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Fall in New York is a special time for our family. Each year we tour the local apple orchards to pick apples and pears. What could be better than buying fruit right off the tree? Local farms have gone to great lengths to entice consumers to buy products direct from the farm. In the process, they are also educating and entertaining a new generation of consumers.

Most farms offer a variety of apples, pears, and pumpkins, and provide a bucket to hold your pickings. Prices are usually reasonable and the fruit is excellent. Trips to the orchard provide opportunities to experience the outdoors and get a good cardio-vascular workout since many orchards are located in the foothills.

Our favorite sites offer more than just apple picking. There's nothing better on a crisp fall day than freshly pressed apple cider and warm cider donuts! Some farms provide varieties of home baked treats to enjoy there or take home. Our favorite is apple pie!

For kids of all ages, the hay maze is the premier event. Constructed of bales of hay, the maze can be difficult or easy depending on your skill and patience. Kids love to roam through the maze and enjoy the challenge of finding their way out.

No trip is complete until we take our ride on the hay wagon. Pulled by a tractor, the wagon ride is a welcome respite after traipsing around the orchard. It's far easier to ride back to the cashier rather than walking and carrying buckets loaded down with apples.

Petting zoos offer an up close and personal view of goats, sheep, bunnies, and more. Animal food is available to feed the animals, and picture taking is encouraged. Come on and make some memories!

For more information, check out this website: http://www.nyapplecountry.com/ pick.php?county=orange.

Learn more about this author, Linda G. Hull.
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