This will always be a special orchard and patch for me. My family used to take us apple picking when we were just wee little things. But this was the first orchard I'd developed a relationship with on my own. Kinda like my own autumn haven when I was in college -- acres of trees away from campus with the sweet smells of apple and spices in the crisp autumn air...ahhh....
The fact that its a dual apple and pumpkin one-stop-shop rules. And I'm a sucker for u-pick, so none of that off-the-shelf stuff for me. I like to stretch and toil and twist and cut to get the luscious, crisp apples and plump, thorny pumpkins! Although I admit even pre-picked items here are pretty good if you come too late in the season to pick. It's way better than the mealy dealies in the groceries, that's for sure!
But Curtis is more than just the pickin'. Its little shop is so homey and quaint and the Wizard of Oz themes bring me back home. They've got great comfort food and baked goodies (fresh apple-cinnamon donuts that you can watch through a window being made by the donut machine!) as well as all sorts of preserves, butters and knick-knacks you can take home. This is where I first tasted apple butter. And man, do I love it....
Take some time, even if you're an adult, to go through the maze or the giant slide (I guarantee you'll want one in your back yard!) and watch the goats at play. You'll feel much better for it, trust me. Makes me feel like a kid again.
Like fresh apple butter on warm cinnamon toast, Curtis Orchard is a choice kiss for autumn!