There was a time in my life when I spent at least one autumn day picking apples and eating donuts with my sons at our favorite orchard in Greene County. I remember those afternoons fondly, despite the yellow jackets that always seemed to swarm and the creativity required to use 18 lbs of apples before they softened. They’re good memories.
Similar to the manner in which I discovered years ago that Cape Cod without the kids is even more fun than with the kids, I learned last weekend that apple orchards, sans children, can provide an ideal setting for grown up recreation. Apples not required.
My Indigenous People’s weekend featured three orchards in two different Hudson Valley counties. Wilklow Orchards in Highland, N.Y. was my first stop as I meandered south to meet friends for the evening. I was kicking myself for not having pulled into the parking lot at a previous orchard which had promised “real key lime pies” and was now on a mission to score something sweet to follow the night’s planned dinner out.
Wilklow was hopping, complete with live jazz, a food truck, adult beverages and a traffic cop guiding visitors into the large parking area. The vibe was chill with families, dogs and couples all exploring the pick your own orchard and shopping the well stocked farm market. I zeroed in on the baked goods and consulted with an employee about the pie options, ultimately going with his recommendation for a large pumpkin pie ($15), along with a small mixed berry pie ($8) and a cup of coffee ($1.50).
I believe the pies are made on premise and witnessed a tray containing an array of varieties, both large and small, being brought into the shop to replenish the offerings available. The pies certainly look homemade with a lack of commercial consistency in appearance and the pumpkin pie I bought was one of the best I’ve ever had – almost custardy in texture and well spiced with an innocuous crust.
Now that I know about this place, just a couple of miles from the home of good friends, I’ll definitely be back.
On Sunday I found my way to Samascott Orchards in Kinderhook. This was a familiar spot to me from previous visits to Nine-Pin’s annual Cider Sunday. I arrived at about noon, paid my $5 at the gate and parked. I immediately spotted my friends and we went to suss out the food offerings and avail ourselves of the cider offerings. It was early in the event and the crowd was still gathering. There was live music, plenty of families, as well as groups of friends and couples. Cornhole and other activities were available and everyone seemed cheery and happy even under skies that were more grey than blue.
While I was tempted to have a second cider, I was easily swayed by the thought of a pulled pork sandwich, reputed to be excellent, at yet another orchard just up the road. Let’s go!
Golden Harvest is my go to place for cider donuts (which I have yet to indulge in this year) but I’m telling you now the bar-b-q is what’s going to get me there again – and soon! Harvest Smokehouse, which opened in July, 2021, is putting out bar-b-q that is among the best in the area and my sandwich was everything a girl wants when it comes to a handful of perfectly smoked, tender pork. The bun held together beautifully despite being laden with a stack of tender meat, cider slaw, pickles and, my choice, peach chipotle sauce. The balance of components was ideal and this, my friends, is the pulled pork sandwich I’ve been seeking my entire life. Tender, completely devoid of gristle or chewiness and ideally smoky. Perfection!
Also enjoyed were some very good fries, in a portion generous enough to pretty much satisfy three adults, and a craft cocktail selected from Harvest Spirits’ lovely offerings. I was driving and limited myself to that single cider I had consumed down the road, but my friend was quite happy with her Kinderhooker – a combination of John Henry Malt Whiskey, Cherry Applejack, Fresh Lemon, Sugar, Orange Bitters.
There was a band playing covers of the Grateful Dead, Dylan and other tunes of my generation, and I couldn’t have been more content. At barely 20 miles from home, complete with bar-b-q, booze and donuts, this may become a regular drive for me. If my sons are nice, I might bring them, too.
