As fall approaches the leaves will start changing, the air gets a little crisper, and prime apple picking time will be upon us. Apple picking on a sunny fall day is one of my favorite family traditions. My family and I go to the orchard every year and pick way too many apples every year, but the trip is well worth it and the chickens enjoy the apples we don’t eat.

My favorite apple to get fresh off the tree is honeycrisp, it’s a sweeter apple and it was developed right here in Minnesota at the University of Minnesota. There is nothing better than picking your own apples for snacks and baking, all wrapped up in a cozy sweater on a perfect fall day. If you want some good places to pick apples, especially the honeycrisp, here are a few places to check out with friends and family for an awesome fall adventure:

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

In addition to apples, they also have strawberries and a well stocked bakery for ready-to-eat take home goodies!
Address: 450 Apple Orchard Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: (651) 429-7202

Aamodt’s Apple Farm

Located right in Stillwater, Aamodt's offers tons of fun as well as delicious apple varieties. Feeling adventurous? Book a hot air balloon ride with Aamodt's and see historic Stillwater from the air!
Address: 6428 Manning Ave, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 439-3127

Minnetonka Orchards

Celebrating 40 years of excellent business, Minnetonka Orchards is a great place for a trip with friends and/ or family, as well as a beautiful place for a wedding, larger family gathering, or even a corporate event!
Address: 6530 County Road 26, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Phone: (763) 479-6530

Pleasant Valley Orchard

Voted the 2015 best Orchard in Minnesota, Pleasant Valley Orchard does not disappoint for scenery for a photo shoot, nor the delicious Minnesota grown taste of their apples. While your there in October, pick up a few pumpkins for carving, as well as enjoying hayrides, farm animals, and other activities!
Address: 17325 Pleasant Valley Road, Shafer, Minnesota 55074
Phone: (651) 257-9159

Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

Not only can you enjoy picking your own Minnesota grown apples at this beautifully scenic orchard, but you can also say 'I do', visit the petting zoo, and hop on a hay ride, and warm up by a bonfire!
Address: 8251 Old Highway 169 at Apple Lover’s Lane, Jordan, Minnesota 55352
Phone: (952) 492-2785

There are many more orchards, a simple Google search will give you an entire list of the local ones in your area, all with unique attractions, but most importantly good apples. Here's to (honey) crisp fall days and (red) delicious snack!