I asked a friend who recently married where her and her new husband went on their first date. I was surprised to hear they went apple picking. I thought "how corny" and was really surprised this rather sophisticated woman that I had never even seen wear jeans and a t-shirt or sneakers for that matter, why would she be interested in such an activity? Yet she insisted that it was great.
Having always driven by but never looking around, I decided to take a look.
Bishop's Orchards in Guilford has a market as well. There are locally grown vegetables and specialty items including quiches, tea breads, fruit pies, apple crisps and dumplings, and apple cider doughnuts. (Yummy!)
There are also locally prepared soups and chowders and biscotti made in Guilford, as well as Connectict-grown plants and cut flowers.
The orchard offers pick-your-own raspberries and apples until mid-October.
Near the market is the Little Red Barn and Snack Shack, open noon until dusk, serving ice cream and beverages, and pie a la mode.
There are picnic tables with an orchard view as well as animals to visit, including alpacas and llamas.
If you are thinking of going, October is a great month to do so, as a large pumpkin patch is set up near the market, with pre-picked pumpkins arranged for families to make their choices. From April through November, hay ride tours of the orchard are available by reservation. You may want to call in advance for apple picking as well.
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