Wake Up and Smell the Apples
It's no secret that I love autumn and all that it brings. From cozy sweaters and pumpkin carving, to apple picking and craft shows, there is no shortage of things to do in the Georgian Triangle. It's a quick season, but just enough time to pack everything in before the big Thanksgiving feast.
I couldn't imagine living somewhere without a Fall season. The crisp apples picked from the tree next door and the warm coloured leaves changing day-to-day, are two things that I don't take for granted. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of Winter...but we truly do live somewhere worth visiting in any season.
The Farmers Pantry in Clarksburg, ON
To help ya'll out, I've rounded up a list of my fall fave's in hopes that you don't miss out on all the apple-related fun happening in the area.
1. U-Pick Apples
You could go pick up a bushel and call it a day OR you could slide on your wellies and go do some apple picking yourself. Either way, you'll be ending the day with some crunchy local apples. We are so fortunate to live in an area that thrives on apple season - no shortage there. See below for the list of u-pick orchards currently open for this fun family activity.
- Meesters & Sons Farms Ltd - 705-445-3768
Collingwood, ON - T&K Ferri Orchards & Apple Market - 647-627-8147
Clarksburg, ON - The Farmers Pantry - 519-599-3691
Clarksburg, ON - Giffen's Country Market - 705-466-3080
Glen Huron, ON
*If you know of more, feel free to mention in the comments.
2. Apple Pie
Truthfully, I don't eat apple pie often during the year but when it's turkey time, it's apple pie time. To kick off pie-season, I've snagged my first pie from the Blackbird Pie Company (Heathcote, ON) who happens to be a member of the Apple Pie Trail. What's this trail you speak of? It's a culinary trail that navigates you through South Georgian Bay on a hunt for all things apple-inspired. It's a pretty neat initiative and gives you all the reasons to check out all of the amazing local partners. Embrace the pie!
3. Apple Harvest Festival
Got the family in town and looking for some FREE fall fun? The Apple Harvest Festival is a weekend-long event that takes place in Thornbury, Clarksburg and the Blue Mountain Village. There will be tons of interactive activities, guided hikes, pie eating contests, and live music for all to enjoy. All this while taking in the fall colours and the natural backdrop that some of us are fortunate to call home. All. Weekend. Long.
More details: http://www.appleharvestfestival.ca/
4. Local Produce Markets
We have SO many amazing local on-farm markets that carry fruits + vegetables that were harvested near by. Some open year round, others keep it seasonal - but trust me, these guys are hard-working individuals that strive to provide goods that are brought in from as local as they can get. Currently, most are gearing up for all things pumpkins, squash, carrots, turkey + pie. Visit them this week for all your Thanksgiving ingredients. Ontario rules!
Visit here for market stops along the Apple Pie Trail.
Squash from Curries Farm Market in Collingwood, ON
5. The Collingwood Downtown Farmers' Market
Take a wander over to the final Collingwood Farmers' Market of the season on Saturday, October 7th from 8:30-1:00pm. Start your Thanksgiving weekend off right and support the oodles of local produce, farm fresh products, artisanal products and baked goods that are available at the market.
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Wishing you a festive + cozy weekend in all that you have planned! I'll be eating a generous amount of stuffing + turnip, but I'm O.K. with that!