Have you heard of Sops of Wine, Westfield Seek-No-Further or Black Gilliflower Sheepnose? Behind these silly-sounding names lies some serious flavour, as they’re all apple varieties. Sure, Cortlands, Empires and Macs are delicious and dependable. However, if you want something a little different for your pies, crisps and snacks, consider visiting one of these orchards, which will soon kick off their U-pick season. (Exact opening dates vary; check official sites for announcements before you go.)
For a kid-friendly afternoon: Watson Farms in Bowmanville, Ont.
Kids will go wild (in the best way) for all the fun at Watson Farms, which offers family movie nights, community market events with more than 150 vendors, and a haunted corn maze leading up to Halloween (with profits going to charity). Apple lovers will appreciate that the varieties here include Ginger Gold, Crispin, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Northern Spy and Rave (which the farm charmingly describes as “a party in your mouth”). U-pick pumpkins and pears, tractor rides, a playground and a petting zoo round out the amusements. The farm expects their U-pick apple season to start in mid-September. And mark your calendars for next spring, as Watson offers apple blossom photography sessions, too.
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For organic fruit and wood-fired baked goods: Organics Farm in Markham, Ont.
After decades of conventional farming, the family behind Organics Farm decided to transition to organic agriculture in 2001, as a response to climate change and a desire to return to what they see as a more natural and balanced diet. Today, the small, certified-organic farm has 15 apple varieties on offer, ranging from the juicy, crisp Ginger Gold in the early season (which traditionally starts in early September) to the late-season Crimson Crisp (a rich, sharp, spicy apple good for both snacking and baking). If you can visit Wednesday through Sunday, bring your appetite: This is the only certified-organic farm in the GTA to operate a wood-fired bakery, and they make bread, pies, muffins and more.
For more nature to explore: Carl Laidlaw Orchards in Brampton, Ont.
At this seventh-generation farm, owners Mark and Laura believe that spending time in an orchard is magical, and their 100-acre Brampton property aims to share their simple pleasures. Among their 20 varieties of apples are Prima, Silken, Creston, Rhode Island Greening, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Tolman Sweet. Open every weekend in September and October, Carl Laidlaw Orchards also offers wagon rides, hay bales, a barn beam walk, a sunflower field, a corn maze, buttery corn on the cob, apple cider, and the promise of a peaceful time in nature (the Credit River goes through the farm). Be sure to check out their “quirky cottage” for a fun photo op.
For a museum of heritage apples: LynOaken Farms in Medina, N.Y.
LynOaken Farms requires some extra road-tripping — its location is about three hours from Toronto — but it’s worth the distance. The property has been in the family since 1918 and boast about 300 different types of apples, making this one of North America’s most diverse U-pick destinations. Of course, not all 300 varieties are in season simultaneously. But on any given visit, you can see some unusual and all-but-forgotten kinds of fruit. The farm has partnered with horticulturist David Schlabach to create a living museum of heritage apples. And just like any museum, there are some impressive antiques. One of their oldest varieties, Winter White Permain, can be traced to the 13th century. LynOaken expects their U-pick season to start just after Labour Day. While you’re here, visit nearby downtown Medina for the charming sandstone architecture and vibrant small businesses.
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