Community Corner
Apple Picking in Illinois for Johnny Appleseed Day
Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with apple picking in honor of Johnny Appleseed Day?
In children’s books, Johnny Appleseed is often portrayed as a fun, historical fellow who wears a cooking pot on his head and disperses apple seeds wherever he travels. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on Sept. 25 each year, celebrates his birth, life, and generosity.
John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, was a Massachusetts-born philosopher and philanthropist, who, beginning in 1802, wandered through northern and Midwestern states planting apple nurseries. His trees fed many settlers, and he was loved wherever he went.
Now the apple doesn’t fall far from the holiday. Fall brings forth a time for harvest, and apple picking is a fun fall activity that family and friends can do together.
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Nearest apple orchards
Courtesy of Illinois Orchards Directory
- Apples on Oak
- Kuipers Family Farm, 1N318 Watson Rd., Maple Park, IL
- Plank Road Apple Orchard, 50W737 Plank Rd., Sycamore, IL
- Honey Hill Orchards, 11747 Waterman Rd., Waterman, IL
- All Seasons Apple Orchard, 14510 Route 176, Woodstock, IL
- Knutson's Country Harvest, 13550 Townhouse Rd., Newark, IL
- Woodstock Country Orchard, 17015 Garden Valley Rd., Woodstock, IL
- Valley Orchard, 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley, IL
- Orchard Ridge Farms, 6786 Yale Bridge Rd., Rockton, IL
Local farmers markets are also sure to sell apples, along with other homegrown and organic fall fruits and vegetables.
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There are lots of legends and fun tales about the life of Johnny Appleseed, so you can celebrate in many ways. If tossing seeds around a la Johnny isn’t up your alley, and it’s not a good day for apple picking, the next best thing is curling up with a nice glass of homemade apple cider.
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