FEATURE 'Fall' in Love: Heirloom Apples, Cider Donut Sundaes and Corn Maze Adventures Await

Crunching on pick-your-own apples, meandering through a pumpkin patch, and sipping on spiced cocktails — that's autumn in New England. And some local orchards bring their own unique flair to the apple-picking tradition. If you're someone who falls hard for fall, you'll want to take notes. &emsp;We begin just outside Brattleboro in Dummerston, Vermont, where visitors step inside and gape at the overflowing bins of heirloom apples grown at Scott Farm Orchard. This special destination is a National Register of Historic Places farm that's been actively cultivated since 1791. &emsp;Today, the farm continues to grow more than 140 varieties of heirloom apples, each with its own story. Before saying more about this impressive collection, it's important to know that the majority of Scott Farm's heirlooms are not part of their pick-your-own selection. That's because these specialized trees can be finicky and require professional care and harvesting. &emsp;However, there are a dozen apple favorites ready for guests to pluck from the branches, and the range of heirlooms is available to take home from the sweet farm store on site. And it's an amazing thing they are, in fact. Some of the heirloom varieties are more than 500 years old. Pretty astounding given that apples can't just be grown from seeds but must be propagated, meaning you can only grow a new tree from an existing one. &emsp;"It's not by happenstance that a variety is still around," says Scott Farm's General Manager Simon Renault. This begs the question: Why keep growing a specific kind? Well, some apples are amazing for baking, others for storage and still others for drying. &emsp;For baking, Renault suggests the Gillyflower variety: "They come alive when you put them in the oven, and you make an apple pie," he describes, noting that the variety releases a clove-like flavor when cooked. For storage, Renault suggests heirloom varieties that our ancestors used to overwinter in the root cellar. There are still other varieties for pressing cider, drying, and those that won't ever turn brown when cut, ideal for stringing on a garland for the holiday season. &emsp;"So all of this to say that each apple has a story, and each was kept around for a specific reason," Renault notes. Often, that story is passed down from generation to generation, and at least once a year, Renault hears someone say, "I've been looking for that apple for so many years!" &emsp;One visitor's grandmother used to make apple sauce all summer that tasted like no other, and last season, they got to relive that taste when they stumbled upon the rare apple in the store. "That's one of the things I love most about being at Scott Farm," Renault says. &emsp;As if a trip down memory lane wasn't enough to entice, Scott Farm is also home to the Stone Trust, where people come to learn and master the art of dry-stone walling (stones placed with no mortar). Over the years, the Trust has created quite a sculpture park where you can explore a range of techniques, styles, slopes, towers, and even rounded moon gates. "It's an incredible display," Renault says. All fall, visitors can marvel as they stroll the grounds, joining in for a rousing schedule of events, workshops, and concerts. The store and café are the place to go for an unbeatable hard cider with various flavors available, and sweet cider for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. And if you want the full experience, plan for Heirloom Apple Day on October 11, with activities, apple tasting, food trucks, music and more. &emsp;Now off we go to our next destination, Alyson's Orchard, across the Connecticut River in Walpole, New Hampshire. This 350-acre apple orchard has been a local destination for pick-your-own, fall festivities, and glamorous weddings for decades. Settled high atop a hill, sweeping views are a big part of the draw. &emsp;You'll want to see for yourself if you're craving crates overflowing with gourds and pumpkins, trees heavy with shiny apples, and a farm store packed with pies. For families, this is also a great spot to visit the goats, play on the playground, or take a wagon ride around the farm. &emsp;Across the region in Greenville is Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard, the place to be if you're a corn maze aficionado. They host a great one every year with Granite State clues built in as you wander. But don't take too long because you'll still want plenty of time to hop on the wagon, pick apples and pumpkins, and get yourself a cider donut sundae (happiness in every spoonful). Washburn's also has a lovely shop with gifts, treats, cider and food. Stock up on all things local as we head into the holiday season and share your special memories with friends and family. This place knows how to celebrate autumn in style. &emsp;A short drive away in Hollis, families with young kids will love a trip to Lavoies Farm. Snap those sweet apple-picking pics of little ones while out in the orchard, taking a hayride, and saying hello to the barnyard animals. Corn maze lovers: this one's also for you! Lavoies has created theirs for years, and it continues to be great fun. But again, don't dilly-dally. The ice cream and baked goods are calling! &emsp;Now if you'd like to take a little autumn road trip, Echo Hill Orchards and Winery in Monson, Massachusetts is well worth the foliage drive. The Krupczak family is going on their 30th year of owning and operating this orchard, which they bought with just apples and expanded it into a winery and distillery. They've also added other crops like sunflowers, wildflowers and pumpkins. &emsp;While the apples are a delight, Echo Hill is also known for its incredible lineup of signature fall drinks. Try its caramel apple sangria with their own apple wine and vodka, as well as cider, juice, and, of course, a sugar-and-cinnamon rim. Or maybe order up a Jack the Lantern with Echo Hill's Pumpkin Moonshine, Goslings Ginger Beer, lime, and that same sweetened rim. &emsp;"In the fall, you could easily stay several hours. We have plenty of seating, an orchard to walk through while picking, and multiple food trucks to choose from for lunch and dinner," notes Ashley Krupczak. Not to mention live music events and a farm store packed with fun merch, apple cider donuts, handmade candles, and lots of other autumn swag. &emsp;"We are excited for the energy of it all. There's nothing like the beginning of our fall season and seeing hundreds of people travel back to us each year because it's a family tradition," Krupczak says. That's why she and her family work so hard all year round. &emsp;Ready to start a tradition of your own? Consider this an invitation to choose your own adventure — and don't forget to take some donuts home. Happy picking! BOX: For more apple picking locations visit visitnh.gov/blog/southern-nh-guide-to-apple-picking (New Hampshire) • vermontapples.org/vermont-orchard-listing (Vermont) • mass.gov/guides/pick-your-own-farms (Massachusetts). &emsp;