Yes, yes, yes, fall is officially upon us. And with it comes fall festivals galore! Recently, my family visited All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock and absolutely fell in love with the family-owned-and-operated orchard. Here are a few reasons why you should visit with your family.
U-pick goodness
From apples to pumpkins to pears (yes, pears!), All Seasons has great fall produce waiting to be picked straight from their trees. Plus, there’s nothing like hopping on a wagon to the orchard to build up excitement.
Good wholesome fun
With more than 30 activities, the entire family will be busy. Zip down one of the many zip lines in the mini zip line park or get lost in their Mario-themed 10-acre corn maze. Roll down a wheel, race in pedal karts or jump to your heart’s content on the jumping pillow. Say hello to the orchard’s resident animals, which includes a Scottish Highlander named Mo, or blast apples at targets using an apple cannon.
Fall treats
All Seasons has developed a following for their apple cider donuts. The family recipe was perfected by the mother of the current owner. You’ll also love the hand-dipped caramel apples with caramel made the old-fashioned way in a copper kettle.
Tip: Stop by the farm market — the hub of the farm — to try samples of the donuts and cider.
A learning experience
If you visit on a weekday (call ahead of time), you can watch them press apples into apple cider through their observation window. They also have observation windows to see their apple cider donuts being made.
If you go
All Seasons Orchard
14510 IL Route 176 Woodstock, IL 60098
Weekdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Weekends, Labor Day, Columbus Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.