Getting Lost in an Apple Orchard

When was the last time you let your younger, more playful self out? I don’t know about you, but when autumn rolls around, all I’ve got in mind is jumping into huge piles of leaves, scheming up the best Halloween costume, and getting lost in an apple orchard. While the leaf jumping and Halloween costume may not be the most practical ways for me to enjoy autumn this year, apple orchards are definitely an option.

So now let me pose this question to you, When was the last time you spent a few hours on a Saturday afternoon roaming the rows of apple trees with bushel or basket in tow? Last weekend, some friends and I decided to escape the routine of city life and were inspired to head north for some apple picking. I cannot emphasize enough how rejuvenating it was to drive away from tall city buildings to find ourselves surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Once at the orchard, we purchased two empty bags and were left to our own devices to fill the bags full! Wow, did my inner child come out and play! I left my whirling and sometimes chaotic world of nutritional practice behind and dove head first into the adventure of apple picking.

We spent two hours perusing the rows of apple trees, searching for the perfect – and not so perfect – apple. It had taken some strength to let go of my usual Saturday responsibilities, but the delight I felt in focusing on experiencing the apple orchard was worth it. As adults, we’re reminded to remember to slow down and give ourselves a chance to breathe, whether through yoga or meditation or enjoying a book, but how often are we reminded to play?

This week I challenge you to give yourself a chance to play. Whether it’s a board game, Frisbee at the park, an afternoon at an apple orchard, or even a few sessions of Wii Fit games in your living room – take the time to enjoy something playful, and let that inner child come out!

Just in case the idea of apple picking moves you, here is a list of local apple orchard possibilities. . .

All Season Apple Orchard 14510 Route 176 in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County
Phone number: (815) 338-5637
Hours: Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Apples On Oak 16146 Oak Avenue in Lockport, IL 60432 in Will County, IL
Phone number : (815) 726-0386
Hours: Open August through October on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. peceniak.tripod.com/home.htm

Curran’s Apple Farm 6385 Trask Bridge Rd (Route 70) in Rockford, IL 61101 in Winnebago County
Phone number: (815) 963-7848
Hours: Middle-September through Middle-December from 10AM to 6PM Tuesdays thru Sundays

Heinz Orchard address: 1050 Crest Road in Green Oaks, IL 60048 in Lake County, IL
Phone number: 847-287-5867
Hours: Middle September – October on Friday thru Sunday from 9:30amto 5:30pm.
 heinzorchard.com

Homestead Orchard: 11802 Charles Road in Woodstock, IL 60098 in McHenry County, IL
Phone number: 815-338-7443
Hours: May through October on Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm , Sundays 12:00 to 5:00 homesteadorchard.net

Honey Hill Orchard: 11747 Waterman Road in Waterman, IL 60556 in DeKalb County, IL
Phone number: 815-264-3337

Jonamac Orchards: 19412 Shabbona Road in Malta, IL 60150 in DeKalb County, IL
Phone number: 815-825-2158
Hours: Middle August through Thanksgiving open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
 jonamacorchard.com