U-Pick Season Winding Down at Canaan Orchard

The apple season is winding down at Canaan Orchard.

My brother Dave, has done a spectacular job at managing this 4-acre piece of heaven. [That's him on the tractor.]

It's hard to believe that the season has gone by so quickly. Starting the Thursday after Labor Day, which is Canaan's traditional opening. That includes six weeks and weekends of U-Pick.

Of course, the operation, this time of year, has been a family affair. My brother Dominic has been faithful to staff the Info Booth on Sundays. I take Saturdays. So, between us, we had the weekends covered. Normally, that's when the busiest times occur, but, as with the Michigan weather, you never can tell!

On Sunday. my sister Deborah and her husband, Barry were on hand to help.

We picked out a row of Golden Delicious. A tote-full. Headed to the South Michigan Food Bank. It took us about an hour, which is remarkably quick. Evidence of the old saying: "Many hands make light work." [From 15th Century writer John Haywood.]

From left to rt. Dom, Barry, Dan, Dave & Deborah

Canaan is a place that has a very high percentage of folks coming back. About 95 percent. But this year there's been a notable increase in "first timers." Most of them hear about Canaan through Google maps. 

And Eldred Homestead, a bed-and-breakfast in the village of Climax, has referred folks to us. They have also featured apples from Canaan on their dining room table! The homestead getaway is breathtakingly beautiful!!!

At this point, it looks like the U-Pick season will be extended through the rest of this week (week of October 17th) and the upcoming weekend. The varieties and number of apples are winding down, but if you live nearby, the trip is worth it. 

Nestled among a horseshoe of cornfields, with or without the U-picking, there's no denying Canaan is a friendly place. 

Photo Credit: All photos by Deborah Salerno