ST. LOUIS – It’s almost time for autumn in the St. Louis area, and one of the top traditions to truly embrace the fall spirit is apple picking.
As the weather cools down from summer heat waves, apples grown in Missouri and Illinois reach their peak taste. From early September to late October, many apple varieties are fresher, crisper and sweeter than any other time of year.
Local orchards take advantage of the apple-picking craze with various family-friendly events and fall festivals. Some orchards generate tens of thousands of dollars each year through their apple-picking activities, according to Countryside .
Wild one-star Google reviews of the Gateway Arch Unlike grabbing a bag of apples at a grocery store, apple picking is quite and exhilirating experience. There are often corn mazes, hay rides and unique photo opportunities associated with apple picking as well.
If you venture around the St. Louis area, here are ten places you can enjoy apple picking in the upcoming weeks.
Locations: Belleville, Illinois (951 S Green Mt Rd), Grafton, Illinois (20995 Eckert Orchard Rd), Millstadt, Illinois (2719 Eckert Orchard Ln)
Hours: Vary by location, but generally all are open, but generally 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday but Monday.
Location: Belleville, Illinois (2795 Turkey Hill Ln)
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Location: Carlinville, Illinois (12803 Broom Rd)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Location: Augusta, Missouri (199 Jackson St)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: Pocahontas, Illinois (573 Dolls Orchard Ave)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Location: St. Charles, Missouri (3663 N. Highway 94)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
Location: Marine, Illinois (11477 Pocahontas Rd)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
Location: Edwardsville, Illinois (8308 Kuhn Station Rd)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, 3-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Location: Marthasville, Missouri (85 Town Branch Rd)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Locations: North St. Louis County, Missouri (4215 N. Hanley Rd), St. Charles County, Missouri (3200 Greens Bottom Rd)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
PLAN AHEAD
In terms of budgeting, expect around $2 per pound for apples picked in most cases. Some venues might also charge $5-10 per person for admission.
Also make sure to call the orchards to determine if you need to book an apple-picking time or if there will be availability, especially on nice-weather weekends.
Happy apple-picking season!
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Local News
Comments / 0