H-apple-y Monday, Noshers! How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one – we went apple picking! It was one of the last weekends to pick apples (and we were forewarned that the apples left to pick were “challenging”) – for some reason, October really got away from me. We really wanted to bring our pup Toby along, so we were happy to find Alldredge Orchards.
Just 20 minutes away from Kansas City, Alldredge Orchards offers tons of apples, pumpkins, hay rides, and an amaaaazing little cafe. But don’t take my word for it…
Rooooooad trip!!!
When we arrived, we were greeted by free roaming chickens, and a super-cute school bus cutout – perfect for photos! Alldredge also has cutouts of mini houses, which I saw a ton of kiddos having fun with.
Toby was pretty cautious about the chickens – they were, after all, almost his size….
As well as one bird that was WAY BIGGER – a full-fledged turkey!
We walked a short way to the u-pick apples. This past weekend, the apples of choice were Fuji and Golden Delicious. As I mentioned, we were advised that the apples were more “challenging” – i.e. either over your head or by your knees. There were a few women right near the u-pick apples that were super helpful, offering us tips, those fun picker poles, and offering to take photos. It was really just a friendly vibe! We ended up picking about half a large bucket (or a full small bucket – we were ambitious and took the large bucket to start!), which is a perfect amount to take home. As you can tell in the first photo, Toby was pretty proud of our haul.
Though I do sense some regret in him that we didn’t pick more…. It’s ok, buddy.
Our apple picking adventure would not have been complete without a trip to the orchard’s cafe, which is staffed by the nicest group of ladies who were full of recommendations and friendly conversation. We couldn’t decide between an apple turnover or an apple fritter – so we got both:
Both were served heated, and oh.my.goodness. See that glaze on the turnover? That was added when we ordered it. And the pastry in the background, which may look a little unfamiliar, is the fritter. WOW. I didn’t know I needed it in my life, but that fritter may very well be the most delicious apple dessert I’ve ever had. It was gone in a hot second, and then I was sad. Many of the baked good served in the cafe are made from family recipes passed down through the generations, and the care and quality definitely showed.
Not one to leave empty handed (ok, well, I had apples, AND a pumpkin, but I needed more!), I took home a mini-loaf of pumpkin bread. I had some for breakfast today, and it was deliciously dense, flavorful, and not-too-sweet. Perfect!
I mean just look at this.
As mentioned, I picked up a perfect pumpkin that will be turned into a Jack-O-Lantern in the very near future, if my carving skills don’t chicken out. I don’t think I’ve ever carved a pumpkin before, can you believe it?
I realize this post is a little late, as apple-picking season is almost over. However, if you’re in the mood for some ready-for-purchase apples, pumpkins, amazing baked goods and more in a dog-friendly, welcoming setting, give Alldredge Orchards a try. We will definitely be back next year (if not sooner!).
Alldredge Orchards 10455 N Highway Platte City, MO 64079
816.330.3448
