Apple Annie's Harvest

Cooler temperatures, country craft fairs, farmers' markets, and scrumptious home cooking mean that Autumn is just around the corner. As you plan your calendar of fall festivities, consider a drive to Sulphur Springs Valley in Willcox, Arizona to spend a fun-filled day at Apple Annie's Orchard.

John and Anne Holcomb (and their kids) are celebrating 20 years of good times and great tastes at their family orchard and farm. They planted their first apple trees (6,000 of them) in 1981 and patiently waited for the first harvest in 1986. The family sold apples, homemade pies, and apple bread from under the carport of their home while visitors enjoyed picnicking under the shady willow tree in their front yard. At the ripe old age of eight, Matt baked his now famous apple bread in their kitchen while his six-year-old sister, Mandy, waited on customers. Mom and Dad, the only other employees, were busy with cider pressing, apple picking, and pi baking.

In 2002, the family bought Hunsdon Farms, a well-established "you pick" farm down the road from their orchard. At an elevation of 4,300 feet, fields of fresh produce like sweet corn, chilies, melons, and pumpkins grow to perfection. Folks apparently took a liking to hand-picking their own fruit and vegetables because Apple Annie's has flourished. Over time, peach and pear trees were planted to complement the apples. A "barn" was build to stock their award-winning cider and house the bakery business.

Annie's holds a variety of weekend special events throughout the harvest season. Browse through Apple Annie's Attic (gift shop), take a wagon ride out to the orchards, and hand-pick luscious fruit and farm fresh produce to take home. Hungry? Mouthwatering pancake breakfasts, apple-smoked burger lunches and homemade ice cream and fudge will take care of the biggest appetite. It just goes to show that people never tire of a good, old-fashioned day on the farm.

For more information, be sure to visit www.appleanies.com or call 520-384-2084 or 520-384-4685. School field trips are also available.