We went to Banker Orchards, just outside of Plattsburgh, to enjoy a crisp autumn afternoon picking apples. As soon as the leaves start to turn colors in the Adirondacks, our minds turn toward freshly picked apples. Events around the Adirondack celebrate the harvest but this way we get to celebrate on our own. 

My daughter eagerly runs to the first tree loaded with apples. Trees are loaded with apples while others are bare with the abandoned spikes (apple picking ladders) still left in the trees.

apples at Banker's Orchard
Apple picking at Banker's Orchard

Owners Nina and Bruce Sullivan, still pick their apples by hand. Each year they have people to help them harvest using traditional picking buckets. The buckets are metal and strapped to one's front, holding about ½ bushel of fruit. The fruit is then placed into wooden bins. 

The gift shop hosts an array of locally-made products. We walk outside to enjoy our newly purchased cider and donuts. At the picnic tables we have a clear view of the petting zoo. Some people are filling the feed bowls for the llamas and goats. The donkeys and pony jealously look on, but the sign specifically asks for people not to feed them.

girl holding apple Bankers
Picking apples at Banker's Orchard is fun for all!

Ducks and turkeys peck restlessly near the pen of a couple of giant pigs. We walk around while younger children steer clear. My daughter recommends that we amend the "Old McDonald" song to be "and a snort, snort here..." because this giant swine isn't saying anything near a gentle "oink, oink." We round out the visit with ring toss and beanbag throw. 

There are plenty of apples all ready picked in bags inside the gift shop. There is even a bin of "drops," apples that have fallen off the tree, that are a bargain. My daughter dives into the bin head first declaring that the apples are perfect. Of course, we fill another bag of the drops and she starts eating those on the way home. Our hand-picked apples we plan on sharing with the rest of the family. 

Banker Orchard is located at 1037 Rte. 3, Plattsburgh. Please call 561-5234 for store hours. Call for times and availability for the last two weekends for wagon rides to the pumpkin patch.  Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™. All photos and content © Diane Chase, Adirondack Family Time™. Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series and co-owner of the the young adult wilderness adventure program, Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions.

fun and games at Banker Orchard
Petting zoo and games to play at Banker's Orchard