As summer winds down and the beach is no longer quite so appealing, a trip to an orchard is the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon. In the Oswego, New York area, Ontario Orchards is a wonderful destination! Although open year round, autumn is the optimum time to check out the harvest available at this farm market.
The market is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. It features fresh produce in season but doesn’t stop there. You can also pick up fresh pressed cider, locally produced maple syrup and honey, a host of other locally produced food products, and baked goods from their onsite bakery. Browsing through their nonfood items, one finds a wonderful assortment of pottery and wicker items, brewing and canning supplies, and even pet supplies. There are also gift baskets and ice cream!
The best part of any visit is the apples. Twenty-eight varieties of apples are grown, enough to meet the needs of any apple lover. All the shiny colors are a feast for the eyes and the different tastes and textures can meet an assortment of needs from tart firm pie apples like Northern Spy to extra sweet and juicy varieties like Golden Delicious, perfect for eating right away! On the weekend, you can pick your own apples. The dwarf trees make it easy to find ripe fruit, and the prices are very reasonable. Pick your own pumpkins are also available. Each family member can choose just the right pumpkin for carving into a super spooky jack-o-lantern.
For an extra special time, stop by on September 22 or 23 for the Fall Jamboree. Start your visit with a hayride from the parking lot to the festival. Try to find your way out of the corn maze. In addition to all the usual attractions, there will be a variety of local vendors with delicious fall themed food and arts & crafts. Entertainment will include magic shows, scavenger hunts, and live music. Paintball and rock climbing will be available for the more adventurous. Don’t forget to jump on the hay wagon and take a ride to the orchard to pick some apples before you leave.
A family trip to Ontario Orchards will have you eager to go back on a regular basis for the fresh produce and delicious baked goods. Don’t forget to check out the pick your own Christmas trees in December, and the fully stocked nursery including full service landscaping year round!
