We love Lawrence Farms!

My pumpkin hanging with some pumpkins
behind the Lawrence Farms store

Ok, ok, I'll stop sleeping and eating for a second to post a promised review! Seriously, I do miss posting here more often and keeping up with all my wonderful blog friends, but I didn't remember how rough the first trimester was. And, it sure does makes a huge difference having an energetic boy to watch over this time around!

That said, amid all my eating and sleeping we did make it out to Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh, NY for some apple and veggie picking at the end of last month. And we had a blast! The place is huge and though there were a lot of other folks there, at times it felt like we were wandering through the farm alone (which was so lovely and peaceful). Even somewhat late in the season, there was a good variety of veggies, pears and apples to choose from. And I really loved that everything was labeled so nicely so that you could pick and choose what to gather. Also, most everything could be picked while standing on the ground, which meant no need to wield huge picking poles while wrangling children!

In the cabbage patch

We didn't think ahead to bring a wagons or apple bags, but both are available for a small rental fee on-site. Also on-site were the most delicious apple cider donuts ever, an adorable farm store, a food stand for lunch and picnic tables (quickly-filled), some horses, two huge friendly dogs, and other animals to admire, a hay maze, and a play area filled with adorable kid-sized playhouses--a horse stable, firehouse, church and more!

We will definitely be returning to Lawrence next year--probably in the summer as well to pick more vegetables. The whole experience was definitely worth the ride upstate--and the naps we all needed to take afterward!

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Its Apple Picking Time!

I love love love apple-picking, but last year was the first time I had gone in many years. We had a great time at  the Orchards of Concklin in Pomona, NY, which are about a 10-minute drive from my parents' house. We went in late September, and there were plenty of delicious apples to pick. It wasn't crowded at all either, which was a nice bonus, and they didn't mind if you bit into an apple or two while picking (awesome!) And, of course, the orchard has its own country store which sells pies, ciders, and apple cider donuts among other things. 

It really shaped up to be a great apple-picking experience right in our own backyard. Check out their website for their apple & pumpkin picking schedules, events schedule, and more.

This year we're heading a bit farther away to pick apples because we've been invited by family friends and we like to try new things! At the end of this week we're heading up to Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh, NY to pick apples, pears, sweet corn, and lots of other fresh produce. I am told that there are animals on the farm to pet (but not the horse--he bites!) and adorable wooden play houses for the kids to run through. I really can't wait for our visit, and I'll be sure to post about it soon after.

In early October, we'll be heading to the Applewood Orchards & Winery in Warwick, NY. Not only does this location offer apple-picking and home-brewed ciders (alcoholic and non), but they have hayrides and live music and puppet shows on the weekends (check ahead for schedules). I'm looking forward to our visit there as well and will definitely report back...with pictures!

So, where do you do your apple-picking? And, do you have amazing apple recipes to send me? I'm going to have bags full and I promised my dad a delicious apple pie (don't let him down!)

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