FOND DU LAC – The first apples of the season are almost ready, which means a local fall staple will open soon.
The Little Farmer, N9438 U.S. 151 in Malone, opens for the season Aug. 19, according to an announcement on The Little Farmer Facebook page.
Here’s what to know before you go.
August apples will be available, with pumpkins following later
Apples usually available in the mid-August opening season include Duchess, Zestar, Puritan, Jersey Mac and Paula Red, with Molly Delicious and Ginger Gold joining the harvest near the end of the month, according to mytlf.com.
The You-Pick season starts with the McIntosh apples in September, often around Labor Day, and continues as other designated apples ripen throughout the fall.
Pumpkins won’t be available right away, but will also be a pick-your-own option once they ripen this fall.
Apples, baked goods and more are featured in the Applehouse
Many visitors’ first stop is the Applehouse, where they can find pre-bagged apples, caramel apples and, when September comes around, apple cider.
The other main draw in the house is the bakery, featuring pies and muffins. The season will start out with apple, cherry and blueberry pies, expanding to pumpkin and cranberry walnut pies later on.
Other items in the Applehouse include caramel, honey, sauces, jams, maple syrup and other kitchen items, as well as gifts, candles and houseware.
Check out the Farmhouse for coffee and gifts
The Farmhouse, the coffee shop converted from the founding Beyers’ homestead, offers fresh-brewed coffee, teas and treats — including ice cream from Kelley Country Creamery.
Both floors of the house also include gifts and other items to purchase, occasionally themed around children’s items, hunting and fishing, locally-specific items and more.
The barnyard and more offer fun for the family
Children’s activities will include playground with a pedal cart track and the barnyard, where goats enjoy being hand-fed by visitors. Pellets are for sale for 25 cents per hand.
Family-friendly activities as the season continues will feature the corn maze and hayrides.
Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: What to know before The Little Farmer opens in Fond du Lac County Aug. 19
Reporting by Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter | USA TODAY Network
