Apple Picking

 

The thing to do in New England this time of year is to go apple picking. The only thing I can compare it to is my traditional family trip up to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to see the changing aspen leaves. Well, now that I’m a New England-er, we HAD to go and I’m so glad we did. I absolutely loved picking a fresh apple off the tree, rubbing it clean on my jeans and taking a large bite. And when I was done, I had Mr. P kick the core like he does with our dogs’ Kong. Our favorite apples were the Red Rome. Sweet, crisp and when you bite into them they turn red.

And now, I have too many apples! Don’t get me wrong…they make a great snack because they are full of fiber, but they will rot if I don’t use them in other ways! I need to figure out how to make apple crisp, apple sauce, caramel apples, and I’d like to make some apple pies. OOOO! Maybe I could make some caramel apple cupcakes. Any excuse for cupcakes! Don’t mind me…I’ll just be in the kitchen for the next few weeks!

If you haven’t been apple picking this season Carlson Orchards in Harvard, MA still had plenty of apples. I mean, just look at that last photo! They also have a pumpkin patch and some tasty donuts, too. Not only is this a great idea to go with some great friends (which we did!) but also a great date idea. Just be sure to bring your wellies; the ground was squishy last Saturday and I think it will only get worse with all the rain we’re expecting this week.

Do you go apple picking? Or if you’re in Colorado, do you go see the aspen leaves? OR, could you help a girl out with some apple recipes? 🙂

  

Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Maine

A few weeks before Labor Day weekend, I told Mr. P that we were going on a trip. NO. MATTER. WHAT. I have felt like my entire summer consisted of gardening, working, exercising, and sleeping. What happened to the adventures? What happened to the travel?

Mr. P, Mizar, and my friend Jenn packed into my car and away we went to Maine. For a day trip. As someone from the West, I’m persistent that a 3 hour car journey one-way does not require an overnight stay. What can I say, I’m stubborn. 🙂

Cape Neddick Lighthouse or sometimes called the “Nubble Lighthouse” is located in York, Maine. In 1874 Congress appropriated $15,000 to build a light station at the “Nubble” and in 1879 construction began. Cape Neddick Light Station was dedicated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service and put into use in 1879. It is still in use today.

Be sure to visit Brown’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream. I had the one with peanut butter cups and I almost forgot to take a picture of it before it disappeared. YUM-O! Don’t forget the cash though. Credit cards are NOT accepted and something I’m learning is more common in small towns on the east coast! Also, if you can’t find parking, go to Brown’s first, grab some ice cream and walk on over. That’s what we did. 🙂

I was also determined to have an authentic lobster roll in Maine. More on that later…

What’s your favorite Maine destination? OR favorite ice cream flavor?