One Of My Favorite Days Of The Year

Hello.


This weekend included one of the days that I look forward to every year. I try to wait patiently through the buds of early spring, the greening of the yard at the onset of summer, the heat of the late July and August... knowing that eventually apple picking day will arrive!

While many markets and stands have been selling apples for weeks, my favorite orchard opened its arms for us on Saturday. My grandfather has been taking me to a particular orchard in south Akron since I was about 6 years old, Horseshoe Orchard.


This weekend my husband and I were lucky enough to pair up with my Grandfather, a very special niece, a wonderful young cousin and then some! (Apple picking is always more entertaining with a few kids in toe.) The giggles we shared while we had the kids on our shoulders, reaching for the ripest fruit in sight were probably heard over the hills!

Gorgeous Autumn!

Crisp cool air and a generous sampling of local fruit were the perfect slice of autumn we were looking for. By passing forward the opportunity to hang out with Grandpa, to harvest a bit of sustenance, and to see where their food was actually coming from... I think these are all great concepts to impart on the gigglers of the group. I will never debate that there is healing and serenity in the soil. What comes from nature gives more to the body than we may ever appreciate. Some fresh air, good memories together and the promise of apple butter day over the open fire at Grandpa's... these are the good things in life!


Now, how to reach this prize orchard from the city????

• Take 77 South of town
• Merge onto 224 East (towards Mogadore)
• In about 2 and a half miles, look for the signs for 241 South (you will see a gas station with Dunkin Donuts attached on the right)
• Take 241 South for about 2 1/2 miles
• You will find Cates Road on the right, just passed Tritte Mill
• Turn right on Cates Road, take it until you reach the dead end, maybe a half mile
• Horseshoe Orchard will be on the left at the dead end

The proprietors are an adorable, very kind couple who also offer goat fudge and goat soap (when available). The fudge is a MUST TRY!!!!! for anyone who has an ounce of a sweet tooth (pick up some extra, as you are sure to crave another bite as you drive away, car full of apples)! The chocolate and peanut butter flavors will likely catch your eye first, but do not overlook the pumpkin. Oh my goodness! It melts in your mouth, delicious beyond words, autumn incarnate, DELECTABLE!!!


Thought I would share a couple pictures of the orchard:




This sign is shown as seen from south of Cates Road on 241. If you blink, you will miss it... so keep you eyes pealed for the sign on the left side of the road if you are following the directions above, headed South on 241.

Coming down Cates Road...

You have arrived!

Take your pick!

A few of the varieties you will find at Horseshoe Orchard

My husband and I sliced up a few apples from our bushel last night, tossed them into a saucepan with a dash of cinnamon. Now the house smells of scrumptious apple cinnamon and we have fresh applesauce on tap for the next couple cool evenings!
Carve out some time for one visit to Horseshoe Orchard and you will certainly eagerly await your next!