Scenes from Apple Hill

Thank you for the kind words on Skipper, I really appreciated the sweet comments and emails. It’s a tough time since Shadow, our sweet older kitty, is not doing well and losing more weight. Hoping for good news from the vet tomorrow. But I’m grateful to be able to share our lives with so many wonderful animals and have such wonderful family and friends.

I took Friday off of work to go to Apple Hill with my mom and sisters for part of my mom’s birthday celebration weekend and had a wonderful time browsing pumpkins, apples, fall treats, taking in fall scenery, and wine tasting.

I wasn’t into all the caramel apples and other decadent treats, but the candy apples were supposedly vegan.

I did enjoy looking at the cute fall decorations.

And apples galore!

One of the main attractions of Apple Hill for me is the many varieties of apples you can sample, buy, and pick. I think the Mutsu apple is my favorite, it’s a huge, sweet green apple with a crisp and soft texture.

The kitschy little decorations and crafts are also fun.

We ended up at The Forester for lunch, the weather was perfect for eating on the back deck.

I splurged on steak fries with my veggie burger, simple and delicious with ketchup and mustard.

Baked treats are a big draw at Apple Hill this time of year, not so easy finding vegan friendly options which was fine with me since I was after fresh produce.

And got mesmerized watching the apple sorting operation at Larsen Apple Barn.

And this super industrial dehydrator.

Most shops and vendors had plentiful amounts of flavored nuts.

And unique looking squash.

With great views in perfect weather.

Mmmm, apple wine.

It was a great day to visit Jack Russell Farm Brewery since it’s usually packed on weekends.

Mmmm, which way first?

We ended up sharing a cider flight on the beautiful patio.

With a great view.

Before moving on to Boa Vista Orchards for more produce shopping.

Then to Abel’s Apple Acres where I was tempted to buy this banana squash.

But ended up with a smaller one. It’s a tasty, pumpkin-like squash with a lot of versatile uses in warming fall and winter dishes. Here are just a few of the cooking options.

For the finale, we ended up at Boeger Winery since no Apple Hill trip would be complete without tasting amazing vegan wine while taking in lovely scenery.

And getting a chuckle while strolling the beautiful grounds lined with fig and pear trees, grape vines, beautiful old buildings, and a streaming water fall.

We splurged on the $10 tasting package, but the wine glass that came with it was worth it.

It was a great day of taking in fall, eating and drinking, and having girl time.