Apple Picking at The Milk Pail

Over the weekend, I took full advantage of the gorgeous weather and crossed another item off my fall agenda — apple picking at The Milk Pail in Water Mill, New York.

The almost 70-degree October Sunday was too nice to pass up taking a trip out East. The foliage is just starting to turn on Long Island, and the usually congested drive to Water Mill was relaxing and surprisingly smooth.

You may remember that my first trip out to this orchard was last year, and it quickly earned a spot on my annual to-do list. I love how large and juicy the apples are at The Milk Pail…despite the high price for a bushel ($47!). The trees are small, carefully groomed in rows, so you can pick while standing — you never have to climb or use a ladder at The Milk Pail.

This year, I left with quite the assortment of apples — everything from Granny Smith’s and Fuji’s to Braeburn’s and Ida Red’s. The only bad part about grabbing so many apples is having to lug a very heavy bag back to the car.

After the apples were all picked and bagged, it was time to head over to the pumpkin patch, which contained the largest pumpkins I had ever seen (they were way too heavy for me to lift and take home with me). So, after admiring the size and assortment of pumpkins, I decided to search elsewhere for this year’s pumpkin décor.

On the way home from the East End of Long Island I stopped at Trader Joe’s to stock up on all things pumpkin…well, that are edible. I left with a whole lot of pumpkin waffles (three boxes, to be exact), and two large pumpkins that will live back at home on my landing.

All in all, the day was a success. I have more apples than I know what to do with, and I satisfied my pumpkin sweet tooth and décor needs all in one day.