Every year, our family goes strawberry picking and apple picking.

Strawberry picking usually falls around my husband’s birthday and Father’s Day weekend. For apple picking, we just choose a day sometime in September and go.

For the past several years, we have been visiting Applevale Orchard in North Burlington.

Why Applevale Orchard?

This farm was chosen by my father-in-law, who is very good at finding the most “efficient” and “optimal” option for everything.

So if he chose this orchard, I am confident that some serious research happened behind the scenes. 😂

The orchard is currently closed, but according to Google Maps info, it is expected to open for the 2026 season on September 1.

They allow pets as long as they are kept on a leash. They also accept debit and credit cards now. Before, it was cash only.

Of course, it is always a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

How Much Do We Buy?

We usually buy a full bushel for approximately $65 and divide it among three families: ours, my parents-in-law and my sister-in-law’s.

It is not exactly cheap, but apple picking is a good outdoor activity for the kids, and apples are always useful to have at home.

My mother-in-law usually makes apple pie with them, which the kids love.

The orchard also has pear trees, so we sometimes get a few pears as a bonus. 🍐

The Korean Farmers’ Gene

I don’t know why, but everyone becomes extremely enthusiastic about finding the BEST apples.

My husband’s grandparents and great grandparents were farmers, so his family jokes that they have farming in their blood. Once they start picking, they get very serious.

I don’t have farming blood.

Instead, I have Korean blood, which apparently comes with a workaholic gene.

When it comes to working, we don’t fool around.

So at the farm, we all work like it is a competition—even though no one actually announced one.

And our kids?

They have both the Korean gene and the farming gene.

They were born to pick apples. 😂

One Thing to Remember

Do not assume September will automatically feel like fall.

Two years ago, it was extremely hot and still felt like summer. Last year was better, but the weather can vary.

Check the forecast and bring sunscreen, hats, water and clothing appropriate for the weather.

For our family, apple picking is a simple September tradition: we pick apples, divide them among three families and wait for my mother-in-law’s apple pie.

Not bad for one day of competitive family farming. 🍎