It’s that time of year again. That wonderful time of year in New England when the air starts to crisp, the smell of fire wood burning makes you breath deep, the leaves give a satisfying crunch beneath your feet and all things pumpkin and apple make their appearance.
This is the time to visit your local apple orchard.
Here’s my dirty secret: I don’t like apple pie. There I said it. YES, I am still American. YES, I still look forward to apple season. Why? Because apples are more than apple pie. They are cider. They are donuts. They are sweet. They are sour. They are gooey with caramel. And they are delicious.
Similarly, apple orchards are more than apples. They are farms. They are bakeries. They are music venues. They are hay rides. They are corn mazes. And they are pure joy.
Our favorite is Gould Hill Farm.
Be sure to stop by the Contoocook Cider Company tasting room!
It is everything you would hope for all wrapped up and placed on top of a hill with an incredible view. Really. They offer pick-your-own apples in more varieties than I knew existed. They have a Contoocook Cider Company tasting room. Live music outside on the weekends. Inside the store there are fresh made cider donuts, apple crisp, ice cream, and… wait for it….. pumpkin whoopie pies. Yah, it’s not apple, but they are INCREDIBLE. And let’s talk about their apple cider. No preservatives. Not pasteurized. It doesn’t get more New England than that. Warm it up. Drink it cold. Add rum. Make a sangria! Here’s a recipe if you need it… (Thanks The Crumby Kitchen!)
So go! Go now to your local apple orchard. And if you want my suggestion, go to Gould Hill Farm. You won’t be disappointed.
