September 26, 2018 was interesting to say the least. We went to the Windy Hill Orchard in York, SC to pick your own apples. I saw an event on Facebook and thought this would be something awesome to take my 3 year old to. Not to mention apple picking time is about over for them.
We arrived about 10:30am and parking was a nightmare but after about 10 minutes we finally got a spot. Just giving you a heads up on that one. Once out of the car we made our way towards the farm stand to purchase our ¼ peck bags for the picking but first we had to find the potty (Potty Training Going On Here). The temperature had already started rising so it was starting to get hot.
After purchasing the bags we headed over to the lady by the table who went over what we were looking for and informed us to start from the back and work our way to the front. So onward we went….to the back of the orchard to look for apples. After about 30 minutes and only a couple apples found we were getting frustrated and HOT!
I started noticing people were walking around with these sticks reaching high in the trees and it was taking them no time to get apples. So at this point I’m trying to figure out where these sticks were so we could get one. My 3 year old started a tantrum about how she was tired and was ready to go. So, we headed back towards the lady at the table and took a break.
About that time….I saw them…there they were…the darn sticks! So I proceeded to get one and told my niece to hang out with Shelby while she cooled off and I was going to get us some apples. So I went a few rows away and started getting apples from the top of the trees. Not even 10 minutes had passed since I had filled up the bag. So I headed back and met my niece and Shelby halfway as they were coming to find me.
My niece had heard the lady say if we didn’t get apples they would fill our bags with ones they already picked. Which is good to know. Once Shelby saw me using it she was ready to get back in the game. Of course, she wanted to do it so I held her up so she could. It was hard for her to use the stick so I let her get the apples out of the basket instead. Before we knew it all three of our bags were full and we were heading out.
As we were walking out we went back through the Farm Stand line and I purchased some Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Butter, and Apple Cider. They even had an Apple Cider Slushy that I bought and it was amazing! Especially it being so hot outside. I also want to make a statement that everything I purchased did not disappoint.
Our 2020 Trip to Windy Hill Orchard
Fast forward two years later on October 3, 2020 we visited Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery again. Since COVID happened they required us to purchase tickets online for time slots. This time we arrived around 11:30am and I was thrilled to see they had taken care of the parking issue. While waiting for our time to enter the orchard, I tried their Sample Flight at the Cidery. See the picture below:
I found a couple that I liked. It was also nice to see they had a covered area with seating and there was a band playing. Those “sticks” were easily found too. They had the delicious apple cider slushies at the farm stand and all the other goodies too.
2021 Info
This year they are starting their pick your own on Saturday September 4, 2021. You will again buy your ticket online and they have posted reservations for the first two weeks. Depending on apple development in the orchard, they may post additional weeks. Better hurry and get those tickets as most times are already sold out. You can find them here. Not interested in picking your own, they have ready picked apples at the Farm Stand for purchase along with all the other goodies mentioned.
If you haven’t tried apple picking, you should definitely give it a try. It’s a neat experience. Let’s not forget to mention, if you are late in the season…don’t forget the stick! It brings a whole new meaning to apple picking! I hope you enjoy your apple picking experience. Interested in finding out more about Windy Hill Orchard then click here to be taken to their website.
Have you visited any note worthy Orchards? Please let me know in the comments!
P.S. The stick is called at Fruit Picker.
