Picking our Way Through Fall

2018 Annual Pilgrimage to Lyman Orchards

Having spent the adult years of my life in CT, it's easy to see why fall is one of the most revered times of the year.  Leaf peeping, crisp weather, and plenty of orchards and farms to excite your inner child.  Fall would not be complete for us without donning our best Paul Bunyan and Han Solo Outfits and heading to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT.

There is so much to do at Lyman Orchards; Pick Your Own (apples, pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and pears) depending upon the season, Corn Maze, the Apple Barrel Store, and two 18 hole golf courses. 

You Pick:  

This time of year is basically restricted to apples and pumpkins, but if your inner baker is craving a pie, you probably know its Granny Smith season.  Lyman Orchards is one of the better you pick experiences I've been too, but it does get crowded.  The good news with Lyman is there is a lot of room to spread out.  They also open several picking fields at one time.  This gives you the ability to drive past the first field, or at least walk deeper into the orchard to find plenty of open space to explore and pick some great fruit.  The apples are picked in three different size bags (1/2 bushel, bushel, etc) and start around $10.  You can stuff the bag with as many apples as possible and don't get scolded for having a snack or two along the way.  Your you pick bag is only good at the field you purchased it from, and is marked on your way out.

Apple Barrel Store:

No matter what adventure you choose to find at Lyman, the trip is not complete without a stop at the Apple Barrel Store.  This place is has something for everybody.  There are all kinds of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, premade meals, baked goods, and snacks.  Everything we have ever had here has been fantastic.  You can also get a wide assortment of food: sandwiches, burgers, barbecue, soups, salads, and even more pastries than can be listed.  Our personal favorites are the Apple Cider donuts and the pies.  If you are looking to try a variety of baked goods, don't be afraid to wait in line at the counter to try one of everything.  I know the line is long, but trust me it moves quickly and it's totally worth it.  The apple cider here is hands down the best I've ever had, its significantly less sweet than anything you might find at the grocery store.  They even started serving homemade hard cider; as if we needed another excuse to stop by.

Golf:

Seriously, a round of golf this time of year here is Instagram worthy.  The Player Course wraps it's way through the orchard, and you can stop and grab an apple (limit 1 per the sign lol).  It's a moderately difficult course, with several blind shots, which can make your first round a little tricky.  The Jones Course is definitely a little more open, but with water features and some moderate elevation changes to keep the round interesting.  The grub at the clubhouse is pretty darn good for a Golf Course, and reasonably priced.  Don't forget to swing by the Apple Barrel to bring some snacks out on your round, or to accompany you on your ride home.