We used to take our children to an Apple Orchard every year almost when they were younger. They were little ones and we enjoyed all of it- the orchard, the pace, the scenery, the sweet smells, the food and the apples! So much changes over time. Its been 10 years since we first visited this orchard and we’ve been about 3 or 4 times over the years. More exposure and commercialism changed the feel of our experience and we stopped going. It was no longer pleasant for us. It actually felt more like going to an amusement park where you stand in long lines, garbage strewn everywhere, nasty restrooms and big crowds everywhere.
This year we decided to give it another try and were pleasantly surprised. Maybe I expected the worst and expected to be unimpressed hahaha, I don’t know. Maybe we just had a good time with old friends. 
Rainy weekend in Chicago so my children and I were prepared with an extra pair of shoes, knowing the orchard would be muddy. That it was. There were periods of light rain all day so it was completely muddy with standing water in some spots. We arrived mid afternoon and after paying for entry went straight to the corn maze. I wanted to turn around the moment we got to the maze. It looked impossible and I am never interested in walking through mud nor the idea that I may fall. But, the kids were excited and my adult friends were willing. So for the team, I was in, although may face may have looked otherwise.
We got through the maze! A few slips and 1 kid fell but we enjoyed it. And I didn’t expect to at all. I actually expected to go back to the front to request a refund. It was a lot of fun actually. We also went through the mini soybean maze. Next, we headed to the different fields looking for apples. Picked and bought our apples and other goodies. We got donuts, cider and popcorn! Overall, a great time by all!
And of course, once we got home our variety of apples was perfect for our dessert plans. We made a caramel apple pie with a crisp topping. It was delicious. I will share the recipe.
Would we go back to this particular orchard? Not sure. But, I’m glad we went. Muddy boots and all. Where do you take your family for apple, berry or farm picking?
