Hours after we wrote about our Fall To-Do’s last week, Michael and I skipped out of work a little early and headed up to the town of Cumberland to pick apples at Orchard Hill Farm. Apple picking has been a yearly fall tradition for us since moving to Maine four years ago, and now I honestly cannot imagine experiencing fall without spending an afternoon in an apple orchard. (Of course, the pie that comes soon thereafter has a little something to do with it too.)

Before leaving for Cumberland, we dressed in the requisite apple picking attire – flannel and our favorite boots – which clearly make the apple picking experience even more authentic. We were excited to visit Orchard Hill for the first time this year, if nothing else, the drive to and around Cumberland in the fall would surely provide the autumn cheer for which we were looking. The route through the countryside of Cumberland and Yarmouth certainly has no shortage of lovely, historic homes (many with giant attached barns) with their perfectly styled fall front porches and steps, full of mums and pumpkins, and set amongst golden yellow and bright orange autumn leaves.

Apple season arrived early in New England this year, so we found that the supply of any red or pink apples was a bit limited, but there were plenty of green apples to be had. Once we filled the largest bag Orchard Hill offers, we decided to treat ourself to a few cider donuts – the real reason we love apple picking as much as we do. We also left the farm store with cider (apple cider bourbon cocktails have become a staple in our house this time of year) and mulling spices.

As we sat on the picnic tables, snacking on our donuts, and drinking some cider, it was pretty evident that making our fall to-do list was definitely the right choice.