A Fall Day at County Line Orchard
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like spending a day outdoors with family, taking in the vibrant colors of fall and enjoying all the seasonal activities. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly outing that captures the spirit of the season, look no further than County Line Orchard. Located just outside of Illinois, this charming orchard offers a memorable day of apple picking, pumpkin picking, sunflower picking, and the irresistible scent of freshly made donuts.
I recently took my nephew for a fall adventure, and it quickly became one of our favorite days out. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that County Line Orchard was more than just a place to pick apples—it’s an experience that brings the whole family together to enjoy the best of fall’s bounty.
Apple Picking: The Heart of the Harvest
Our first stop at County Line Orchard was, of course, the apple orchard. This place is a paradise for apple lovers. With rows upon rows of apple trees, you’ll find a variety of apples ready to be picked, from sweet, crisp Honeycrisp to tart Granny Smith and everything in between. The trees are well-maintained, making it easy and fun for kids (me)(and adults!) to reach the best apples hanging on the branches.
My nephew had a blast picking apples and filling up his basket with the juiciest ones he could find. There’s something so satisfying about picking apples straight from the tree, and it’s a great way to feel like a kid and teach kids about where their food comes from. We even took some time to sample a few fresh apples, which were absolutely delicious!
Pumpkin Picking: The Perfect Fall Tradition
After apple picking, we made our way over to the pumpkin patch. County Line Orchard’s pumpkin patch is just as charming as the apple orchard, with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes scattered across the field. My nephew had a blast rolling around looking for the perfect pumpkin to bring home. Whether you’re after a small decorative pumpkin or a large one for carving, you’re sure to find a great selection here.
We spent a good chunk of time searching for the ideal pumpkin, and it was fun to watch my nephew’s excitement as he found one he loved. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes the fall season so special.
Sunflower Picking: A Splash of Color
As if apples and pumpkins weren’t enough, County Line Orchard also offers sunflower picking, a perfect way to capture the beauty of fall. The sunflower field is a vibrant explosion of golden yellow blooms, making it a wonderful spot for some family photos. My nephew loved picking the tallest ones he could find. There’s something about sunflowers that adds a cheerful touch to the day, and it’s a unique activity that you don’t often find at other orchards.
Freshly Made Donuts: The Sweetest Treat of All
After a day full of outdoor activities, it’s hard to resist the allure of County Line Orchard’s freshly made donuts. There’s a reason these donuts are legendary! As soon as we finished picking our apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers, we headed over to the bakery to grab a box of warm, sugar-coated donuts.
Omg, the donuts were soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. We picked up a few classic cinnamon sugar donuts, but there are also seasonal flavors that vary depending on the time of year. My nephew couldn’t get enough, and we ended up buying two dozen donuts to take home. Pairing these donuts with a warm apple cider is the perfect way to round out a fall day.
A Day to Remember
Spending the day at County Line Orchard is more than just picking apples—it’s about making memories, embracing the beauty of fall, and enjoying simple pleasures with loved ones. Whether you’re visiting for the apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, or donuts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As we wrapped up our day, my nephew and I looked back on all the fun we’d had. We’d picked apples to bring home for baking, found the perfect pumpkin for carving, gathered a bouquet of sunflowers, and had more donuts than we could count. It was the ideal way to celebrate the season and enjoy a day out in nature.
If you’re looking for a perfect fall adventure, County Line Orchard offers the kind of experience that will make you feel like a kid again. So grab your family, put on your favorite sweater, and head to the orchard for a day full of fun, fresh air, and, of course, delicious fall treats. You won’t regret it!