Pressing Cider and Picking Apples @ Willowbrook Apple Farm

Our next stop was Willowbrook Apple Farm.  They opened at 10 a.m., but there was already line at 9:30.  I think it was especially crowded since it was opening weekend.  It was definitely more crowded than when we went five years ago.

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There was one large group already in line that was serious about their annual apple picking tradition, with matching shirts!

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Once the gate opened, there are two lines, one for pressing cider, and one for picking apples.  We opted for the cider line since I knew the line back up faster.  We made a half gallon, so the kids were told to fill up the bucket 3/4 of the way.

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I liked how the netting for the apple cider station kept the bees away.

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There are two presses available, and we were second in line, so there was no wait!  The kids took turns feeding the hopper and turning the crank.

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Next came the pressing by turning the wooden handle.

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And voila!  Apple cider!  This was our first time doing this, so it was fun and interesting.

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The person helping us was friendly and patient, as were all the staff we encountered here.

 

Here’s some video footage of the process.  It is not the most riveting to watch, but it does provide a better sense of the experience.

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Next we had to stand in line to pick apples.  We killed time by tasting some cider and honey samples.

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It was warming up by then, so n found respite in some shade.

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Once our group was let on the property, we were given apple-picking instructions.  We opted for the three pound bag, which you are allowed to fill up as long as the apples all fit inside.

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Because it was the very beginning of the season, there was a lot of low-lying fruit, and apple pickers were not necessary.

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These Winesap apple trees are over 100 years old!

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Love this pic!  I’m pretty sure this will be the last year n will be able to sit on D’s shoulders!

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Once we were done picking, there was a long line to pay on the way out.  We had to hurry since k had basketball practice, so we were not able to make any other stops.  As a note for next time, I am curious about the signs I saw for apple burritos.

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