Apple Picking and Treats at the Wickham Fruit Farm in Long Island

Spending an early afternoon at a fruit farm is truly enchanting, particularly when that farm is the Wickham Fruit Farm in Long Island. Nestled in the heart of apple country, this charming destination provides a break from the daily grind, offering joy, a touch of education, and, of course, tasty delights.

The Tractor Ride to the Apple Fields

When my friend John and I arrived at the Wickham Fruit Farm, our excitement was evident. We began our visit by chatting with the owner, Tom Wickham, who subsequently led us on a tractor ride to the apple fields along with a diverse group of visitors. The open-air tractor, exuding rustic charm, was an ideal way to enjoy the stunning scenery, setting the stage for a wonderful afternoon.

Learning About Apple Varieties with Tom Wickham

Upon reaching the apple fields, Tom Wickham, with a warm smile and a wealth of knowledge sheared a short educational yet entertaining lesson about the various apple varieties grown on the farm.

Tom's passion for apples was infectious. He introduced us to popular varieties like Empire and Gala, explaining their unique flavors and best uses. Did you know that Empire apples are a cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh? Or that Gala apples are known for their sweetness and crisp texture? I sure didn't!

Tom also invited one of the younger visitors to join him while he demonstrated the correct way to pick apples from the tree. He emphasized the importance of twisting the apple gently rather than pulling it straight down, which can damage the fruit and the tree. This simple yet crucial tip made us feel more confident as we prepared to pick our own apples.

Strolling and Apple Picking

With our newfound knowledge, we set off to pick our apples. The orchard was a vibrant tapestry of colors, with various types of apples dotting the landscape. We focused on the Empire and Gala varieties, excited to fill our bag with the freshest apples possible.

As we strolled among the rows of trees, we couldn't help but admire the orchard's beauty. The sunlight streamed through the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the ground. Every apple we picked felt like a little triumph, and the pleasure of harvesting and tasting our own fruit right there was genuinely gratifying.

A bag overflowing with freshly picked apples

To be honest, I felt the experience was not just about picking apples; it was about connecting with and appreciating the hard work that goes into growing these delicious fruits. In any case, as we strolled around the fields, we laughed, shared stories with other visitors and enjoyed the simple pleasure of being outdoors on a beautiful autumn day!

Treats at the Farm Stand

Following our fruitful apple-picking adventure, we headed back to the farm stand with a bag brimming with apples and eager to indulge in some well-deserved treats. The aroma of warm apple cider and freshly made doughnuts wafted through the air, causing our mouths to water in anticipation.

As I expected, the warm apple cider, rich and perfectly spiced, paired with the soft, fluffy doughnuts covered in cinnamon sugar, was absolutely irresistible and definitely another highlight of our visit. Needless to say, we savored every sip and bite... and ended up taking more of both home with us, along with chocolate chip apple cookies that looked equally tempting. We later enjoyed all of it in the garden with friends on a sunny autumn afternoon!

YUM!

Conclusion

Our visit to the Wickham Fruit Farm was a delightful blend of education, adventure, and indulgence.

My thanks go to Tom Wickham for showing us around and for sharing some of his vast knowledge with us!

From the tractor ride to the apple fields to the warm cider and doughnuts, every moment was filled with joy and discovery. So, if you are looking for a fun and engaging day in Long Island, I highly recommend visiting Wickham Fruit Farm.

Whether you're an apple enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly outing, this farm has something for everyone.

That's it for now! Until soon again.

Karitas