Savoring the Season at a Fly-In Apple Orchard

A visit to an orchard with its own airstrip yields a load of Honeycrisp apples, fresh cider, apple cider donuts, and a renewed appreciation for airplane ownership.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:11 AM ET

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Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

What better way to ring in autumn than to visit an apple orchard airstrip to pick up fresh apple fritters and apple cider donuts [Courtesy: Jim Stevenson]

Key Takeaways:

The author, a pilot in the Midwest, finds unique joy and appreciation in the distinct flying experiences each season offers, contrasting this with his father's constant warm weather.
He recounts a quintessential autumn flight to Orchard Landing Apple Farm in Illinois for a community fly-in, enjoying fresh apples, cider, donuts, and camaraderie on a private grass airstrip.
The article explores the appeal of fly-in apple orchards in the Great Lakes region, highlighting diverse experiences from serene farms to bustling mills and challenging private strips, emphasizing pilots' ability to savor seasonal traditions.

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Among all of the annual traditions that exist with my family, one has proven to be especially predictable.

Every January or February, my dad—who lives in San Diego—texts me a photo or video of one of his walks on a picturesque beach awash in golden sunlight, leaving footprints in the sand behind him as he strolls around on a random weekday. These messages are typically accompanied by a chipper description of the temperature and extended forecast.