There’s something truly special about strolling through an orchard with a cup of cider and a basket of freshly picked apples. If you’re itching for that fresh fall flavor, you won’t have to venture too far out of the city to find it.
Here are some choice stops for you to get your apple fix.
🧭 3252 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove
⏰ Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Door Creek Orchard grows dozens of varieties of apples. And if the breed you’re looking for isn’t in season yet, the orchard has a box where you can drop a note with your name and email, and they’ll let you know when it’s time to collect the goods. Aside from apples, the orchard also has grapes.
🧭 175 Drammen Valley Road, Mount Horeb
⏰ Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Munchkey Apples in Mount Horeb has plenty of apple varieties and, as an added bonus, its farm store is also fully stocked with Hook’s cheese products. If you stop by, be sure to say “Hello” to the cows and dogs that work on the farm.
🧭 8079 Maurer Road, Cross Plains
⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This farm is unique because it’s one of the few dog-friendly locations around town. In addition to a variety of apple offerings, Appleberry Farm also has a Chocolate Shoppe ice cream store and a wagon full of pumpkins and pies for sale.
🧭 2227 Fitchburg Road, Fitchburg
⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-1p.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Eplegaarden in Fitchburg offers apple and raspberry picking! The farm has red and yellow raspberry varieties that will continue to ripen throughout the fall. Eplegaarden also offers big bags of “seconds” apples, otherwise known as the apples that aren’t as pretty as the rest, but will still taste good as a cider or sauce.
For even more apple orchards and fun, tune into City Cast Madison’s conversation with Cap Times Food Editor Lindsay Christians. Happy picking!
