Sunsets, cozy sweaters and a cool cup of apple cider? Count us in!
Apple Hill Farm hosted a sunset hayride and bonfire on Saturday, Sept. 28 for students and families in the community. They also provided live music by Dylan Doyle Band from 4-6 p.m. before the hayride.
The ride itself was from 6-8 p.m., and a $6 admission fee paid for a ticket on the hayride, admission to the bonfire, an apple cider donut and a cup of cold or hot apple cider. This was the second year that the farm has hosted such an event.
“We try to host the hayride on two days [during the season] and then also invite our cousin’s band to play as well,” said Jean Moriello, who co-owns and runs the farm with her husband Michael Moriello.
“The event was a lovely experience to enjoy with family and friends with a breathtaking view, delicious apples and a cozy fire to end the night,” said third-year communication disorders major Katie Higginbotham.
Buckets of apples were stationed at the top of the mountain for a quick snack. The farm offers McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Empire apples, among other varieties based on availability and seasonality.
Once back on the hayride, everyone was brought down to the bonfire, where lights surrounded the picnic benches and blankets were available for use. The fire pit was positioned right in front of the Shawangunk Ridge, making it a prime location to watch the sun set.
S’more kits were sold for $2, and of course more donuts, too! Children played in the field and sang while their parents chatted away, faces lit up by the warm glow of the bonfire.
Apple Hill Farm is a local farm stand and orchard that grew from a piddly shed to a family-owned farm and pick-your-own orchard. The name was chosen after “an exhaustive brainstorming session, which involved six pitchers of peach daiquiris, two guitars, great friends and a howling dog,” according to their website.
The farm is open every Friday through Sunday, and officially closes for the season on Oct. 27. Pick-your-own apples are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the farm is located at 124 Rt. 32 South, just a mile from SUNY New Paltz.
More information about Apple Hill Farm is available on their website https://applehillfarm.com.
