“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” ~William Shakespeare
Every town has its little gems. Every town has its places that put it on the map. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is one of those places.
Through the years Beak & Skiff was the setting for our annual autumn adventure. It’s the place where we’d take our kids for apple picking, pony rides, apple fritters, and fresh cider.
It was a must-see destination that was as much festooned with happy little families as it was Paula Reds and Jonagolds.
It was a place that screamed childhood…honey bees…apple dumplings…and hay rides…
…until NOW!
Little did we know that Beak & Skiff was quietly growing up, much in the same way our kids were…
I mean, one minute we’re lacing up little baby high-tops and adorning little baby ringlets with bows and barrettes, and the next minute we’re listening to Pomp & Circumstance, making plans to visit them across the country, and filling out paperwork for study-abroad programs…much in the same way that Beak & Skiff was serving up warm apple cider and hot apple fritters to little families, to serving up hard apple cider and potato soup with croutons to adults…like a blink of an eye they grew up…
It’s as if they knew we were fretting over no more hay rides, no more pony rides…
It’s as if they knew we were looking for fresh ideas for dates; for new memories to create…
Beak & Skiff built our community a beautiful rustic cafe and a well stocked tasting room.
An inviting room where new empty nesters can go to sample their apple gin, apple vodka, hard ciders, and apple wines…
It’s as if they knew…
Of course it’s still a wonderful place to take young families! They have maintained all of the awesome activities that attracted our young family to them to begin with.
And I tell you what…Dom and I had as good a time as any picking apples this year. We especially enjoyed the views of the rolling hills and the pastoral landscape.
We picked as many apples as we could carry.
Apples that we’ll use for eating, baking and sharing.
It was a great date and an awesome experience that we’ll look forward to having for many years to come (even with the country sounds of Willie Nelson causing us to feel just a little verklempt!)!
Thank you Beak & Skiff!
You turned what could have been an experience rooted purely in nostalgia to an experience that combined the charm of nostalgia with the beauty of now.
Salute!
Ciao!
Thanks for writing about your experience at Beak & Skiff. We were not able to visit them for our upcoming book, but had to make do with a phone interview. Your photo narrative helps me “be there” in a way. Thanks!
Hi Melissa,
Wow – I’m so glad I could help! Thanks for reaching out! When does the book come out?
Best,
Annie
Well this post is just perfect mama! I can’t wait to get home and experience “all grown up” Beak & Skiff with you 😉 Xo. Luc
We have so much to look forward to Sweeta! We cannot wait!! XO
Annie,
Your Dad & Sister wrote exactly what I was thinking! As I read your wonderful narrative, I marveled at your ability to capture the moments decribed with lovely imagery!
Beak & Skiff is now a place I can’t wait to visit.
Ann XO 🙂
Thank you so much, Ann! It makes for a beautiful day! XO
Annie,
The photography is as well done as the narrative, and the narrative is pretty darn good. Beak & Skiff should be very pleased!
Xoxo
Thanks, Dad! This was a fun one! XO
Wow! Blown away! I feel like this post single- handedly is some of your best work! The text, the outstanding photography, the feelings you capture and conjure up while your readers read!!! Most impressive sister! Beak and skiff is one of our favorite places that we go to religiously every year- through your unique vision- it seemed like a brand new place! Well done! Bravo!!! Lots of love coming your way! Xo
Oh my goodness! Wow – thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! I had a great time composing it! 🙂