One of my all time favorite things to do in the Fall is to go apple picking. This year was no exception. Last year, the BF and I tried a place called the Patterson Fruit Farm. It was a nice little experience, but certainly lacking in the bells & whistles department. This year, we decided to give them one more chance -- and it was well worth it.
Apparently, Patterson's has two orchards -- the Mulberry orchard is the big one near the farm house -- call ahead and they'll tell you where they're picking that day. There were rows and rows of delicious, plump apples. Each row is clearly labeled and they also have charts in the stores that tell you which apples are good for what (i.e., eating, cider, baking, etc.).
Patterson Fruit Farms Mulberry Orchard sign, CASB ©2009
Patterson Fruit Farms farmhouse, CASB ©2009
Patterson Fruit Farms store, CASB ©2009
Missing out on the "bells & whistles" last year was due, in large part, to the fact that we went to their auxiliary orchard, which is farther away from the market and farmhouse. Stopping at the farmer's market and store is more than worth the extra time (I'd probably even go back JUST to go to the market). You can stock up on all of the usual delicious seasonal goodies, such as: apple butter, real maple syrup, heaps of pies, jam and jellies, kettle corn, and the best thing of all, HOT APPLE CIDER!
Patterson Fruit Farm farmer's market at Orchard Hills, CASB ©2009
Patterson Fruit Farm farmer's market (exterior), CASB ©2009
Patterson Fruit Farm farmer's market (interior), CASB ©2009
Patterson's also sells pumpkins (orange AND white) so this is a great place to stock up on pumpkins for baking and/or for carving.
Patterson Fruit Farm pumpkins, CASB ©2009
I think we ended up coming home with 2 bags of market treats and roughly 13 lbs. of apples -- but definitely worth it! For more information on some of the local orchards, check out this Cleveland.com list of the Northeast Ohio Apple Farms.
