picking can be a very versatile. How you ask? Why go to a park for a picnic when you can have one at an orchard or on a farm? Bring some prepackaged goods and/or pick up some things directly from the farm store. At Fishkill Farms in New York, you can celebrate your bounty by booking a cider tasting after, which includes a reserved picnic table, a flight of five ciders, and a cheese and charcuterie plate. What a deal!

Another fun option is the corn maze. Either with a group of friends and/or on a date, a good corn maze is always a good time. Hay rides are sweet and picking sunflowers with bae is sweeter. Some farms even have adult only hours around Halloween time if children are not really your speed. This will also be the perfect time to take a romantic sunset hayride.

Quite a few orchards and farms also include a petting zoo and produce education at no additional charge. With this in mind, you can 'moove' at your own pace and really make a day of it with the kids or without.