A few weeks ago we headed south to revisit a childhood memory. Growing up in Illinois, apple orchards were everywhere. Some were small family farms where you could meet the people who tended the trees, while others were larger operations that welcomed crowds for pick-your-own fruit and sold a variety of apple and pumpkin products, mums, and more. I remember picking apples straight from the trees and sipping cool apple cider on crisp autumn days.
After living in Colorado for 17 years, I was surprised I hadn’t looked into local apple-picking spots. I assumed orchards were mostly on the Western Slope and too far for a casual outing. When I saw a Facebook post about Happy Apple Farm, I decided to visit — I wanted my son to experience one of my favorite childhood traditions.
Arriving at Happy Apple Farm felt like stepping onto a charming country property. A dusty drive led to a small farm store stocked with jams, jellies, salsas, and pre-picked apples and pears. Unfortunately, they had already sold out of fresh apple cider and cider donuts the day we visited, so plan to arrive early if you want those treats.
We left with apple butter, peach preserves, and a very spicy avocado-tomatillo salsa. The store also has a little café where you can buy sandwiches, baked goods, and ice cream. We shared a slice of pistachio pie that was delightful.
We had just missed the hayride heading out into the orchard, so we grabbed an apple picker and walked a short distance to the trees that still had fruit. Visiting in mid-September meant many trees had already been picked, but a few still held ripe fruit. The remaining apples were small golden delicious varieties.
My son Finn was more interested in apples on the ground than those on the branches and tried to gnaw at one with his new baby teeth. Though smaller than grocery-store apples, they were crisp and flavorful. Happy Apple Farm also offers pick-your-own pumpkins and other fruits earlier in the season.
Still craving cider, we drove a short distance to Jenkins Farm, where we were lucky to find a few half-gallons left. With cider, apples, and one tired little boy in tow, we headed home, eager to fill the kitchen with the smell of baked apples and the feeling of fall.
For more information about Happy Apple Farm, visit their official site.