As the leaves turn yellow, red, and orange and the weather begins to get a little cooler, that can only mean one thing: fall is coming. And with fall comes apple picking season.
Windy Hill Orchard is a great option if you’re looking for an orchard near you. With friendly staff, delicious apples, and a wide variety of seasonal activities, it’s worth a visit. Here’s what you can expect when you go.
Windy Hill Orchard and Its History
Windy Hill Orchard is a historic orchard in the Hudson Valley of New York. The orchard was founded in 1766 by Walter Butler and passed down through six generations of the Butler family.
The orchard is situated on 100 acres of land and features a variety of apple trees, peach, plum, and cherry trees. The Butlers also grow vegetables on the property sold at the farmstand. In addition to fresh produce, the farmstand sells homemade pies, jams, and other baked goods.
Windy Hill Orchard is open for business from late August through November. Visitors can pick their apples or take a hayride around the property during this time. The Butlers also offer tours of the historic apple cider mill. Windy Hill Orchard is a popular destination for school field trips and family outings.
The Butler family has been farming at Windy Hill Orchard for over 250 years. The farm is a labor of love and continues to be a part of the Hudson Valley community.
How Has It Evolved Over Time?
Windy Hill Orchard has been in operation for over 25 years. During that time, the Orchard has undergone several changes and evolution. Here is a detailed look at how Windy Hill Orchard has changed over the years.
When Windy Hill Orchard first started, it was a small family-run operation. The orchard was only open to the public on weekends and only offered a limited selection of fruits and vegetables.
Over the years, as the Orchard has grown in popularity, it has expanded its hours of operation and now welcomes guests seven days a week. It also offers a much wider variety of fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams, and other items made from locally sourced ingredients.
What Is So Unique About It?
Windy Hill Orchard is unique because of its beautiful setting and refreshingly cool climate. The orchard is situated atop a hill in the Santa Cruz mountains, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
The cool climate is perfect for growing apples, pears, and other fruit trees, and the orchard produces some of the best apples in the country. Windy Hill Orchard is the perfect spot for you if you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh air, stunning views, and delicious apples.
Different Types Of Apples Grown At The Orchard
There are over 7,000 types of apples grown all over the world. But Windy Hill Orchard specializes in just a few select styles. Here are some of their most popular apples and what makes them unique.
Honeycrisp
This variety is known for its crispy texture and sweet-tart flavor. It’s perfect for snacking or using in salads and other recipes.
Granny Smith
This is the classic baking apple. Its tart flavor makes it ideal for pies and other desserts.
Golden Delicious
As its name implies, this variety is lovely and perfect for eating out of hand. It’s also a good choice for cooking since it holds its shape well.
Jonathan
This variety is known for its tart flavor and crisp texture. It’s a good choice for snacking or using recipes that call for a tart apple.
Braeburn
This type of apple is perfect for eating out of hand or cooking with. It has a crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, making it versatile for many recipes.
Cotija
This variety is known for its sweetness and crisp texture. It’s perfect for eating out of hand or using recipes that call for a sweet apple.
Describe How The Apples Are Picked And Sorted
The apples at Windy Hill Orchard are picked and sorted by a team of expert apple pickers. Every apple is hand-picked from the tree and placed into a particular sorting bin. The apples are then sorted by size, color, and type. After the sorting process is complete, the apples are washed and packaged for sale.
The whole process of picking and sorting apples at Windy Hill Orchard takes place under the watchful eye of their experienced staff. They make sure that only the best apples are selected for their customers.
A Few Recipes
Ingredients from Windy Hill Orchard can be used in all sorts of recipes, not just pies and jams. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This light dressing is perfect for fall salads. Whisk together apple cider, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Toss diced carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with olive oil and a little rosemary or thyme. Roast in a 400-degree oven until tender.
Baked Apples
A classic fall dessert that’s easy to make. Core apples and stuff with chopped nuts, dried fruit, and spices. Bake in a 350-degree oven until soft. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Be creative and have fun experimenting with recipes that use ingredients from Windy Hill Orchard.
The Bottom Line
So, dear reader, that is the story of Windy Hill Orchard. A place where the air is always fresh, the sun shines bright, and the fruits are endlessly delicious.
What makes Windy Hill Orchard unique is the combination of its natural beauty, its friendly staff, and its delicious apples. Visitors can pick their apples, tour the orchard, and learn about the history of this family-run business.
A visit to Windy Hill Orchard is a must for anyone looking for an idyllic fall day trip. From the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the delicious apple cider and fresh produce, this farm has something for everyone. Be sure to put it on your list of places this autumn!