Autumn, the year’s most magical season, is finally upon us. To celebrate the changing of the leaves and the cooling of the air, Bwog will be suggesting different autumnal activities that are designed to increase your appreciation of the season. 

About forty minutes north on the Palisades is Dr. Davies Farm, a produce stand and designated apple picking area. You’ll notice it right away because it’s an unassuming barn and farmhouse surrounded by about 47 Audi station wagons. The occupants of said station wagons are families from New York and New Jersey who’ve brought their kids for the hayrides, pumpkin patch, and other child-friendly outdoor activities.

There will be a lot of kids, and they’ll be fussy — hay is itchy — but you’re here for the apple picking. $32 buys you and Apple Grabbing Claw Thing (see below) and a huge plastic bag (though of course what you’re paying for is less the actual bag and more the privilege of being about to fill it with up 25 lbs of apples.)

 

Behind the farmhouse are fields and fields of apple trees that are organized by type of apple. When Bwog visited yesterday, there were two varieties of apple in season: Red Delicious and Cortland. Since it’s already relatively late in apple season, most of the good fruit hangs off fairly high branches, which is where your Apple Grabbing Claw Thing comes in. Or, live dangerously and climb the tree.

Back towards the farmhouse, there’s a produce stand with fresh squash, zucchini, lettuce, etc. There’s also Old-Timey candy like sugar sticks and homemade caramels. Oh, and there are apples for sale.

How to Get There: ZipCar. There’s unfortunately no public transportation nearby.

Tips: Wear boots. The ground is covered with apples in various stages of decay.

— JNW