Apple Picking Fun

The kids might have learned something, and I did too.

As I’m packing my paper bag full of apples at the Farmer’s Pantry, I had no idea there were so many varieties. Like wine, each tastes slightly different and they’re good for different purposes. More than that, a stop at the Farmer’s Pantry equals a couple hours of fun – and a bag or two of apples snapped right off the tree. Located in Clarksburg, Ontario, near Collingwood, the Farmer’s Pantry is open until Oct. 31 but September is when you want to go. Enjoy applepicking, wagon rides pulled by a tractor, a children’s play area with goats and bunnies, and Ozzie, the family dog and farm mascot. Acorn and Eddie, the farm donkeys, eagerly accept pats. But, it’s the obstacle play zone of hills, tunnels, huge tires and compact toy farm equipment that keep little ones busy the longest.

Farmer’s Pantry is one stop along The Apple Pie Trail, along Georgian Bay, about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. It’s also the most playful stop. Other places are all business focusing on apples, apples, more apples and sometimes pie. Restaurants with apple-themed menu items are part of the trail, along with some bakeries, but the pick-your-own apple orchards are the main reason people hit the trail during fall harvest. (www.applepietrail.com)

Sherri Telenko is a freelance writer and blogger living in Southern Ontario. Sign up for travel ideas at www.dogtrotting.net or follow her on twitter @SherriTelenko.