Apples Galore

As mentioned in some of the previous blog posts, we are fortunate to be located in the heart of the Southeastern Ontario apple belt, with at least 10 orchards within a 5 to 10 minute radius of SevenMaples. By mid-September the orchards are in a peak harvest state with acres of red apples on display as you drive, or even better, ride your bike at a leisurely pace through the surrounding countryside.

Across the road from us is Cricklewood Farm, which sells a wide variety of apples, as well as raspberries, pumpkin and squash. In the fall Cricklewood attracts carloads of families to pick apples and have the amusing challenge of finding their way through the 7 acre corn maze - the epitome of a fun, autumnal activity.

A new friend in Brighton, Tanya Wills, and her husband Paul, have around 100 acres of apples just a few roads over from us, and it is a delight to go for a bike ride at the end of the day and look over their apple orchards to Lake Ontario beyond as the sun starts to set. Tanya is also a professional singer and from time to time puts on an outdoor show at their farm with her Jazz Quartet. Talk about a nice way to finish your work day, sitting in your lawn chair listening to these wonderful musicians perform. This past Fall there was a knock at the door one afternoon and there was Tanya with a huge box of apples for us. Super sweet of her, and we’ve enjoyed many desserts made from these over the winter.

Our small apple and fruit tree orchard will take a few more years to start producing, but in the meantime we will continue to enjoy the inspiration found all around us at SevenMaples. Can't get enough apple goodness? Find out about Brighton's annual AppleFest here.