Nothing heralds the start of Fall quite like a trip to the apple orchard. I look forward to that first snap as I sink my teeth into a rosy, just-picked apple. It always tastes better than store-bought, and grocery shopping with the kids is never quite as fun as an afternoon with them in the orchard.
Last year, on a whim, we decided to venture farther afield for our U-Pick adventure. Our readers frequently mentioned Harvest Time Orchards, so my family and I made the trip to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin (just seven miles west of Antioch.) Before we drove home, we all agreed this was our new apple orchard of choice!
It’s a lovely place, clean, well-kept, with lots of amenities and felt spacious despite the crowds. There are twelve varieties of apples available at different times of the season including McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Gala, Jonagold and the ever popular Honeycrisp to name a few. Red Tart Cherries and pumpkins are available at other times of the year.
U-Pick is well-organized. You drive straight into the orchard and park your car by the trees. There is a per-person fee for entry. We didn’t mind the entry fee as the money is then applied toward your apple purchase.
Now that my kids are no longer toddlers, they enjoy a little extra when they go apple-picking. Harvest Time Orchards has much to appreciate in addition to their orchards, without going too over-the-top. These added attractions encourage you to relax, put up your feet and stay awhile to enjoy the country setting.
The Orchard View Deck is a charming space offering panoramic views of the orchards. Have a seat and and indulge in some of the goodies they have for sale. Be prepared to open your wallet for much more than apples as it will be fairly hard to resist all the other offerings.
Aside from apples, you can purchase Wisconsin cheeses, smoked ham and slab bacon from the Country Smoke House. The Brat Shop serves hot dogs, beverages and Wisconsin brats cooked in beer and onions.
Get in line early for their homemade donuts - they’re hugely popular and the only time it felt crowded was when waiting in line for them. Tag team and have one adult wait in line for donuts while another adult takes the kids around to explore.
Kids will enjoy seeing how apple cider is made in the Cider Barn while sipping free samples. Another option while waiting for donuts is to take them to the picnic area to jump on hay bales and frolic on the playground.
And, of course, no trip to the country is complete without seeing a few barnyard animals.
Harvest Time Orchards makes a delightful and delicious family tradition for the fall. Go for the apples and come back for the memories.
Connect with Harvest Time Orchards
36116 128th St, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
(262)-877-4831 | Facebook | Instagram
U-Pick available Saturdays and Sundays ONLY from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Always check schedule for picking conditions/schedule before you head out! Updates also available on Harvest Time Orchards Facebook page.
Check out our full listing of U-Pick Apple Orchards in the surrounding area!
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