I know there’s a little part of you that’s clinging to summer. And when your weather app is still predicting 80-degree days, why not? But there’s something you should know: Yesterday was the first official day of autumn. So why not order a pumpkin spice latte, wear boots to work and pour a little bourbon in everything you drink? You officially have an excuse. The epitome of all fall activities is also in reach, as long as you’re willing to work for it. Apple orchards have opened their doors (er, fields) to ambitious pickers, apple pie makers and fall fanatics.
Though these orchards are located outside city limits, they’re worth the trip. Make a day of picking apples, pumpkin patching and chowing down on fresh apple cider doughnuts. Getting excited about fall yet?
Woodstock Country Orchard
17015 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock | 815-923-4359
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 65 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday
After you’re done picking apples, shop local honey, Wisconsin maple syrup, raspberry jam and more. Plus, apple cider doughnuts are made fresh every Saturday and Sunday. Go to woodstockcountryorchard.com for more information.
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Prairie Sky Orchard
4914 Union Ave., Union | 815-823-4834
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 60 miles
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Pick ’em yourself or shop the pre-picked selection in the barn. Head to the Koffee Kiosk for hot dogs, apple cider doughnuts, fresh apple pie a la mode and more snacks. Go to prairieskyorchard.com for more information.
Williams Orchard
9456 North County Road 500 E, La Porte, Ind. | 219-778-2839
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 80 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the orchard, head to the barn for several varieties of apples, pears, plums, squash, veggies, local honey and cider.
More Than Delicious Orchard
9905 Thompson Road, Woodstock | 815-575-9650
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 60 miles
Open: Check website for updates.
This year, the orchard has a crop of connell red, honeycrisp and fireside apples. Don’t miss out on pears, local honey, housemade jams, cider and doughnuts. Go to morethandelicious.com for more information.
Meadowmoor Orchard
1517 N. Rte. 47, Woodstock | 815-687-8208
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 65 miles
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
This no-frills orchard is located on a 132 acres and features a flowing creek, homegrown apple varieties and lots of active wildlife. Go to meadowmoororchard.com for more information.
Lang’s Orchard
17411 Secor Road, Woodstock | 815-568-7547
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 65 miles
Open: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday
The self-proclaimed “old-fashioned orchard” offers all the basics with no extra fees for parking and picking. In October, expect braeburn, winesap and granny smith varieties.
Go to langsorchard.com for more information.
Kuipers Family Farm
1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park | 815-827-5200
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 60 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, through October
Apple and pumpkin seasons are in full swing at this farm. After you’re done picking, grab lunch at the Farmhouse Kitchen and take home doughnuts, pies, fudge and apple cider.
Go to kuipersfamilyfarm.com for more information.
Jonamac Orchard
19412 Shabbona Road, Malta | 815-825-2158
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 70 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Nov. 25.
The 20-acre farm offers 40 different apple varieties and tons of activities for those trying to fuel a daylong adventure. Check out the pumpkin patch, pet farm animals, book a private campfire site ($25) or pick up apple wine on your way out. Go to jonamacorchard.com for more information.
Homestead Orchard
11802 Charles Road, Woodstock | 815-338-7443
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 65 miles
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Besides the bountiful apple selection, Homestead also offers honey and beeswax candles from their own beehives. Grab a bag of dried apple chips or a cup of chocolate mint tea for the trip home. Go to homesteadorchard.net for more information.
Heinz Orchard
1050 Crest Road, Green Oaks | 847-770-3449
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 40 miles
Open: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 25, hours TBD Sept. 26 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2
Though the orchard has a lighter crop this year because of rain and cold temperatures, it’s one of the closest drives from Chicago. Pick red delicious and golden delicious in October, and don’t forget to hit the ATM as it’s a cash-only spot. Go to heinzorchard.com for more information.
Garden Patch Farms
14154 W. 159th St., Homer Glen | 708-301-7720
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 35 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
The 30-acre farm isn’t far from Chicago and boasts an enormous selection of apples and veggies. Call ahead to order housemade pickles and feed the chickens while you’re there. Go to pickthefarm.com for more information.
County Line Orchard
200 S. County Line Road, Hobard, Ind. | 219-947-4477
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 45 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Pick six apple varieties straight from the trees or shop the pre-picked selection in the barn. The bakery offers pies, breads and cookies, but the doughnuts are their specialty. Available in apple spice and pumpkin spice, you’ll want a few for the road. Go to countylineorchard.com for more information.
Apples on Oak
Gougar Road and West Oak Avenue, Lockport | 815-726-0386
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 40 miles
Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday
This orchard’s selection is usually cleared out by early October, so make the trip soon if you’re planning on going. Go to applesonoak.com for more information.
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All Seasons Orchard
14510 Illinois Route 176, Woodstock | 815-338-5637
Distance from Chicago: Approximately 60 miles
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, through Nov. 1
Hop on a wagon ride to the orchard to pick your own apples, scour the pumpkin patch and stop in the Country Kitchen on weekends for pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers and corn on the cob. Go to allseasonsorchard.com for more information.
Melissa Riske of Metromix contributed.