Even if it hasn’t felt like it for the past week or so, fall is definitely in the air (I’ve already stocked up on cozy sweaters and hot chocolate!). Despite the July-like weather, this weekend was perfect for one of my favorite fall celebrations: apple picking. It may have been eighty degrees outside, but the end of September through October is the best time to go and pick your own apples.

We decided to make an excursion to Hamilton Orchards just up Route 202 in New Salem. Not only do they have apple picking, but raspberry picking and a plethora of apple treats that does a sense of smell good.

They serve breakfast, too. But we had skipped breakfast for the piece de resistance: apple cider donut. Even I, who was working on the beginnings of a cold, could smell the apple-filled delights from the moment I approached the little barn shop. Seriously, it’s like getting smacked in the face with a deliciously beautiful apple pie, but you’re really happy about it. You’ll probably ask to be hit again.

I don’t know what I was more excited about: the awesome apple treats at my disposal or running around the orchard like I was five again and getting the guys to get the highest apples on the trees (they’re the best ones, you know).

One of the marks of a good orchard is a variety of apples to pick from. On our trip, we stuck to two breeds: Macintosh and Cortland.  The Macintosh, which dominate most of Hamilton Orchards, could be considered the quintessential apple picking-apple. Big and red, they shine up beautifully after a quick polish on your shirt and have a crisp, juicy with a sweet-but-just-a-little-tangy bite.  Seriously, these are good apples.  The Cortlands, while also tasty in their own way, come to life when baked into pies, tarts, and all other sorts of harvest goodies.  Conveniently, the Cortland trees are designated around the orchard by pink ribbons.

If apples aren’t your thing, it’s OK. We understand. There are also pick-your-own raspberries! *While supplies last. Their season is fading fast!

After picking our fill (a peck costs $12, a half bushel costs $20…both bags are the perfect size to split with a group, depending on how many you travel with), we headed inside that heavenly apple barn for one more snack.  Yes, we are the kind of girls to eat upon arrival AND departure.  Believe us that these autumn treats will have you coming back immediately for seconds, too!  We sampled another assortment of cider donuts (they come either plain, covered in sugar, or covered in cinnamon), apple-smoked pork sandwiches, hot cider, coffee mixed with the hot cider, and sparking apple cider. We had to stop ourselves from devouring the seemingly hundreds of other foodstuffs that they had to offer (Homemade apple pie, apple dumplings, apple crisp, and even apple pie ice cream! The list goes on and on).

Before we packed it up and called it a day, we made sure to stop by and pet the goats who live at the orchard.  Yes, as if Hamilton Orchard wasn’t already foodie heaven, they also have adorable goats.

Before you know it, fall will have faded into winter and apple picking season will be behind us. Believe me, it’s already usually pretty picked over by mid October. Your harvest celebration just won’t be complete without visiting Hamilton Orchard at least once.

Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-bk-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20maps

Bryana Scalley can be reached at [email protected]. Elizabeth Lundy can be reached at [email protected].