Page 4 - OCT2022

Page 4 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM October 2022 Fall Family Fun Begins at
By Donna rhoDes
Cardigan Mountain Orchard in Alexandria
For those looking for a fabu- lous fall experience, Cardigan Mountain is the place to go where delicious apples can be picked, pumpkins can be pur- chased, or their famed 3-lb. apple pies can be made, and families are invited to enjoy the great out- doors in Alexandria.
Cardigan Mountain Orchard was purchased by then teachers Steve and Nancy Bleiler, who were on a trip through the area when they stumbled upon a quaint apple farm and decided to buy it for their own enjoyment.
The property was in “rough shape” at that time, so the couple set out to improve it, and in the end, they brought back nearly all the apple trees from the 1930s that were already established on the farm. In order to keep mak- ing improvements, however, they eventually left their teaching jobs and devoted their full attention to the farm and orchard.
Over the years, they began to plant more trees and more varieties of apples. As their family grew, children William, Stephen, and David (and now
Cardigan Mountain Orchard not only offers delicious pick-your-own apples but pumpkins, cider, pies, children’s story times, and much, much more at their scenic farm on Mt. Cardigan Rd. in Alexandria.
are based around farming and the great outdoors. As it is an outdoor event, interested families are asked to check the orchard’s Facebook page for weather-re- lated rescheduling dates and times.
Four-legged family members are also invited to enjoy their dog trail for an outing. However, pets are not allowed in the apple orchard itself.
Cardigan Mountain Orchard, the only apple orchard in the Newfound Region, is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day from now until the end of October unless the apple supply runs out before that time. It is located at 1540 Mt. Cardigan Rd., marked by light blue apple signs along the way. For those who don’t have time to take the beautiful ride up the mountain ridge, Cardigan Mountain Orchard has a store on Lake St. in Bristol, too, sell- ing not only their delicious apple products but a beautiful array of local crafts, jewelry, cards, and other fine items, along with serv- ing up great meals in their rustic café.
For information on what apple varieties are being picked or other information about the farm, visit them on Facebook or their Website, www.cardiganmt- norchard.com.
CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD
PICK YOUR OWN APPLES
September 3 - October 30 Everyday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
603.744.2248
1540 MT CARDIGAN RD, ALEXANDRIA
Photo by Donna Rhodes
their spouses) joined in their endeavors, and today Cardigan Mountain Orchard boasts more than 1,000 healthy, vibrant apple trees.
As a result of their hard work and careful planning, many apple varieties are available, each ripe at different times throughout the late summer and fall seasons. Their varieties of MacIntosh are a popular selection for several uses. Still, early Yellow Trans- parent and Heirloom Graven- stein are also available when the
season kicked off at the start of September. Cortlands, Honey Crisp, and Empire apples are just a small sampling of other later varieties.
Cardigan Mountain Orchard isn’t just about picking apples, though. In fact, people can just visit the farm, take a stroll up Nancy’s Trail to enjoy a scenic view of Mount Cardigan, or browse the shop inside their rus- tic barn. Bags of apples are for sale for those who don’t want to pick their own, as well as other
apple products like their own old-fashioned pressed cider (come early- it sells out fast!), pies, scrumptious cider donuts, jellies, and jams—ever heard of a Cider Slushie? Those are also available inside their shop, as well as pumpkins, a nice selection of gift items, and some fun toys for children as well.
Speaking of children, behind the barn, there is a Pirates Ship play area for the young ones to enjoy, and each Tuesday at 10 a.m., it is also the site of Cardi- gan Mountain Orchard’s Story Time, open to kids of all ages from now until Columbus Day. Led by Kristen Bleiler, the edu- cational yet entertaining stories
Apples, donuts, pies, apple butter, and other products available at both locations.
603.744.0303
231 LAKE ST, BRISTOL September-December Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
www.cardiganmtnorchard.com
Women’s Clothing
Nancy Spears
Accessories
Jewelry
2 Central Street, Bristol, NH 03222 (603) 744-6172 | imagine03222@gmail.com