One of the nice things about our progress rehabbing the farmhouse is that it is comfortable enough to invite visitors. Having actual furniture and a working stove make for a better experience. We had friends and family spend the last two weekends with us during the best time of year in the Driftless Area - autumn.
The cool weather is perfect for hiking, and the fall colors paint the ridges and valleys. We are also fortunate to live near Gays Mills, so this is the time of year to enjoy apple season. Each weekend started the same. After a country breakfast, we piled into a car and toured the rolling countryside and worked our way to Highway 171 to follow the "apple trail". While many of the orchards carry similar items, each also has a unique twist. Starting at the east end, we began at Hillcrest Orchard. They seem to always carry the area's best selection of pumpkins and gourds for holiday decorations. I also love their hand-painted chart of apple varieties.
The next stop is the Apple'licious Pie Depot. Many of the orchards in the area sell baked goods, but the Depot carries nothing but pies and turnovers. Although we may be full from breakfast, we try to stop here early in the day because they sell out fast. In addition to pies and mini pies, they sell several flavors of pie by the slice, with either vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. After several failed attempts during previous stops, Maggie was finally able to get a slice of peach pie, and I tried the blueberry pie. Both were tasty, enjoyed at one of their roadside picnic tables.
Further down Highway 1717 is Kickapoo Orchard. In addition to apples, they have a large gift shop and sometimes have wine tastings. This year they had a sunflower/corn maze that was beautiful.
At the west end of the apple trail is Sunrise Orchard. The store associated with this orchard is huge, and draws an equally huge crowd. In one of the corners of their building is a selection of witty signs for cabins and cottages. If you are looking to buy a large amount of apples for canning, this seems to be the place to visit. Be prepared to spend some time in line with all of the visitors from Iowa.
After grabbing some dinner in town, we wound down with a campfire and beers or s'mores, chatting into the night. Autumn is the start of the holiday season, which is why it was so nice to kick the season off this trying year with our friends and family.
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