Apple Picking at Marker-Miller Orchards ::Northern Virgina Child Photography::
This little family outing ALMOST didn’t happen, but I’m so glad it did. Mr. Pointe and I packed up the kiddies to visit a local Pick Your Own Orchard.
Growing up in MS I have found memories of picking figs, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, collard greens, and plums straight from the garden of friends and families, but I have to say I’ve never been to a bonafide real live, orchard! I was super excited because it took me back to a wonderful place remembering my family while also introducing my own little ones to the process of agriculture and that food doesn’t just come from the refrigerator or grocery store o_O.
We rode a little over an hour to get to Marker-Miller Apple Orchards and I have to say it was well worth the trek to get there. Squeal! I love when plans turn out better than expected! There were rows of apple trees ripe for the picking, literally! Because of the terrain I was so glad I decided to bring the wagon instead of the stroller. It made navigating the orchards much easier. Little and Big trouble enjoyed the picking , but as with most children EATING was the real star of the show I’m pretty sure they both ate way more than their fair share of apples that day. And for a fixed price we got to pick as many apple as we could fit in this bag.
This was the bag about half way through picking. We had mapped out and planned our route to accommodate my husband’s love of Golden Delicious and my love of Fujii. #nomnomnom And I have to say that the staff made it increadibly easy to find your sought after varitey by providing a map of the whole orchard.
There was also a smogoshborg of Fall festivities abounding as well Live music. Face painting. Local artisans selling wares, live music. And of course they had to do something with all those apples so I wasn’t surprised to find apple cider, apple butter, fresh jams and carmel apples. for sale in their marked. But what they are known for {we found out} are their famous Apple Cider Donuts. *faints*
All photos taken with the the Camera+ App. Review coming, soon!
Let me tell you—the smell alone was enough to send you repenting to lace up those gym shoes! The smell was intoxicating! It was the essence of fall all bottle up into a neat aromatic package! Yum!
But alas, this story doesn’t have a happy ending. After a very full afternoon of apple picking, we arrived to the pavilion where the market was located, only to find that not only was there a freakishly long line to pick up your donuts, there was an equally freakishly long line to PAY for them. Awww fewwwy {do people still say that?}!
No bueno. I had two tuckered out toddlers and a long drive home. But the good news is, that their donuts are so famous you can actually order them online! Score!
What perfectly fall activities have you and your family been up to? What are you still hoping to fit in before the weather turns too cold?