Foodish Ways

What’s your favorite fall activity? There are quite a few popular ones, apple picking being one of them. I went apple picking for the first time at the end of October. It was the end of the season, so many were picked or browning. I was lucky to find some great ones!

We visited Rock Hill Orchard, an orchard in Mount Airy, MD. It’s owned by John and Mary Fendrick, who are from Chevy Chase and Staten Island respectively. I love that sustainability is a big focus of theirs. Read more here about sustainability at Rock Hill Orchard.

The pick-your-own-apples activity is/was available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, no reservations needed. There are other fruits available to pick during other parts of the year. There’s also a store on the farm that offers goods from the farm (milk, apples, apple cider donuts, etc.). This is also where Woodbourne Creamery is located.

Note: This farm is smoke-free. Trained service animals are welcome.

APPLES PICKED

Sun Fuji Apple

Sun Fuji apples are ready to be picked from fall and mid-winter. According to Specialty Produce, it was developed in Japan to be a sweeter Fuji apple. Check out the site to learn more about Sun Fuji Apples.

Out of all the apples I picked, this one was my absolute favorite. I loved the sweetness of it! I made some apple tea with it, and it worked so well.

Aztec Fuji Apple

Aztec Fuji apples are dessert apples, based on some research I have done. Dessert apples, also known as “eating apples” or “table apples,” are sweeter in flavor and grown to be eaten raw. They are not typically used in ciders or cooking. (Sources: Cider Hill Family Orchard, Wikipedia)

I had no idea dessert apples existed until doing some research. The Aztec Fuji Apple was my second favorite out of what I picked. I loved the color so much. This apple was delightfully sweet. After trying it, I used what was left over for the tea that was mentioned in the last section.

Ice Cream from Woodbourne Creamery

I’m happy that I got to try Woodbourne Creamery’s ice cream while I was at the orchard! Woodbourne Creamery at this orchard is Maryland’s only made-on-the-farm ice cream (Source: Rock Hill Orchard – Woodbourne Creamery). That’s how you KNOW it’s fresh! The menu includes year-round flavors like Vanilla, Black Raspberry, and Ginger. The seasonal flavors include Rock the Red Velvet and Apple Cinnamon.

It was hard to only pick a couple of flavors. I ended up choosing Cuppa Joe and Cake Batter. I love coffee ice cream and thought that Cake Batter would add a nice creaminess to the duo.

This ice cream is some of the best I’ve ever had! The freshness alone is a reason to make the drive and try it out. The coffee flavor of Cuppa Joe was strong. I was surprised but enjoyed every spoonful. Cake Batter was true to its name. I’d order these flavors again in a heartbeat. Fun fact, Woodbourne Creamery is also one of the stops on Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail, which celebrates Maryland’s farms. Check out the list here. I see why this spot is on the list!

WRAP-UP

Apple picking is a fun fall activity to do with family and friends. I recommend doing this activity earlier in the season. It was hard to find apples that weren’t turning, but I loved the challenge! The next time you’re looking for a place to go apple picking, check out Rock Hill Orchard!

Address: 28600 Ridge Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771

Until next time.

Want to stay in the know about what’s happening in the D.C. Metro Area’s food scene? Enter your email address below to subscribe to my newsletter.