When we’re planning a trip we always research a lot and make a giant list of all the things we would like to do or see where we’re going. But this is always just a rough plan, and we make sure we’re still keeping an eye out for other adventures along the way. That’s exactly what happened when we stumbled upon The Apple Farm in Fairfield, Maine. We were on our way from another stop and noticed a small sign on the side of the road. We quickly made a family vote that we needed to make a U-turn and check them out, and I’m so glad we did!
Getting There:
A GPS is the best way to find The Apple Farm, and once you turn off the main road you follow a narrow, hilly road for a little while before reaching the farm. You’ll see a large field parking lot on your left, across from the large sign for the farm on the right. We parked in this lot and I rolled along the road to reach the farm. But, once we were there, we realized there were handicapped parking spots right at the farm as well. So it will be even easier when we go back!
What to See:
The Apple Farm has a large barn that sells apples, of course, and other things you would expect at a farm stand. They had milk, cider, and cheeses. They also had some yummy baked goods, and we snagged a couple of things for the ride home. When we visited they had about 6 kinds of apples to choose from, but the farm actually grows over 30 kinds of apples throughout the season. They were also selling pumpkins and had a big display of them set up outside the barn.
Trees full of apples! Yummy snacks for home. They had a garden I loved, too!
What to Do:
Well apple picking, of course! While they sell apples ready-to-go in the farm stand, from the weekend after Labor Day through October, you can pick your own apples! They even offer wagon rides to help you get around the orchard.
Exploring the orchard. They had trees of all different sizes. This was so fun!
Best of all, they have several trees right up front that are marked with signs designating them as trees for individuals with mobility needs. That’s right, special handicapped-friendly trees! My mind was blown!
We happened to be there during a fundraising event, so a local dance team was running a giant apple slingshot! This was so fun, I could have spent an hour chucking imperfect apples towards the pumpkin target. The farm also encourages you to bring a picnic and enjoy the orchard, which I think would be a really fun way to spend an afternoon. During the summer, they have a GIANT sunflower maze growing behind the larger parking lot. We explored this too, but I would love to see it in its full summertime glory!
Getting Around:
If you’re using wheels like me, you’ve probably had little success visiting farms in the past. Just before we started our Live Anywhere With Airbnb year, we ordered a Freewheel attachment for my chair. This has been a game-changer, and it meant I could explore way more of the farm than I ever could have before. Between the wheelchair-accessible trees to pick from, and the fact that I had my Freewheel attachment, this was a great day! For those without a similar attachment for their chair, reaching these trees means rolling over firmly packed grass/dirt. We didn’t notice any major ruts or holes in the ground, but there was a small incline. So while they’re doing everything they can to make this an experience everyone can enjoy, it might still be best to have a friend with you in case you reach a tricky spot.
Exploring the orchard some more. We started snacking right away! Me and my Freewheel!
Final Notes:
I really never imagined that an apple orchard would have considered accessibility, or that I would be able to explore as much as I did. The apples we got were also delicious! You can really tell the difference between something fresh-picked and the ones we buy at the store. Next time we’re near The Apple Farm, we will definitely be stopping again!
