I can't believe I've never reviewed Royal Oak, or that there are so few reviews. So that others may know the awesomeness of this apple orchard, I will absolutely tell you more. :)
We try to get here at least once a season, sometimes more, for the apple picking season. Typically, you get the best haul mid September to mid October, but this naturally varies depending on the year's harvest. Otherwise, it can literally be slim pickens, or I guess just a little more time consuming trying to get the higher apples when trees have been picked over. We've been going for about five years, but I know people for whom this is a tradition every year since childhood. How fun! And no matter the lateness of the season, we've always left with a good bag of apples. We've also had varying degrees of success with raspberries, and pumpkins are always plentiful.
In addition to the "U-Pick", there's a farmers market with pre-picked items) and a country store with a variety of items from fresh gourds, to summer sausage and cheese, to salsas, and of course apple cider, apple cider donuts (YOU MUST!), and apple butter. If you're looking for country kitsch in your home decor, you will find an abundance here at the country store. There's also a country restaurant that we hear yummy things about (homestyle cooking like biscuits and gravy and more), but I have yet to actually eat there.
However, there is more to do at Royal Oak than eat and shop. ;) They have many fun activities for children, and in fact offer up school and group field trips/tours. There is a playground, petting zoo, a carousel, a miniature train, a teepee, tractor rides and hayrides, and bonfires some evenings! Not to mention the beautiful 126 acres that kids love to run around on.
Parking is free on the weekdays, a couple bucks on Saturday, and they are always closed on Sundays. You'll do more walking during the week since they don't run the tractors to take you to certain areas of the orchard like they do on Saturdays.
We love a nice fall day (like today was) spent at Royal Oak, just enjoying the fresh air as we pick fruits and veggies, nibble on fresh, steamy hot apple cider donuts and take pictures. You just can't have a bad day here, in my opinion.
Bushels run about $16 each, and for us today, that meant about 40-60 small to medium sized apples. My half dozen donuts today were $4.50, and worth every penny! :) Many of the store items are overpriced, so I tend to stick to items that are truly unique to the farm or area, such as many of the apple bakery items, local meats and cheeses, jugs of cider, etc. They are always closed on Sundays, and are NOT open all year, just late summer through sometime in mid autumn. They charge a couple bucks for parking on Saturdays, but weekdays the parking is free. I think the tractor rides are only on Saturday. If you are able to, I think you'll find going on a weekday is much more enjoyable, as Saturdays are sometimes wall to wall people/kids.
Trust me, a good tine will be had by all. =) read more