A Sweet Escape: My Visit to Wallingford's Fruit House
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A Sweet Escape: My Visit to Wallingford's Fruit House

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SeasonsActivitiesLocationsFeatured
Date Posted
September 16, 2024
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Article Summary:

Discover the charm of autumn at Wallingford's Fruit House in Auburn, Maine. This blog post recounts a family's visit to the eight-generation-old orchard, highlighting its diverse attractions including apple picking, a petting zoo, sunflower gardens, and the famous cider donuts. Experience the warmth of fall traditions, from exploring the farm store to anticipating the Haunted Walk. Learn why Wallingford's has become a cherished destination for families seeking to create lasting memories and embrace the magic of the fall season in Maine.

I came to visit Wallingford’s Fruit House and Apple Orchard for our very first visit this fall! (There definaely will be more visits!) Maine offers so many wonderful orchards and farms for us to experience, but Wallingford’s came highly recommended. It was also very apparent that everyone else loves this orchard because it was packed, even on an unusally warm 80 degree day.

I am craving everything about fall and headed to Wallingford’s to get my fall in Maine fix.

According to Wallingford’s website

Fall is a special time at Wallingford's Fruit House.' The farm invites visitors to experience the beauty of the season, savor the taste of fresh apples, and create lasting memories with their loved ones.”

Wallingford's Orchard has become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking that quintessential "fall feeling" in Maine. Wallingford's Fruit House in Auburn offers a variety of experiences, including their famous apple cider donuts and baked goods. Visitors can enjoy U-pick apple picking, explore a petting zoo, get lost in a corn maze, and relax in their play area. They also host a haunted attraction called "Nightmare on the Ridge." These activities provide a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

This orchard has been serving the community for over eight generations, according to their website. Located in Auburn, they grow everything from apples to raspberries. Interestingly, they're owned by Ricker Hill Orchard in Turner!

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, Wallingford's Fruit House was bustling with visitors eager to embrace the fall season. The farm was a colorful spectacle, with bountiful displays of various apple varieties, vibrant fall mums, and towering sunflowers.

A vibrant display of colorful fall mums at Wallingford's Fruit House, with yellow, orange, and red blooms basking in the sunlight
At Wallingford's Fruit House, we offer a wide selection of apple varieties, from the tart Granny Smith to the sweet and juicy McIntosh. There's a perfect apple for everyone's taste buds!”

Wallingford Fruit House website

The aroma of freshly baked cider donuts filled the air, and they were selling out quickly. Inside the farm store, shoppers were drawn to the wide selection of baked goods, candles, toys, and other seasonal items.

As we explored the grounds, we caught a glimpse of the Haunted Walk, a popular Halloween attraction that promises thrills for visitors of all ages which I will definitely be back for.

A vibrant display of colorful fall mums at Wallingford's Fruit House, with yellow, orange, and red blooms basking in the sunlight

For families with young children, the petting zoo and sunflower garden offered plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration.

"We believe in creating a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. From our petting zoo to our sunflower garden, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Wallingford's Fruit House.”

Wallingford Fruit House Website

What a day we had at Wallingford's Fruit House! Even with the unexpected warmth of an 80-degree fall day, the orchard was buzzing with excitement. Here's what made our visit so special:

  • The moment we stepped out of the car, the aroma of freshly baked cider donuts and the sweet smell of ripe apples filled the air. I couldn't resist grabbing a few cider donuts- they were selling like hotcakes!
  • The farm store was a treasure trove of autumn goodies. We picked up some local jams and the kids couldn't resist the seasonal toys.
  • The petting zoo was a hit with the little ones, and I have to admit, I enjoyed it too. There's something so calming about petting a gentle farm animal.
A curious white and brown goat standing inside the petting zoo at Wallingford's Fruit House
  • We wandered through the sunflower garden, feeling like we were in a Van Gogh painting. It was the perfect backdrop for some family photos.
A striking purple sunflower in full bloom, standing tall in Wallingford's sunflower garden
A vibrant red sunflower with dark center, standing against a bright sky at Wallingford's Fruit House

Why We'll Be Back

Wallingford's Fruit House isn't just an orchard; it's a slice of Maine's heart. I watched families enjoying every moment, from picking apples to choosing pumpkins, I knew we had stumbled upon something special.

It's clear why this place has been a cornerstone of the community for eight generations. There's a sense of history here, mixed with the joy of creating new memories.

I'm already planning our next visit. The Haunted Walk sounds like a thrilling adventure for when the adults get to play. And who knows? Maybe we'll brave the crowds and come back for more of those irresistible cider donuts before then!

A New Family Tradition

A family posing for a picture with apples in an orchard at Wallingford's Fruit House, with trees heavy with ripe apples in the background
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As we drove home, with the car filled with apples, pumpkins, and happy, tired kids, I couldn't help but smile. Wallingford's Fruit House didn’t disappoint. It's a place to return to, year after year. I'm excited to bring my grandkids here and watch their eyes light up.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's moments like these - picking apples together, laughing at the antics of farm animals, and simply enjoying each other's company - that remind us what's truly important. Wallingford's Fruit House has officially become a part of our family's fall tradition, a sweet escape we'll look forward to with each passing year.

So, if you're looking for a place to make your own autumn memories, take it from me - Wallingford's Fruit House is the place to be. Pack up the family, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a day filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of fall magic. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Ready for more fall adventures in Maine? Visit DownEast Diaries for a treasure trove of autumn inspiration! We'd love to hear about your favorite Maine apple orchards too. Share your photos and recommendations in the comments - who knows, we might feature your suggestion in our next fall adventure!

for a taste of what Maine's orchards have to offer. From cider donuts to haunted walks, there's something for everyone this fall season.

Head over to DownEast Diaries now and let's celebrate the beauty of autumn in Maine together