Apple Hill

Yesterday was a fairly early start. We were out the door at 7:45am and on our way to pick Nana up by 8:00am. We had a little bit of a drive ahead of us, during which Riley hung out in the backseat with Nana watching Elmo’s World and “playing” Nintendo DS. After roughly two and a half hours, we were finally in Apple Hill. Our plan of attack this year was to visit two orchards, one we had never been to but supposedly catered to kids and one that has our favorite bake shop/pastries. The first was nothing to brag about, it was not exactly what we had expected. After scoping it out, we had some lunch then headed to the next orchard.Boa Vista is an orchard we continue to go back to every year because of the delicious goodies they make at their bake shop. We got a box of dumplings, strudel, fritters, turnovers, cookies and brownies – everything apple! We also picked up some apple butter and apple cider, this year we also decided to try their pumpkin butter. We decided to make a third stop at an orchard we noticed had pony rides. Riley has been really into horses, so we wanted to give him a chance to get up close and touch one. We were even able to have him ride a pony! We originally opted for once around the corral because we were not sure how he would react. Well, he LOVED it! When his ride was over he asked for more! We had him go around one more time, but he was very adamant about doing it himself (without Daddy touching him). He was very pleased with himself when he thought Daddy was not holding him (even though he was) and told McIntosh (the pony) a story during their final ride. After the pony ride, we checked out the rest of the orchard. Now this is the place that totally catered to the little ones! Riley enjoyed playing in their children’s play area, which had a bounce house with a small slide, tricycles, and little cars with tracks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We also spent a little time at their duck pond. Of course we had to try a couple things from their bake shop, so we ended up having some apple pumpkin and pumpkin pies. On our way out, Nana decided to get an apple donut for each of us to try on the drive home. They turned out to be the absolute best donuts any of us had ever tasted! Maybe when our friend Juliet heads up there in a couple weeks with her family, she can pick some more up for us (hint, hint)?!? About ten minutes into the drive home, the backseat passengers completely conked out.While those of us in the front seat enjoyed the scenery and snowy conditions!