Hello beauties and welcome back to MorganneRach,
As absolutely always I am SO happy you are here today! I am so thrilled to be writing today’s post not only because were talking fall festivities but, I have the most wonderful place to share and brag about to you all. I also wanted to mention, that I have so many posts in the works for you all, so please be sure to stay tuned.
October has been such a crazy month, for so many reasons so I have had to delay on a few posts, I promised you all. So I appreciate your patience and understanding. Because of the delay I may release two posts this week, soooo stay tuned babes!
Lets talk all things apple orchards and fall festivities, shall we?
In the beginning of October, Jake and I visited Ya Ya Farms and Orchards in Longmont, Colorado. Before we dive in today’s post I wanted to mention that this post is in no way sponsored by Ya Ya Farms (I wish). But, I just want to share what a blast this place was, even in COVID times. So let’s talk details both rules and regulations, activates and fashion!
Okay so lets talk the actual Orchard. The actual tree orchard you see behind me, was closed. Due to COVID the “U Pick It” section of Ya Ya Farms was not open for the public to pick apples. But, that does not take away from the beauty and views of the orchard. Most importantly, you still will be able to “pick apples” just from the inside of the marketplace that Ya Ya provides. Jake and I still picked tons of our favorite apples, that were from the orchard itself.
From the Ya Ya site regarding apple picking;
“U PICK FRUIT is not available 2020. Fruit will be available for purchase in the farm stand. Pick your own Apples, Pears, Cherries, and Flowers. This is a seasonal activity and Mother Nature dependent. Reservations are required for apple and pear picking only (Form below). Pick your own flowers require no reservation and are open during farm stand hours July through November. We have beautiful Dahlias, Zinnias, Sunflowers, and many other long lasting cut flower options. Pick your own fruit is by prior confirmed reservations only.”
They also have more information about how it works and what fruit ripens, and when. Also more about costs when picking at Ya Ya Farms I will absolutely leave their site linked down below for your convivence.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful around the farm. Alone, the views were just breathtaking. Mentioned on the website and above, the farm also allows visitors to pick from the garden from a beautiful assortment of flowers.
I also wanted to add a little bit of history about the farms. Again taken from their website; “Part of a historic century-old farm specializing in heirloom apples, YA YA Farm & Orchard is a U-Pick-It Apple Orchard located in Boulder County, Colorado. We offer family-oriented fall activities,. While not certified organic, we practice natural and organic methods.”
For anyone, like me who is wondering if their is any “Instagrable” locations at the farm, there are TONS. This blue, old truck was such a hit and lots of people were snapping pics by the truck. This spot, like many others at the farm would be a highlight for family pictures. Also, lots of these locations were just fun to look at as well. Just thought I’d add.
Let’s talk fashion for a second. I am LOVING this knit dress from VICI Dolls. I layered this piece with a black turtle neck bodysuit and over the knee black boots. This dress was so flattering, form fitting and most importantly, comfortable. I will be wearing this piece all season long. I have been seeing this distressed style, knit dress everywhere. But, I thought this color combination and style just screamed, fall. I will leave everything linked down below for you all.
Let’s talk, apple cider donuts! Yes, you heard that right. When I say the most delicious donut I have ever had. I mean it! The donuts are brought out fresh every 15 minutes while you explore the farm. They were so fresh, organic and such a treat. If this is not a huge incentive to go, I don’t know what is!
“Our Farm Stand is open seasonally – August through November. You do not need reservations to come during open hours. You will not be charged an admission fee. Fresh picked apples, apple cider donuts (made daily), apple pies, apple cider, apple butter, honey…these are just a few of the magical tastes of fall you will find waiting for you.”
Also included in the stand was fresh apple cider. Absolutely so yummy! They also come in the cutest jar glasses which is a major plus. When drinking the cider you can absolutely taste the orgic root of the apple in the cider. I am still working on the huge glass jar we bo9ught and I am savoring every sip. It is a must!
They also offer an apple cider workshop!
“CIDER Making Workshop 2020 TBD 10:00-2:00
Learn from start to finish how to make your own hard cider.
Local hard cider expert will be hosting this workshop. Willingness to share experience allows the participant to access a wealth of knowledge not easily gathered from one source:
- You will be given all the ingredients and supplies to make your first gallon.
- You will learn about apple varieties and apple pressing.
- Sample different hard ciders made from single varieties and from mixed varieties.
- Lunch will be provided.
Cost: $100 – Payment due at time of reservation. Seating is limited – make your reservation early!”
Inside the stand they had all sorts of apple jam, honey and other items to choose from. There was a festive rustic feel in the shop that was truly a dream. Even with COVID the experience we had at Ya Ya was, so worth it!
This experience would not be complete without the animals, duh! We got up close and personal with the beautiful horses which you can feed and pet! They were the sweetest ever and I may or may not have stayed over near the horses the entire time. They also had ducks and a donkey! So prefect for kids as well. Ahh just icing on the cake!
“When you visit the farm stand and orchard you may visit our farm animals-Percheron Draft Horses, mini donkeys, chickens, ducks, and peacocks. Bring a picnic if you wish. Enjoy all things apple in our farm stand – apples, apple cider donuts, apple pies and oh so much more! We do not charge an admission fee. U-Pick requires prior reservations and is sold out generally by August. We look forward to having you here at the orchard!”
The farm also mentioned that due to COVID these are some changes they are having to make. “Due to COVID, we will not be running our hay rides at this point. The quietest times here for a visit are weekdays in the afternoon times. If you wish for us to have your order ready in advance, please email us. We will email a list to you of what we have available for sale. We will need a 24 hour window to have your order ready for pick up.”
Overall we had an amazing experience at Ya Ya Farms and I highly recommend for anyone who lives in Colorado. Spending time at the farms gave such a fall, warm feel and we really enjoyed our experience. We will definitely be back next year and hopefully pick apples and attend the hay rides. If not, even if the COVID restrictions are still in place, we had so much fun and it is a memory I will continue into a tradition.
I will leave the Ya Ya Farms website linked HERE.
I wanted to shoutout the amazing photographer who captured this experience so perfectly. If you are local (or not) I highly recommend MackroPhotography. She is AMAZING. Thanks Mackenzie.
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