Autumn in the Midwest brings with it the joy of all things apple! From apple picking to apple cider and apple pies, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy this delicious fruit. If you're looking for a fun outdoor activity, head to Cider Hill Family Orchard, where you can pick your own apples and enjoy a hayride through the orchard. Another great option is the Louisburg Cider Mill, where you can taste fresh-pressed apple cider and enjoy delicious apple cider donuts.
When it comes to finding locally made apple pies, look no further than the famous Upper Crust Pie Bakery. Their apple pies are made with locally sourced apples and baked to perfection. They also offer a wide range of other apple treats, including apple turnovers and apple dumplings.
If you're looking for apple-themed activities, be sure to check out the annual Louisburg Ciderfest, which features live music, apple cider tastings, and a variety of apple-themed food vendors. There's also the KC Cider Co., where you can taste a variety of hard ciders made with locally sourced apples.
But why stop at just eating apples when you can use them in a variety of delicious recipes? Some classic apple recipes include apple crisp, apple pie, and apple sauce, but there are so many other creative ways to use this versatile fruit. Try making apple cider vinegar, apple butter, or even an apple and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you're looking for a sweet or savory dish, apples are the perfect ingredient to add to any recipe this fall.
Apple Orchard Roundup |
There are a ton of amazing local orchards all over the metro and beyond. Just be sure to check their websites for availability before you head out the door!
Gieringer's Family Farm - 39345 W. 183rd Street, Edgerton, KS
U-pick apples are available now through October but check their Facebook page to stay up to date on their picking reports. I took my kiddos here over the summer for strawberry picking and Liam keeps begging to go back. When you're done, snag a strawberry lemonade slushie to sip in the shade while the littles play on the playground!
Pome on the Range - 2050 Idaho Road, Williamburg, KS 66095
We offer U-pick apples during late August, September, and October. Please check Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our e-mail newsletters to stay up to date on all u-pick.
Wagon Wheel Orchard - 15380 Edgerton Road, Gardner, KS
Schedule an appointment and visit the Wagon Wheel Orchard in Gardner. Wagon Wheel Orchard has many varieties to choose from. A great location if you want something simple!
Alldredge Orchards - 10455 N Hwy, Platte City, MO 64079
Pick apples, take a hayride and have fun in their play area! Visit the barnyard, where friendly animals are waiting for a treat, or visit the Orchard Cafe for a treat of your own! Be sure to visit their the rustic barn store, where all the delights of the fall season await - apples, pumpkins, huge mums, local honey and more! U-Pick on apples is offered Saturdays and Sundays through September and October.
Cider Hill Family Orchard - 3341 N. 139th Street, Kansas City, KS 66109
Apple Season at Cider Hill begins in late July and lasts until October. Families come out to the orchard for the day to pick their own apples and enjoy yummy treats like cider donuts, kettle corn, & apple cider slushes. Take a train ride, relax by the fire pit, shop in the quaint cottage store, and enjoy the fresh country air.
Weston Red Barn Farm - 16300 Wilkerson Road, Weston, MO 64098
Head out to Weston Red Barn Farm where your family can take a hayride, find a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, see some barnyard animals, do an orchard tour, find your way through their corn maze, and much more!
Johnson Farms - 17701 Holmes Rd., Belton, MO 64012
Attractions included with your apple harvest ticket include jumping pillows, obstacle course, barnyard arcade, rally car course, truck playground, and so much more!
Schweizer Orchards - 5455 SE State Route FF, St. Joseph, MO 64507
Bring the whole family to Schweizer and choose from many different varieties of apples.
A Great Place for Apple Products |
Louisburg Cider Mill - 14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053
If you're not into picking apples, but want to enjoy some fresh apple products in a rustic setting, bring the family to Louisburg Cider Mill. It's a favorite of ours and has been for a long time. We're big fans of their cider, donuts, and fruit butter. Find a pumpkin in their 10 acre pumpkin patch, find your way through their corn maze, and watch the kiddos play!
Locally Made Apple Pies |
Ashleigh's Bake Shop located in Pryde's - 115 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
Quite literally a hidden gem, Ashleigh's Bake Shop is located in the basement of Pryde's Old Westport. At Ashleigh's, their passion is pie, baked fresh every morning. Next time you're in Westport you MUST swing in and check it out.
Dolce Bakery - 3930 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208
If you've ever dropped in around Thanksgiving, you can tell they make good pies by the hundreds of pie boxes stacked up by the windows, waiting to land on dinner tables all over KC. My sister in law from Western KS recently traveled to the Kansas State Fair, where she ran into a group who told her she MUST try Dolce the next time she was in KC! Yes. Dolce is that good.
Heirloom Bakery & Hearth - 401 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110
Don't scroll Heirlooms Insta if you're hungry, because their food is a feast for the eyes. They're well known not only for your classic dessert pie, but also for their hand pies, mini pies, and danishes. Yum!
The Upper Crust - 7943 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66204
If you live in Overland Park and haven't had a pie from The Upper Crust, you're doing it wrong!
Easy As Pie - Available at various popup events in KC
"Easy As Pie is newer to the KC pie scene, but her pies are delicious. I had the opportunity to grab one when she popped up at Eb and Co on the Country Club Plaza a few months ago. She pops-up frequently, so if you can catch her somewhere, don't leave without one of her mini pies!"
André's Confiserie Suisse - 5018 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
This KC classic has apple in a lot of different ways. Apple pie, apple charlotte, apple streusel, and more, I have no doubt. If it's from Andres, you know it's going to please the pallet. I love to drop by their KC store, grab a cup of coffee, and admire everything in the case. Good luck leaving there without a bag full of goodies.
McLain's - Multiple Locations
10695 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS 66207
5833 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 66203
201 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64114
2412 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS 66046
COMING SOON: 15102 Travis Street, Overland Park, KS
COMING SOON: 1720 Swift Street, North Kansas City, MO
McLain's (with one C) is a KC family favorite, especially now that they have so many fantastic locations! Walk up to the window in Brookside, grab a table and catch up with friends in Shawnee, grab your laptop and get some work done in Lawrence, or run through the drive-through in Overland Park.
Bloom Baking Co. - 15 E. 3rd Street, Kansas City, MO
Look at the layers in this pie, ya'll! Bloom Baking Co., located in River Market, has been serving KC since 2010. And guess what?! They are also one of the lucky local eateries to have a location within the new KCI airport! Congrats, Bloom!
Tippin's - Various
No KC pie roundup is complete without a nod to Tippin's. Their first restaurant was opened in Lenexa, KS, and was called Pippin's. They changed their name to Tippin's the year I was born, waaaay back in 1984. While they no longer operate Tippin's restaurants, they still provide pies to grocery stores locally and across the country. I can't tell you how many times I saw my mom "cheat" at Thanksgiving by ordering a Tippins pie. I am also guilty as charged.
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Tips for Apple Picking:
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- Apple Core Craft
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