A Farm for All Seasons

Located outside of Marine, Illinois is Mills Apple Farm and Bakery. A wonderful multi purpose orchard that is opened from July thru December. Starting in July they offer a fantastic assortment of peaches such as Early Glo, White Haven, Harmony, Carolina Belle and Summer Pearl just to name a few. The peaches usually become ripe roughly at the end of July depending on mother nature. The best part is they offer a tractor driven wagon ride out thru the orchard to pick the peaches straight from the tree or you can opt to buy them already picked at the country store they have on the farm. These peaches are fantastic and there’s nothing better than a day in the country picking peaches.

As peach season slowly winds down in August, going into September apple season picks up where it is leaving off. They boast a wide variety of apples including all time favorites Jonathan, Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Empire. As well as Blushing Golden, Braeburn, and Senshu to name a few. This is my favorite time to go as it is approaching fall and the leaves are just starting to turn and the weather is perfect for a nice day of apple picking. This is also my favorite time to pick up a gallon of homemade apple cider in their country store.

After all of the hustle and bustle of summer it has now become fall and they are still at it at Mills Apple Farm offering pumpkins for sale. They also have several activities for the family suchs as mazes and various weekend events. They offer already picked pumpkins or for those who love exploring and seeing the full beauty of mother nature, a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. There is alot to be said for the great amont of work this family endures to keep this all around great farm up and running.

Finally coming to a close at the end of the year and it’s time for Christmas Trees. The trees go on sale the day after Thanksgiving ans usually run until Christmas Eve. The scent coming from the magnificent Balsam Firs, Scotch Pines and Norwegian Spruce take me back to being a kid at Grandma’s house. They offer them precut, and kept in fresh water or if you would like to ride the wagon out and choose your own you can do that as well and they will get the tree all prepared for you to take home. This concludes their season however they do bake fresh pies year round upon request.

The farm also has a lovely country store where you can purchase homemade pies, cookies, fudge and other local treats. Most of which are baked right there in their bakery. The store also sells thier homemade cider and wonderful homemade crafts.
All in all this is a great place to visit with the entire family and a excellent place to take a day trip to.

For more information you can visit thir website at www.millsapplefarm.com