Hello, friends!
With autumn's arrival, it's time to celebrate the bountiful apple harvest season here at Hidden Valley Orchards. We've got two fantastic options for you to enjoy the apple harvest – U-Pick and U-Pack. So, whether you're eager to immerse yourself in orchard exploration or simply looking to stock up on apples, we've got the perfect choices for you.
U-Pick: Creating Memories Among the Trees
(U-pick update as of 10/4/23- Y'all came out and cleared through our U-pick crop! thank you so much for a wonderful 2023 U-pick season and we cannot wait for 2024. In the meantime, we still encourage everyone to walk about the orchards as it is a gorgeous adventure. We are still offering U-pack apples throughout October, skip ahead to the next section for U-pack info of keep on reading to plan for your U-pick adventure next year!)
Crisp autumn air, laughter echoing through the orchards, and the joy of plucking apples straight from the branches. That's the essence of our U-Pick experience. Gather your loved ones and embark on a delightful adventure through our acres of orchards, where apple and pear trees create beautiful tunneling archways. Our orchard trees have aged, and we've made the conscious choice to avoid chemical pesticides. This decision means our apples may not have the flawless appearance of supermarket varieties, but their unique charm adds to their character. Some may even call them "ugly," but rest assured, they are just as delicious and perfect for both snacking and baking.
While it's true that our u-pick trees have been well-loved this season and pretty picked through, we still highly recommend you take a leisurely stroll among them to take in the tranquility of our orchard, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the market barn. To begin your U-Pick adventure, if you didn't bring your own tote bag, take a brief stop at our market barn. Here, you can pick up a brown paper bag from the apple tent located upfront, as well as any snacks or refreshments to energize your journey. Once you're all set, head toward the back of the barn and follow the path beyond the grassy lawn to start your apple-picking adventure.
You'll spot the orchard trees on your right, nestled behind the OGB (Olde Grain Bin), which is our secondary taproom housed in a charming silo. However, if you continue along our main path, you'll stumble upon even more apple and pear trees, each offering their unique treasures. Please note that the yield and variety of apples can vary depending on your location within the orchard, and it's a delightful surprise waiting for you.
After you've gathered your share of apples, make your way back up to the Market Barn or the Apple Tent. Here, we'll help you weigh your harvest and settle up for your selections. U-Pick is open to all during our regular fall season hours as supplies last, so you've got plenty of time to immerse yourself in the orchard.
As you wander through the orchards, we encourage you to savor the peace and calm that surrounds you. However, for your safety, we kindly ask that you exit the orchards by dusk. Your well-being is important to us, and we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
U-Pack: Convenience Meets Variety
If you'd rather skip the apple-picking adventure or are in need of larger quantities, our U-Pack option is tailor-made for you. Conveniently located in or near our Market Barn, U-Pack apples are sourced from local orchards, allowing us to provide you with an impressive assortment of apples in terms of both quantity and variety. This curated selection extends beyond what our orchard can produce alone, giving you access to an abundance of apples to suit every culinary desire. Whether you prefer classic varieties like McIntosh and Golden Delicious or are eager to explore new flavors, U-Pack offers a gateway to apple discovery. Varieties available include:
Cortland
Jonathan
Evercrisp
Grimes Golden
Northern Spy
*variety subject to change (updated 10/27/23)
Apples to Apples
Fall and apples go hand in hand, and there's no better place to savor the season than Hidden Valley Orchards. Whether you choose the hands-on adventure of U-Pick or the convenience of U-Pack, one thing is certain – your autumn will be filled with delicious moments savored with the ones you love.
Please keep in mind that apple availability for both U-Pick and U-Pack may vary due to demand, so plan your visit accordingly. We can't wait to share this apple-filled season with you. Come join us and make unforgettable autumn memories!