Southeastern Wisconsin Orchards Provide Fall Activities

The autumnal equinox was on September 22, 2016, and signaled the start of the fall season.

Peck and Bushel Organic Fruit Company is a local orchard in the Town of Erin, Wisconsin. They have 70 acres and over 20,000 dwarf apple and fruit trees. They are open for picking and purchasing apples from late August through October, depending on when varieties of apples become ripe.

Their orchard is certified Organic. “What does this really mean?  Pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms are not used in the production of our crops. Non-organic apple orchards cannot make this statement. We only use naturally derived products to defend our fruit from insects and disease,” their website states.

Peck and Bushel offers Zestar, Williams’ Pride, Sansa, Chestnut Crab, McIntosh, Riverbelle, Blondee, and Sweet Sixteen varieties of apples.

Peck and Bushel Organic Fruit Company is located at 5454 County Road Q Colgate, WI. Use their phone number (414)-418-0336 for any additional questions.  

Another place for fall activities is The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. Join them for Autumn Harvest Fest, their seasonal time for apple picking, from September 10 to October 23. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission to the farm includes a hayride: $5 adults, $3 kids (3-11), 2 and under are free. Parking is also free.

This is the first year they have charged for admission. Tommy Miller, an Arrowhead senior, said, “I went last year and getting in was free. I don’t like that you have to pay this year…I’m not sure if I’m going again.”

The Elegant Farmer has responded to these complaints. On September 28th, 2016, they post a message on Facebook that said, “We Hear Ya! Please know we have removed the Entry Fee to the orchard and are sorry for the upset it caused anyone. We continue to be committed to family fun, great foods and smiling faces. As a means of expressing our apology, we have reduced the price on all pumpkins. Hope to see you in the orchard or pumpkin patch Saturdays and Sundays through Oct 23.”

They post which apples are available for the next weekend at http://www.elegantfarmer.com/where-to-buy/autumn-harvest-festival/ . This is updated every Wednesday during Harvest Fest.

Prices for apples are as follows: ½ Peck $10, Peck $18, ½ Bushel $30. In addition to apple picking, they have a pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are $4 for a medium size, $7 for a large, and $10 for an XL. They also sell squash for $2 each or ½ Bushel for $18 and gourds 2 for $1. There are also train rides, pony rides, and hayrides. Pony rides are $6. For train rides, visit East Troy Electric Railroad. Train prices are adults:$12.50, seniors:$10.50 and kids (3-11):$8, under 3: free. Round trip rides depart from and return to The Elegant Farmer Depot at 10, 12, 1 & 2. They also offer a make-your-own-caramel apple.

There is a farmers’ market with award winning specialties in its Farm Kitchen Bakery, Deli & Market including its Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag, CiderBaked Ham, fruity applesauces, jumbo muffins & cookies, Blue Ribbon Cheeses and seasonal fruits & vegetables.

Johnny Thorstenson, an Arrowhead senior, says he has been to The Elegant Farmer multiple times throughout his childhood.

He said, “My mom and I try to go every year. We went last year. Picking apples is a great time but their apple pie is absolutely amazing. They have so many bakery items. I have yet to try one I didn’t like.”

The Elegant Farmer offers a corn maze adventure. Corn Maze admission is $5.00.

Visit them at 1545 Main St. (Hwys ES & J) in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. For any additional questions, their phone number is 262-363-6770.

Lauren Henzlik is another Arrowhead senior who has been to The Elegant Farmer.

She said, “I went last year with my parents and my boyfriend. It’s so fun to just spend time with your family in the nice weather. The corn maze is so cool, I’ve never been anywhere else that had one. I loved picking apples. When we went home we tried to make our own apple pie but it didn’t even come close to the apple pie they sold.”