Updated on Aug 10, 2021
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A favourite autumn tradition “Apple Picking” has become synonymous with rosy cheeks and foodie delights, and especially family fun. This way everyone!
By Carolyne Parent
We’re done picking our Lobo and McIntosh apples, next in line, the Empire and Cortland are now ready. However, one thing is for sure, during the weekend the main attraction at the orchard is their mini-farm for kids and the outdoor cider bar for you!
To pick your apples, you’re at the right place, but there’s much more that awaits you here. . . In fact, the site also offers a tour of their farm, a farm life interpretation centre, as well as several animals—alpacas, lamas, miniature horses, and many more!—that your children will love to pet and to walk around with.
What a beautiful sight! In Frelighsburg, in the buildings of the old dairy farm that belonged to Adélard Godbout, prime minister of Quebec in 1936 and then from 1939 to 1944, a boutique and artisanal vinegar factory will take you back to the 19th century. This, plus you’ll be tempted by many other gourmet products before or after you pick your apples.
In Dunham, this organic orchard is renowned for its berry self-picking activities, but also for its 22 varieties of apples. Therefore, throughout this month (October), you’ll be able to fill your bags with Honeycrisp, red Delicious, Golden Russet . . . at their stand, don’t forget to taste their apple-blossom honey that the Charbonneau-Poitras family produces with “lots of love”. . .
On top of gathering your fruit provisions, here you’ll learn a thing or two about the organic practices they have implemented to protect both their apple trees and the environment. And, to conclude your visit, don’t miss tasting the ice cream Laiterie de Coaticook developed by using apple sauce produced with their orchard apples!
High up on the hill on which the abbey was built, the panorama is simply . . . divine. It’s worth you while to head out during the weekend when the monks open the gates to their orchard until the Monday of Thanksgiving weekend, next October 8. Good to know, the Benedictines make the perfect pairing for apples on the site: Cheese!
In Compton, this orchard offers, aside from its self-picking activity, an apple interpretation centre and a pumpkin fair next October 16 and 17. No doubt kids will have an amazing time as they decorate the witch Orise’s curcubit plantation . . . and yourself as well, c’mon, admit it!
Note: In most orchards you’ll be able to pick your apples until the end of October. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead before you leave.
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