9 Reasons to go Apple Picking

These crisp Autumn mornings are giving me life, out here in Seattle. This year has been… well, a nut house for a lot of us. I’ve been focusing on my mental health in ten-folds, and I’m sure you are too! My mental state has been really anxious going into Fall. I think I might be mourning summer. However, I find that when I sit, research and plan a day trip I feel so much better. Which is why I’m sharing 9 Reasons to go Apple Picking with you today.

Apple Orchards are a wonderful connection back to the earth. Especially for those who sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day (or more). It pulls you back to your roots and soil and is … a gentle reminder of how life works, and our society works.

We get to converse with people outside of our regular setting, chat with the farmers who grow the literal produce you are picking from a tree in their backyard. It’s wild to me that fruit just … grows on trees and provide you nutrients! Like, you pick it and you eat it!… Right from the branch! (I mean, you pay first but it’s still amazing).

What else? Let’s get into it:

Table of Contents

9 Reasons to go Apple Picking before the season is picked over

Masked Up Apple Picking // On the Trip Side Blog

Alli & Natalie Apple Picking // On the Trip Side Blog — Apple Picking with Natalie

9 Reasons to go Apple Picking // Alli of On the Trip Side (@onthetripside)

One // Inexpensive

You guys know I love a bargain but I value experiences over materialistic items. For this trip, I was more than happy to spend my money at the apple orchard. It’s something I look forward to every year and I always make a crisp or muffins after my journey out there.

Despite the higher mark up for your apples, remember these are local farmers who specialize in their arts. You’re getting high quality apples that go directly to their staff members and their families!

Two // Family Friendly

There is literally nothing more family friendly on the outskirts of Seattle than a farm. Everyone is so kind and there are also tons of other kids and family around the farm as well. It was so refreshing to see kids dressed up in overalls and wellies and grab apples at the bottom of the trees.

Three // Amazing Seasonal Food Options

This one is definitely a farm fan favorite, especially since carnivals and festivals are cancelled this year. After picking your favorite apples from the orchard, you can wander to the outdoor food stands for fresh apple cider, apple cinnamon donuts, roasted corn, kettle corn, candied spiced nuts, cookies and more.

Four // Healthy

After talking about all that food, let’s talk about health. What I absolutely love about being on an apple orchard is how much room there is to roam. You can stretch your legs, run through the fields, get out of your neighborhood for a nice scenic change. Not to mention, fresh country air.

Five // Outdoors

All apple orchards are outdoor activities. In fact, most farms and their activities are all outside. There’s, again, so much space that you can really put your mind at ease when it comes to health and safety.

Six // Activities

You and your family will want to do everything at an apple orchard. Every farm I’ve ever been to is welcoming and offer tons of safe activities. Including: Animal petting, duck races, apple tossing, corn mazes, field races, picnics and more.

Seven // Great for Pictures

One of my friends would always shout “memoriessss” and grab the worst candid photos of us ever. However, they were always the most memorable and I have to say, the photo opportunities and IG worthy vibes of an apple orchard are very appealing. Many orchards hold fall family photo sessions right at the entrance for you.

Eight // Hours of Fun

Y’all, we got to the farm at 9:06am and did not leave until 3pm. We were exhausted and none of us even have children! Moms, I’ll never know how you do it. There was much to do and chat about.

Nine // Supporting Local Farmers

Arguably the most important reason I try to go apple picking every year, especially this year. Supporting your local farmers means real unprocessed/touched food, seeing animals being treated fairly and free-roaming, you know where your food is coming from and, above all, giving directly to your community. Small farms are constantly competing with mass US food production. Lastly, you get the opportunity to develop a relationship with your farmers. Have a question? Get an answer while they’re right in front of you.