Day 13

Every year as Fall rolls around we make plans to go apple and pumpkin picking.  But, most of all, my husband can’t wait to sink his teeth into a hot apple dumpling at a local apple barn.

When we lived in Michigan we often took a drive to Crane Orchards and Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Bakery in Fennville.   We joined long lines of people, standing out the door and winding around the building while waiting for a seat, there to enjoy a fresh-baked peach pie, or apple dumpling, and a 10 cent glass of sweet apple cider.

We have since moved to Indiana, and New York, and now we hang our hats in Pennsylvania.  Unfortunately there is only one Crane Orchard.

However, the last several years we were in New York we would take a 2 hour drive to Holley where our senses were overwhelmed with the aromas of the season, a perfectly flaky and delicious fresh-from-the-oven slice of apple pie,  and extraordinary visual delights including  dramatic fresh floral arrangements.  I wasn’t blogging then, but  my pocket camera was handy and I took lots of photos to remember those extraordinary moments.

In addition to the fabulous Apple Barn, Hurd Orchards also has a retail shop.  It was a pure delight to browse there.  I dare you to go home without something delectable from their bakery or kitchen.  The fresh flowers always called my name, as did bins of plums, and peaches, and raspberries, and of course, apples!!

How fun is it to see fresh produce and jams displayed right along side gorgeous table linens and colorful beeswax candles?

Have you ever been to an apple barn with such stunning fresh floral arrangements?

I didn’t think so.

Pennsylvania isn’t exactly apple country.  That honor goes to Michigan and New York.  But that doesn’t stop us from continuing the hunt for a great orchard or apple barn with fresh pressed cider AND a great bakery.   Who knows when we’ll find that favorite spot again.  But, in the meantime, we’ve found an orchard with some awesome fresh pressed cider so delicious I swish it around in my mouth as if it were a fine wine and savor all the various apple varieties pressed into that golden liquid.  Mmm. Mmm. Mm.

 

So how about you?  What’s your favorite fall stop?

 

The delightful family farm, Hurd Orchards, is truly extraordinary.  They exemplify what one can do with simple everyday bits of nature, turning them into sensual and visual delights which stir the soul.

Why be Ordinary when you can be Extraordinary!

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Wishing YOU an extraordinary day!
Diane

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