I wanted to focus on the top orchards in the state that you should be checking out this season. Trust me, it'll be worth your time. Kicking off the list with number three!
3.
Sutter's Ridge Farm
Mt Horeb, WI
One of the top things we were looking for when trying to find the best orchards for people to go check out was if they let you pick your own apples. Where's the fun in going if you can't pick your own?
This is the perfect place for that! I had the chance to talk with the owners and if you're looking for a family-run business, it doesn't really get any more family than this.
One of the cool things about Sutter's Ridge is that you can pick apples, grapes, raspberries, or pumpkins…obviously only when each fruit is in season.
They also have a lot for the kids to do. There's a corn maze, animals, an apple slingshot, and you can bring them on a hayride! Definitely a trip you wouldn't forget. For hours and more info click
here
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2.
Lautenbach's Orchard Country
Fish Creek, WI
Nothing says “It's Fall” like taking a day trip to Door County.
This is the perfect place to swing by no matter where you're headed. It's like a one-stop-shop for all your fall needs.
You can pick your own apples and pumpkins, but one other really cool part of stopping here is that you can get a tour of where they make their own wine!
Also, you might as well try it while you're there…I mean, you almost have to.
I would have to say this would be a really cool place to bring a date.
Don't get me wrong, the kids would love it too because there's so many apples and pumpkins to choose from.
But when it comes down to it, the wine and the tour really lure you in! Also, one of the most interesting parts of the orchard is the history behind it.
Now I know it's not the best picture. But this just shows what they started with and makes you realize how successful they've become. They literally started out with a wagon and a little shed. From there they kept building on, had some bumps in the road, but they're better than ever! Hard work pays off.
Alright, now we come down to number one. No matter where you're at, I'd say this place is worth the drive.
1.
Helene's Hilltop Orchard
Merrill, WI
I chose Helene's as the number one pick of orchards to check out because this one has everything that you could want in an orchard.
First off, starting with the kids. This orchard has a huge place for the kids to play and it's all made from equipment and different things you'd see on the farm!
Secondly, a huge bakery area. Honestly, when you even walk up to the store all you can smell is apple pie and anything else you can think of that would be made in a bakery.
Olivia Telschow and her husband Mark now run the place. Olivia was telling me that they're busy with pies even into Thanksgiving. It really is a HUGE seller for them. I really should've bought one while I was there.
The regret has now set in…
And thirdly, the reason I'd head out the Helene's is of course because of the apples.
Olivia even showed me how they make apple cider with some of them! It was so nice of her to show me around and give me the tour. You can tell that the number one priority for everyone at Helene's is to serve the community and get the story of agriculture out to the public.
