Fall favorites: A guide to Rockford area pumpkin patches, apple orchards
Despite the calendar still saying August, fall is quickly approaching with favorites like apple orchards and pumpkin patches opening soon or already open.
Here is a guide to some of our favorite apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the Rockford area.
Curran's Orchard
Opening date: Saturday, Aug. 19
Location: 6385 Kilburn Ave., Rockford
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
What they have: Curran's Orchard offers a variety of items, including apple cider donuts, cider slushies, gluten free muffins and cookies, apple and cherry pies, salsas, dressings, jams, jellies, honey and a full food menu.
For more: curransorchard.com
Edwards Apple Orchard
Opening date: Friday, Aug. 25
Location: Edwards Apple Orchard, 7601 Centerville Road, Poplar Grove and Edwards Apple Orchard West, 8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through November
What they have: Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove features 100 acres of apple trees, pumpkins, squash and berries. The orchard has 50,000 apple trees and grows over 30 apple varieties.
Edwards Apple Orchard West features 18 varieties of apples, freshly made apple cider and apple cider donuts. The orchard also offers a free children’s play area, a petting farm and weekend tractor rides.
For more: edwardsorchard.farm
More: Popular Rockford-area apple orchard announces opening date for 2023 season
Valley Orchard
Opening date: Friday, Aug. 25
Location: 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
What they have: The 35-acre farm will offer more than 30 varieties of apples this season. You can also get apple cider donuts, apple pies, pumpkins, squash, apple cinnamon bread, fudge, apple cider, jams and jelly, honey, and so much more. You can also pick your own raspberries or go through the corn maze.
For more: thevalleyorchard.com
The Pumpkin Patch
Opening date: Thursday, Sept. 14
Location: 3178 Illinois Route 173, Caledonia
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
What they have: The seven-acre pumpkin patch allows you to pick from one over the 50 varieties of pumpkins. The patch also offers classic fall favorite activities like tractor rides, a corn maze and more barnyard fun. There's also a gift shop as well as a cafe, grill and more food options.
For more: lindbergpumpkinpatch.com
Thyme and Again Farm
Opening date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Location: 10944 N. Illinois Route 2, Rockford
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
What they have: The pumpkin patch is located on a 110-acre farm and offers pumpkins, squashes, apples, specialty items and more.
For more: facebook.com/thymeandagainfarm
Run-A-Muc-Acres
Opening date: Labor Day
Location: 3063 W. Becker School Road, Freeport
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
What they have: The family-owned farm features a corn maze, apples, cider, doughnuts, fresh honey, pedal go-carts and more than 10,000 pumpkins, squash and swan gourds.
For more: facebook.com/TimCalam
More: Freeport's Run-a-Muc Acres becoming a fall staple for people near and far
DeMeester's Greenhouse, Lawn Care & Appleland Orchard
Opening date: Have been open all summer, Orchard hours begin Sunday, Aug. 27
Location: 1706 S. Baileyville Road, Freeport
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
What they have: The business offers a full selection of apples, pumpkins, honey, cider, doughnuts, and plenty of activities for the kids. Doughnuts will only be sold on the weekends, however.
For more: facebook.com/demeestersinc
Jonamac Orchard
Opening date: Wednesday, Aug. 23
Location: 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
What they have: Visit the u-pick apple orchard or u-pick pumpkin patch. There's also a corn maze and a cider house featuring apple wine and hard cider.
For more: jonamacorchard.com
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Apple orchards, pumpkin patches opening soon in Rockford, Illinois
