With October comes your basic fall necessities: Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes, leggings paired with oversized sweaters, and Instagram overflowing with apple picking pictures. Wilson’s Orchard is an iconic spot for Iowans that hosts people ranging from residence hall floors to sorority sisterhood events and family outings to apple picking dates.
Wilson’s Orchard will be missed when November rolls around and we can’t drive down the dirt road to get our apple cider fix, so make sure to fit in one last visit before they close for winter! Never been to Wilson’s? No worries, we put together this comprehensive list of all things apple you could try this fall at Wilson’s Orchard.
1. Caramel Apples
Something sweet for the kid in you! Wilson's display the "apples of the day" so you can see which apple you'll be enjoying as your caramel delight!
2. Dried Apple Chips
A healthier alternative to the bag of Cheetos you've had in the bottom of your backpack from the second week of school. They also have for purchase other add-ons, perfect for creating your own trail mix.
#SpoonTip: Throw a few mini hershey kisses in with their apple snack mix and you'll be set until dinner time!
3. Assortment of Butter Spreads
Peach Butter. Apple Butter. Pumpkin Butter. Plum Butter. You name it, they have it. These homemade butters serve as a perfect delicacy for your morning toast as well as a gift for grandma.
#SpoonTip: Wilson's also offers 'no sugar added' apple butter for those with dietary restrictions.
4. Apple Cider Donuts
A local treasure in Iowa City, apple cider donuts are made fresh daily at the Orchard. After your first bite, you'll be wishing you bought the half dozen. But no worries! Wilson's sells frozen apple cider donuts you can take home.
5. Hard Apple Cider
A standout from Wisconsin's Redd's Apple Ale, Wilson's hard apple cider is based on four components (sweetness, tartness, tannins, and aroma) the hard cider is available for sale through several restaurants and retailers. Click here to find your nearest location.
6. Homemade Applesauce
Available in the gift shop for your convenience. Or if you're feeling daring, make your own homemade applesauce with ingredients from Wilson's products.
#SpoonTip: Check out this Spoon article on how to put your applesauce to good use!
7. Apple Turnovers
Baked fresh daily by 'Wilson's Dream Team.' Five weeks ago, the team beat their record and made 2,580 turnovers in one day!
8. Apple Cider Slushies
It might sound weird at first but with the perfect combination of pressed apples and slushed ice, your taste buds will be thanking you for this delicious treat. Enjoy it on the go while picking apples!
9. Apple Crumb Mix
Make your very own apple pie at home with Wilson's Crumble Top Mix. Putting a twist on grandma's secret homemade recipe could just be the perfect conversation starter at your next family gathering.
#SpoonTip: Use your picked apples instead of store bought ones.
10. Apple Cider
10/10 would recommend stocking up on this for the second half of fall. Curl up in bed with a steaming cup of hot apple cider and Netflix (trust me, it's the perfect cure for a long day of classes and work).
11. Frozen Take Home Apple Pies
So maybe you aren't the best baker. Don't feel defeated, frozen apple pies are located in the frozen section of the retail barn.
It may be overwhelming first entering the retail barn with the variety of apple products thrown at you, but Wilson's has more to offer than just apples. They also sell different assortments of popcorn, pumpkin donuts, and Wilson's apparel.
No matter the occasion, Wilson's Orchard is always a good idea.