September is here, the air is getting cooler, and the leaves are changing up in the mountains. Must be time to go apple picking.
Apple picking is important business in the Mountain View Home. Apple Crisp, Applesauce, Apple Jelly, Dried Apples and of course Apple Pie mean my house smells good and we never are lacking for something delicious to eat. One year I ate apple pie every day for a month. I lost 10 pounds. I call it the Apple Pie Diet...some day I'll blog about that and make a million but let's get to the real reason for this post.
There are only a few places to pick apples here in the Mt. Washington Valley and they are each wonderful in their own unique way.
Hatches Orchard
Closest to North Conway, Hatches is an easy trip. For those of you familiar with the area, head towards Pine Tree School and then drive another 5 or so miles down the road. Hatches is on the right. For those of you from out of town, the address is 1440 Brownfield Road in Center Conway.
We love Hatches because the drops are usually half price and the apples on the trees are delicious too! Also, we can bring our dog. After picking there is a short little hike to a big field just perfect for a picnic!
For More Information call them at (603) 447-5687
The Barton Farm
Out in Fryeburg on Corn Shop Road there is a small family orchard called the Barton Farm. From Conway head out towards Sherman Farm and go straight past on 113. At the little variety turn right. The orchard is a ways down on the right. If you go by at the right time they might have a stand out front and they might even let you pick your own. They are open most weekends, maybe not during the air, they aren't sure. They don't advertise, so you just have to head that way and chance it. They have a great selection of interesting varieties, Pricilla, Yellow Delicious, Red Delicious, Mutsu Cortland and more. Prices are very reasonable, generally 50 cents a pound.
Pie Tree Orchard
Located in Sweden, ME, Pie Tree Orchard is a pretty long drive from North Conway but well worth it. The view is unbelievable, the cider doughnuts are amazing and a hay ride out to the apple trees comes with the visit. For locals, we usually head past the Fryeburg Fairgrounds and then look for Apple Picking signs. Then we follow the signs for miles. And miles. At some point you turn right then go up, down and up again on a roller coaster hill. At the top of the hill, you are there. For out of towners, the address is 803 Waterford Road in Sweden, Maine.
Rumored to be owned by Stephen King, Pie Tree is an every year absolute for us. We love that every year they have a little something new for visitors. One year it was a giant ring of sunflowers, one year it was a hay bale maze. We always leave with apples, and usually with pumpkins, gourds, and baked goods too. We haven't been this year yet, but we will be heading there soon!
For more information visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
These are the two I know of for sure and would wholeheartedly recommend. If you know of others leave a comment and I will be sure to check it out and add it to the list. Happy picking!
