Weekend apple gathering evolves into a wellness trend instead of being solely a fall custom

In the heart of America, orchards are becoming more than just a place to pick fresh fruits. They're becoming sanctuaries for wellness, offering a unique blend of quiet routine and physical activity that's drawing in visitors across the country.

Take Battleview Orchards, a family-owned farm nestled in Freehold, New Jersey. Founded by Irv Silverman and his family, this orchard is part of a full slate of seasonal events, with apple picking taking centre stage. Visitors can also enjoy picking strawberries in spring and pumpkins in fall. The orchard's country store remains open year-round, offering fresh produce, pressed cider, and apple cider doughnuts.

Across the country, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard has been welcoming visitors since 1967. This iconic orchard was named one of the top orchards in the country in 2024. With over 270 acres of apple orchards and vegetable fields, Sky Top offers seasonal pick-your-own orchards, organic vegetables and fruit in its store, and on-site yoga classes.

But apple picking isn't just about the fruit. It's about the experience. A successful visit starts with packing smart. Don't forget water, shoes with traction, layers, a container for the fruit, a hat, sunscreen, and a picnic for lunch. Leaving devices behind or switching them to airplane mode during an orchard visit can help people focus on the present, shifting the attention from screens to conversation.

The appeal of apple picking lies in its mix of quiet routine and physical activity, where the act of picking apples becomes part of a broader need to move with intention. It fosters personal interaction, offering a chance to learn about local agriculture. Many orchards, like Battleview and Sky Top, offer guided visits and educational programs, providing insights into the world of farming.

Orchards now provide walking trails, scenic seating, and slower experiences to encourage people to linger. They're reshaping wellness by combining recreation and restoration, offering programs that feature local agriculture, mindful movement, and space to reset. These orchards are more than just places to pick apples; they're havens for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

One such orchard is Mercier Orchards, based in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Offering more than 50 varieties of apples, Mercier Orchards provides a fourth-generation take on apple season. Fishkill Farms in New York, with its 270 acres of apple orchards and vegetable fields, also offers a similar experience, with seasonal pick-your-own orchards, organic vegetables and fruit in its store, and on-site yoga classes.

Arriving early at an orchard can provide a quieter setting, better light, and cooler air. It's the perfect time to immerse oneself in the peaceful rhythm of picking apples, enjoying the quiet, and taking a moment to unwind.

So, this season, consider swapping your usual weekend plans for a trip to an orchard. Pack smart, leave your devices behind, and immerse yourself in the quiet routine of apple picking. It's a wellness ritual you won't want to miss.

Weekend apple gathering evolves into a wellness trend instead of being solely a fall custom