I love a fall trip to Apple Annie’s in Willcox. Picking pumpkins, hay rides, choosing ripe apples - it’s a feast for the senses, and it’s been a family tradition for years.

When most of us think about orchard season, we picture crisp fall mornings and pumpkin patches. But it’s time to flip the script on that. Choosing your own farm-fresh produce inches from where it was grown begins long before autumn arrives.

Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

Summer is one of the best times to head out to Apple Annie's Orchard in Willcox. They welcome visitors with tree-ripened fruit, wide-open spaces, and the simple joy of spending a day outdoors.

It’s the perfect family-friendly outing where kids can run with joy and, in the process, might accidentally learn a thing or two about where their food comes from.

K101 logo
Get our free mobile app
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

A Summer Escape to the Orchard

It’s a beautiful drive out to the farm at 2081 W. Hardy Road in Willcox. Apple Annie's Orchard is the ideal destination for anyone who loves fresh produce and beautiful scenery.

In July and August, the orchard is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it easy to spend a full day exploring the grounds and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

READ MORE: Apple Annie's: Arizona's Perfect Autumn Adventure

Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

There's something special about walking through rows of fruit trees, breathing in the fresh country air, and picking fruit straight from the tree. Visitors can harvest tree-ripened apples, peaches, and pears while enjoying the natural beauty of southeastern Arizona.

Sweet Treats and Country Flavors

Apple Annie’s offers that true farm-fresh experience. Gather your fruit, then enjoy its delicious flavors. These folks are famous for their homemade apple cider donuts, award-winning pies, jams, fruit butters, and fudge, all available for purchase in their on-site country store.

On warm summer afternoons, cider and lemonade slushies provide the perfect cool-down. Hungry visitors can also stop by the Orchard Grill for seasonal fruit pancakes or applewood-smoked burgers before relaxing beneath the orchard trees with a slice of warm pie. Be sure to check their website for dates and times.

READ: Sierra Vista's Co-op Grocery And How It Works For Shoppers

brown pie on white ceramic bowl
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
brown pie on white ceramic bowl

Memories That Last

You know how everyone keeps telling us to go out and touch grass? We all need the chance to slow down and get back to nature, and Apple Annie's offers that opportunity. Families can take photos among the trees, browse the gift shop, and simply enjoy time together away from the rush of everyday life.

Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM
Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

Won’t it be nice not to tell the kids to stop running? And it’s a treat to let them make as much noise as they like! The trees won’t mind if they’re whooping with delight!

Long after the fresh fruit is gone, the memory of a sunny day spent wandering the orchard, sharing treats, and enjoying the beauty of Apple Annie's will bring your family back again and again. Learn more at appleannies.com or call them at (520) 384-2084.

15 Ways to Save Water, Arizona! (We Love Number 7!)

Saving water in Arizona is easier than you think! Check out these 15 simple ways you can make a difference.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

25 Things You Probably Don't Know About Arizona (We Love #14!)

We knew some of these things, but not all of them! Here are 25 things we didn't know about Arizona. Number 14 is the best!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

It's Illegal to Toss These 20 Things in an Arizona Landfill

You'll have to look for another way to toss these common items. You may have to contact the dump or a disposal expert for special handling of these dangerous and toxic items.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

More From K101