As Staples students pack away their swimsuits and say goodbye to hot summer days, it’s time to enjoy the acres of apples ripe for picking.

There’s nothing like the excitement of pulling up to an orchard and smelling the fresh scent of apples dangling from the trees and pumpkins stacked up to the sky. The smell of apple cider doughnuts is in the air, and the sun is shining brightly through the clouds.

It’s a fall favorite for Staples students and faculty: it’s hard to find something not to like about it. “I love the idea of picking my fresh fruit right off a tree,” Chris Garrity, a school librarian said.

Some people love to go with all their friends each year, like Erin Munley ’16. “It’s such a great way to take advantage of fall with my friends,” she said. “We all love going together.”

Other people will tell you it’s a great thing to do with your family. Minahil Salam ’16 would agree. “It’s a cute little family event,” Salam said, as a smile spread across her face.

Addy Fowle ’15 loves to go apple picking every year with her family. Each year gets better than the last. “My favorite memory was when we went with my cousin and she fell off the tractor when she saw something off the back of the truck,” Fowle said laughing. “She was ok in the end so it’s become a memory that we can all laugh about.”

Whether you go with family or friends, the golden delicious will be just as delicious.

Not only do people have the choice between pals and parents, but also their pick of where to grab their Granny Smiths. There  are multiple options around Fairfield County for where to go apple picking. A fan favorite of many is Silverman’s Orchard in Easton, Connecticut. In early August, Ginger Gold’s are ready to be picked and the season ends in mid October with Sun Crisp Apples.

Emma Tangel ’16 has been going there for a long time. “I like how Silvermans sells apple cider in little cups that are really cute, it adds to the whole experience,” Tangel said.

The views are beautiful, the apples are delicious and the fun is endless at Silverman’s.

Some students prefer to trek out to Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel, Connecticut, which is around 40 minutes from Staples. It’s similar to Silverman’s in many ways, and people rave about Blue Jay Orchard’s country store. They offer apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, cookies, loaves of bread and so much more.

Ryan Angerthal ’16 absolutely loves going to the Blue Jay Orchard store. “They have a ton of great stuff to buy in the store like jelly and blueberry bread,” Angerthal said.

Apple picking is a great way to enjoy the fall whether it’s with friends or family. The time for apple picking is ripe.