Fall has come as the leaves begin to turn crimson and the temperature drops. A trip to the orchard is necessary to prepare fall foods like apple pies, crisps, and sauces. The Chicago suburbs and surrounding countryside provide several locations for apple picking Chicago, but NBC Chicago has you covered with the top picks.
What Is Apple Picking Chicago Tradition?
An enjoyable way to spend the day is picking apples rather than staring at a screen or thinking about homework. Although it may sound cliche, being surrounded by apple trees transports one to a past era of slower living.
You have to make the trek to one of these nearby farms to harvest apples on a lovely day. Some orchards also provide delicious apple delicacies and family-friendly attractions like tractor rides and corn mazes.
Pros Of Apple Picking
Here is a pro tip for the tradition: When following apple picking chicago tradition, carefully lift it and twist it off the stem. You can tell if the apple is ready to eat if the stem comes off easily from the branch. Here are some good things about picking apples.
Lifts your spirits
Many people feel sad when fall comes and it gets cold outside. Some people choose to stay inside more because they don’t think there’s much to do outside. Going outside and picking apples can make you feel happy. People who go for a walk outside and pick the best apples will probably feel happy.
Encourages exercise or movement.
Being physically active helps to keep you healthy and that is why picking apples encourages people to get up and move around instead of sitting on the couch. A short walk in the trees and picking apples for just 30 minutes is not harmful as it can help people burn calories and get their daily exercise. Spend more time at the orchard and you’ll get a good workout.
Spending time outside makes you feel more energetic.
Apple picking chicago happens outside and spending time outside can make you feel more energetic. People feel more energized and happy when they go for a walk outdoors. Instead of going for a walk in the park you know, try going to a new apple orchard instead. It will make you feel happy and energized.
Provides a chance to socialize
People who like to be alone can still talk to others by picking apples. This is another way to feel happier and improve your mood. People can walk and talk with a friend or family member while picking fruit from the trees for hours. It’s a good first-date idea. Even people who are by themselves can still talk to others when they buy their tickets, make purchases, and chat with people who are walking by.
Best Places To Go Apple Picking Chicago
Saying goodbye to summer can be sad, but don’t feel too sad because it’s time to go apple picking Chicago and enjoy the beginning of fall in Chicago. The areas outside the city have lots of orchards where you can pick lots of fruit to take home and eat or use for baking.
And that’s not it, in October, you can also visit some great pumpkin patches near Chicago, and there are also corn mazes and hayrides at a few of the farms on our list. Check out our list of the top apple orchards near Chicago and get ready for all the fun activities coming up in the fall.
Honey Hill Orchard
Pick from 25 different types of apples at this farm in the area an hour away from Chicago. The Honey Hill Orchard has food, a place to pet animals, and a maze made of straw. Guests can buy a small bag for $10 each or a bigger bag for $30 for up to two people. The orchard only takes cash for U-Pick and has wagons available on weekends.
Apple Holler
Choose from Fuji, Rosalee, Shizuka, and 12 other types of apples at the apple picking chicago orchard. This farm is only an hour’s drive up from Chicago in Wisconsin. It has a Farm Park with lots of fun things to do and a restaurant called the Red Barn.
People need to buy a bag before they can go into the orchard. The orchard has five different sizes available. You can buy a small bag for $22 or a bigger bag for $39. These purchases let you ride the tractor in the orchard and enter the Farm Park with mazes and fun things for kids.
Kuipers Family Farm
The Kuipers Family Farm sells already-picked apples in their store and also sells other apple snacks. If you want to pick apples yourself, just call (815) 827-5200 Ext. To see which of their more than 20 types of apples they can pick on the day they want. The farm puts information on its website about which apples will be ready to pick each week. They also give a rating and description of the apples to help people decide if they want to come to the orchard.
County Line Orchard
County Line Orchard has 22 types of apples you can pick. They say on their website that Keepsake, Shizuka, Grimes Golden, Braeburn, Pixie Crunch, and Melrose apples are the best to pick in early to mid-October.
The apple picking Chicago Orchard also has music shows for free and a maze made of corn that visitors can pay to go through. You can come to the orchard for only $3, and you can also go on a tractor ride. At the County Line Orchard, you can buy a small bag for $10. 99 or a large bag for $20. You can choose to pay $2 for every pound of apples you buy.
Winding Up On Final Thoughts!
The kinds of apples you can pick and the best time to do it will be different depending on where you live. However, usually, September to early October is the best time for apple picking Chicago.
Spend some time picking apples and you’ll feel better afterwards. The activity will make you feel good and happy, and also give you a chance to be active and get some fresh air. Let’s go pick apples this autumn and enjoy the rewards.
