September 17, 3 pm - 5 pm Fall Farm Tour
$5.00 Out of stock Quantity: 1 Add to Bag Product Details 2 hour Fall Farm Tour includes: apple cider pressing demonstration, a short introduction to Apple Farming, parking, and picnic site! $5 per person age 4 - adult; kids 3 and under are free to accompany a paying adult. Apple picking is not included with your entry fee, but can be purchased on site with cash or credit card. $20 for a half peck bag. Important Info 1. All sales are final. No refunds or time/date transfers allowed. 2. Must be parked and checked-in 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. 3. Have proof of purchase ready upon arrival. 4. Pricing is based on admission for everyone in the group age 3 to adult. 5. Kids aged 3 and under are free to accompany a paying adult. Tickets No paper tickets will be sent. An order confirmation from Ecwid will be sent to the email address you provide. The order number in your email confirmation is all that is needed to check-in. Please double-check the accuracy of your email address before purchasing. Save this product for later Favorite My Account
What to Expect on Your Fall Farm Tour
Your two-hour visit is designed to be a relaxed, hands-on introduction to life at Crosscut Farm & Orchard. You will be guided through a working apple farm during the height of the fall harvest, with plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and simply enjoy the fresh air. The tour is suitable for all ages, and families are encouraged to attend together. Because the farm is a real working operation, you may see equipment in motion, hear the hum of the cider press, and catch the scent of ripe apples on the breeze.
The afternoon time slot from 3 pm to 5 pm offers a special quality of light that photographers love, as the sun begins to angle across the orchard rows. The pace is unhurried, and the group size is kept small enough that everyone can hear the guide and participate in the demonstrations. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle if you like. The terrain is mostly flat but includes some grassy and uneven areas, so strollers and wheelchairs may require a bit of extra care.
While the tour does not include apple picking in the base price, you will have the opportunity to purchase a half peck bag on site for $20, payable by cash or credit card. The U-pick area is a short walk from the main gathering point, and your guide will explain which varieties are ready and how to pick without damaging the tree. Many guests choose to pick after the formal tour concludes, so plan a little extra time if you want to fill a bag.
Apple Cider Pressing Demonstration
One of the highlights of the tour is the live apple cider pressing demonstration. You will watch as freshly washed apples are fed into the press, and you will learn about the difference between sweet cider and hard cider, as well as the history of cider making in the region. The demonstration includes a discussion of apple varieties best suited for cider, how the fruit is ground, and how the juice is extracted and filtered.
The press used at Crosscut Farm & Orchard is a traditional rack-and-cloth press, which has been part of the farm for decades. You will see the entire process from whole fruit to golden liquid, and there is often a chance to sample a small cup of fresh cider at the end of the demonstration, depending on the season and availability. Children are fascinated by the mechanical action, and the guide will explain each step in simple terms.
Because the demonstration is outdoors and subject to weather, it may be moved under cover if rain is expected. The timing of the pressing is set to accommodate the tour schedule, so you will not miss it even if you arrive a few minutes late. If you are interested in making cider at home, the guide can point you toward resources and share tips on equipment and apple selection.
A Short Introduction to Apple Farming
Crosscut Farm & Orchard has been growing apples for over three generations, and the tour includes a concise but informative introduction to the science and craft of apple farming. You will learn about the annual cycle of an apple tree, from winter pruning to spring bloom to fall harvest. The guide will explain how the farm manages pests and diseases using integrated pest management, and how weather patterns affect the crop from year to year.
You will also hear about the different apple varieties grown on the farm, including heirlooms and newer disease-resistant cultivars. The orchard is planted in blocks, and each block has its own story — when it was planted, what rootstock was used, and how the trees are trained. This part of the tour is a favorite for home gardeners and anyone curious about where their food comes from.
Questions are welcome throughout the tour, and the guide will tailor the depth of information to the interests of the group. Whether you are a seasoned orchardist or a first-time visitor, you will come away with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every apple.
Parking and Picnic Site
Your reservation includes access to the farm's designated parking area, which is located a short walk from the tour meeting point. Signs will direct you from the main entrance, and a staff member will be on hand to help you find a spot. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your reservation time to allow for parking and check-in, as the tour departs promptly.
The picnic site is a grassy area with a few picnic tables and shade trees, perfect for a snack before or after your tour. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and we ask that you pack out all trash. The picnic area is available to tour guests only during the reserved time window, and it is a lovely spot to relax and watch the farm activity.
Restroom facilities are available near the main barn, and hand washing stations are set up near the cider press and U-pick area. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know in advance so we can advise on the best parking and route.
Check-In and Proof of Purchase
When you arrive, proceed to the check-in table near the main barn. You will need to show your order confirmation email or the order number from Ecwid. No paper tickets are sent, so a smartphone screenshot or printed email works equally well. The name on the reservation should match the person checking in, and all members of your party should be present at that time.
Check-in opens 15 minutes before the tour start time and closes at the scheduled start. Because all sales are final and no refunds or transfers are allowed, please double-check your date and time before completing your purchase. If you are running late, contact the farm as soon as possible, but be aware that the tour will not be delayed for late arrivals.
For groups larger than 10 people, we recommend contacting the farm in advance to discuss options, as the standard tour size is limited. Children aged 3 and under are free but must be accompanied by a paying adult, and they count toward the total group size for safety reasons.
What to Bring and Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes — the tour covers about half a mile on grass and gravel paths.
- Weather-appropriate clothing — the tour runs rain or shine, so bring a rain jacket or sun hat as needed.
- Water bottle — staying hydrated is important, especially on warm afternoons.
- Camera or smartphone — there are many photo opportunities, but please be mindful of other guests.
- Cash or credit card — if you plan to purchase apples or other farm products on site.
- A small bag or basket — if you intend to pick apples after the tour, though bags are provided with purchase.
The farm is a working environment, so please keep an eye on children and stay with the group during the tour. Pets are not permitted on the tour, with the exception of service animals. Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on the farm property.
If you have any questions not covered here, feel free to ask a staff member when you arrive. We look forward to sharing the farm with you and hope you leave with a new appreciation for the art and science of growing apples.