that time: apples here, apples there, apples (and pumpkins) everywhere

Apple season in New England and the Hudson Valley is coming to an end but there are a few more weekends to go out and pick-your-own. On a recent weekend home in Connecticut, Randy, Krystina and I decided to take advantage our suburban surroundings and drive up to Lyman Orchards. Located in Middlefield, CT, and a two hour drive from the city, getting to the orchard requires personal transportation. Once at the orchard, however, the two hour trip will seem a small price to pay for a real country escape. Get a group of friends together, rent a zip car (or steal mom’s) and head out to Lyman or one of the other numerous pick-your-own spots before the season is over. Depending on the orchard prices on apples range from around $1.20 per pound to a minimum purchase of a half bushel (roughly 20lbs) for around $20- $30.

At Lyman there were quite an assortment of apple to chose from. I found the Golden Delicious and Jonagold to be most tasty :) The two varieties (as well as many others) should be available to pick through early November. Call ahead to your orchard of choice before making the drive for the most up to date pick-your-own conditions. Added bonus: many of the apple orchards double as pumpkin patches. Be sure to snag one for your Halloween decor! If you do make the journey to Lyman, be sure to make a stop at the Apple Barrel for the best in fresh baked apple confections.