Where to Go (and What to Wear) Apple Picking
The apples are fresh and crisp, which means the outfits are soft and cozy.
Few fall excursions feel as charming — and delicious — as apple picking.
The farms themselves are a pastoral dream: rows of trees blazing with colour, more apple varieties than your big-box grocer could ever hope to stock, and the quintessentially-fall taste of fresh-pressed cider (with its blissfully sugary partner, cider donuts).
This isn’t the time to look like you’ve come to muck stalls, nor is it the moment for anything that could be described as “crisp”— leave that to the apples. Opt for resilience instead: sturdy boots, a jacket built for hayrides, and fabrics robust enough to withstand a curious goat’s nibble.
Here are our “picks” for where to go — and what to wear — to enjoy apple picking season.
Taves Estate Cidery, Abbotsford, B.C.
Corn mazes, an enchanting pumpkin garden, and apple picking at magic hour — this multi-generational family farm has it all. Sample a range of hard ciders in the taproom (with goats on the roof to greet you, naturally).
Carl Laidlaw Orchards, Brampton, Ont.
The sprawling grounds make this a true escape from the madding crowd. After you’ve picked your fill, take a scenic walk along the river. For that fire-pit fix, return to grill your own hot dog over open flames and savour perfectly seasoned corn.
Vergers cidrerie Denis Charbonneau, Saint-Grégoire, Que.
If apple picking stirs your appetite, this charming orchard will satisfy you to the core. Indulge in something savory at the onsite crêperie, then cap it off with a sweet treat from the Beignerie.
Practically the orchard uniform, plaid or checkered shirts were made for rolling up one’s sleeves and reaching for the cream of the apple crop. If you’re worried you’ll look more Al Borland than Eddie Vedder in flannel, try a rugby shirt. Equally outdoorsy but with a preppier pedigree, it’s perfect for riding tractors without surrendering style.
And of course, jeans are essential for providing extra protection from the hay bale you find yourself reclining on, as if the Hay-Z-Boy were a thing.
While you’ll find the hot apple cider flows endlessly, you may need some additional help to keep warm once the sun sets over the pumpkin patch. Wool overshirts, cardigans, and jackets will ensure you re cozy until the fire pit goes out.
