Five Awesome Apple-Picking Adventures

The air is crisp, the branches are heavy, the fruit is ripe—that's right, we're talking about apple orchards in autumn. And the best place to spend a fall afternoon just got better, with these fun twists on apple-picking offered at farms around the country. From zigzagging through apple trees on a harvest trail run to picking your way to a free iPod, these orchard activities are sweet to the core.

Apple Orchard Trail Run, Massachusetts

On November 4, celebrate the harvest season by running the challenging Cider Mash 5K through the peach and apple orchards at Amesbury's Cider Hill Farm. After the race, pick some apples to take home along with the farm's own apple cider and award-winning donuts.

Apples to iPods, Vermont

IPods are growing on trees this fall in the Green Mountain State. The Vermont Department of Tourism is hiding specially marked wooden apples in 19 of the state's pick-your-own orchards. If you find one of these unique "apples" while out picking, you win an iPod or, for one lucky winner, an iPad.

U-Press Cider, California

After filling your basket with McIntosh, Fuji, and Braeburn apples on Riley's Apple Farm in Oak Glen, California, you can take your produce over to the mill to press it into delicious cider. First, wash your apples in a trough of cold water and grind them up in the mill, then crank the big wooden handle to squeeze out every last bit of sweet, tart juice.

Apple-Tree Rental, Michigan

Tree-Mendus Fruit, an orchard in southwest Michigan, grows more than 200 varieties of apples—and one of their trees could be yours for around $75â150 per year (the price is based on your tree's average production). As part of its "Rent-A-Tree" program, the farm will take care of your tree all year, and you're free to pluck each and every apple from its branches come fall. And with each bushel holding up to 48 lb. of apples, this rental will surely be a steal.

Geocaching Scavenger Hunt, Wisconsin

Farmer James will be your guide on this geocaching adventure at Apple Holler orchard. Using handheld GPS systems, you'll solve puzzles and hunt for hidden clues in and among the apple trees on the 73-acre property. (Just don't get distracted by all the delicious snacks dangling within reach.)

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