One of the best parts about fall is all the fun activities that come along with it. One of our favorites is visiting an apple orchard. There’s something about being surrounded by nature and fresh air that just makes everything feel better. Plus, you get to go home with a basket full of Macintosh apples (or your favorite type).
However, apple orchards can be pricey if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for visitng an apple orchard on a budget.
Go During the Week
Weekday visits are typically less crowded and therefore less expensive than weekend visits. You’ll be able to take your time and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Plus, many apple orchards offer discounts for weekday visits.
Weekday visits also means shorter lines for apple picking and other activities. This can save you a lot of time—and money—if you’re paying by the hour.
Go Early in the Season
The earlier in the season you go, the cheaper it will be because there will be more apples to choose from. Prices typically increase as the season goes on and the selection dwindles.
However, the downside to going early is that the weather may not be as nice. If you don’t mind braving a little cooler temperatures, though, visiting an apple orchard early in the season can be a great way to save some money.
Bring Your Own Food and Drink
Apple orchards usually have their own restaurants and cafés on site where you can buy food and drinks, but these can be pricey. Save yourself some money by packing your own lunch and snacks.
Bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the middle of the apple orchard. Just make sure to clean up after yourselves!
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Many apple orchards offer free activities, like hayrides and tours. These are great ways to learn about the history of the orchard and how apples are grown.
Some apple orchards also have playgrounds, corn mazes, and petting zoos. These are perfect for entertaining the kids (and adults!) while you’re there.
Share a Basket
One of the best parts about going apple picking is filling up a big, beautiful basket with all your favorite apples. However, unless you have a large family, you probably won’t be able to eat all those apples before they go bad. Save yourself some money by splitting a basket with someone else (or several someones).
Buy in Bulk
If you plan on doing a lot of baking with your apples or just want to have a lot on hand, buy them in bulk. Many apple orchards offer discounts for larger purchases. You can also divide them up and freeze them for later use.
Buying in bulk will also allow you to take advantage of apple orchard discounts and promotions. For example, some orchards offer a certain number of free apples for every 10 you purchase. You then can use those extra apples to make a big batch of applesauce or apple pie filling, which you can freeze for later.
Take Advantage of Apple Festivals
Many apple orchards host festivals throughout the fall where you can enjoy all kinds of fun activities like hayrides, cider making, face painting, etc. Many of these activities are free or discounted if you purchase them in advance online.
The fall festival is also a great opportunity to try different types of apples that you might not find at the grocery store. This is a great way to expand your apple repertoire without breaking the bank.
Join a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture programs are membership-based programs where members pay upfront for a share of the farm’s bounty (usually fruits, vegetables, eggs, flowers, meat, etc). This is a great way to support local farmers AND get fresh produce at a discounted price throughout the year (not just during apple picking season).
Ask about Groupon Deals
Many apple orchards offer Groupon deals which can save you quite a bit of money off the regular price and sometimes even include other activities like hayrides and cider making.
Do a little research before you go and see if any local apple orchards are offering Groupon deals. Or, if you’re already at the apple orchard, be sure to ask about any specials or promotions they might be running.
Check for Military Discounts
Many businesses offer military discounts as a way to show their appreciation for your service. This is definitely something to look into if you or someone in your party is a member of the military. Some apple orchards also offer veteran discounts, so be sure to ask about that as well.
Look for Student Discounts
Many apple orchards offer student discounts as a way to attract young customers. This is a great way to save some money if you’re a student or have students in your party. All you need is a valid student ID to get the discount.
The Bottom Line
Visiting an apple orchard is a great way to enjoy the fall weather with your family. You can pick your own apples, drink fresh cider, and even buy some homemade pies. Just remember to bring along a basket or bag to carry all your apples in, and be sure to ask about any special flavors that might be available during your visit.
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