When summer starts winding down and my dread of a fall that will quickly turn to winter kicks up a notch or so, the one thing that always draws me out of my negative spiral is going apple picking with the girls. It’s so simple, but it works every time.
Apples make me think of fall spices and baking and boots and cozy blankets. I’m ok with all of those things, which makes me realize that I’m ok with fall. The air is crisper, which means I can layer on a scarf and playground trips are less brutal and sweaty.
Yes, we eat apples year-round. But something about the act of going out and picking apples flips a switch in my overworked brain. While I watch the girls run through the rows of trees and take tastes of apples or even complain about the taste of a particular apple, I know everything is ok. I just need to relax.
A couple of weeks ago, we tried out an orchard we’ve never been to. My sister has been wanting to go to Fishkill Farms because they don’t use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. With a little more digging, I learned that they’re all about sustainability, which got me even more excited to check them out.
Also, the place is freaking beautiful.
We went on Labor Day weekend and it was way hotter out than it normally is when we go apple picking. There was definite sweat drippage, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time. We picked apples, peaches, and nectarines and were pointed in the right direction more than once by the sweetest man. In fact, everyone we came in contact with that worked at the farm was really nice and incredibly helpful.
After our bags were full and we were too hot to pick another thing, we made our way up the hill to the barn and the farm store. The store in itself is incredible. It’s filled with locally made products from syrups and chocolate to honey and wine. The girls and I got some local ice cream (they sell Jane’s Ice Cream which is delicious) because… well, because ice cream is totally our thing.
Every weekend from September through October they have live music and a BBQ, so the place was hopping and filled with families.
If you’ve never been to Fishkill Farms, I highly recommend it. In fact, we’re hoping to get back there with the cousins again sometime next month if our schedules work out!
If you’re looking for a Hudson Valley farm a little further south, check out my post on Westchester’s Wilkens Farm, which we hit every fall.
Related posts:
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
