It's apple picking season, and with many looking for fun, outdoor COVID-safe activites, Avalon Orchards in Innisfil offers a fun day out for the whole family.
Owner Gaye Trombley says this is the orchard's 30th year in business.
The orchard grows 18 types of apples, including Nova Scotia Spy, Liberty, Freedom, Redfree, Prima and Nova Scotia Macintosh. The apple season is short and sweet, lasting from around mid-August to mid October.
The Nova Scotia Mac and Liberty are some of the most popular picks, Trombley said.
Trombley lives on the orchard farm, and loves seeing families come in the fall to pick apples.
The orchard is home to 10,000 trees, all in various stages of the growing cycle. Their apple growing and cider processing are certified organic with Pro-Cert.
"It's a great lifestyle and I like it because people come and see nature and enjoy the picking," she said. "I don't think I'd do it if I was just a commercial apple orchard, it's to have people come and have the experience."
In addition to the apple trees, there are walking woodland trails surrounding the property that guests are welcome to venture on.
Trombley said she recently spotted a blue and white heron bird fighting at the pond on the property.
"There's always something going on here," she laughed. "We had a bear in the spring time that got into the honey hives and last week the beavers were blocking the driveway."
In the winter and spring months, Trombley likes to relax and take it easy, reading and painting as she waits for the apple picking season.
"It's my baby," she said of the orchard, noting she gets plenty of help from her family and staff that keeps it running each season.
Avalon Orchards is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 3150 5th Line in Innisfil. Admission is free and COVID-19 safety protocols must be adhered to.
For more information, check out their website here.
