Is it “autumn”, or is it “fall”? What do you call it?
How one describes this season might depend on where you live. Where I live, here in the Midwest, most people tend to say fall. In literary or scientific context, it’s generally referred to as autumn. This term is used in Great Britain, as well.
Just as we may have different names for the season, we also have different traditions during the season as well. Some of these traditions can be inexpensive, and some can be quite pricey.
We recently went apple picking, as part of tradition that we’re building. For the last 4 years, we have gone to local apple orchards to partake in the fun of getting food straight from nature. In the last 2 years, we have gone to a place which is about a 40 minute drive, so perhaps it’s not “local”, but it’s well worth the drive.
While there, we forked over $55 to pick apples and enjoy the festivities. Yes, that might seem like a lot of money, and it probably is if you just consider the apples.
Just how many apples did we pick up? 52, to be exact. So, if you calculate the cost on a per apple basis, it’s $1.06 each. Yes, I know, you can get them for less money at the grocery store. Plus, you don’t have to work for them either.
However, that work where the fun is. When you’re out there pushing a little cart, carrying your daughter with you, and seeing her face light up with excitement as we scour the trees for the “best” looking apples, it becomes worth it. It’s great family fun, getting excited our great finds, talking about the different varieties of apples (over a dozen at this orchard), and spending time outside. Additionally, it’s always neat for kids – especially those living in suburban or urban areas – to see food come directly from the source. It helps them learn to appreciate the value of natural, healthy foods.
Beyond the experience of picking the apples, the cost also included lots of delicious hot apple cider and tasty apple cider donuts. For kids, there was a a fun play area with a maze, petting zoo, and face painting.
When you add it all up, it’s not just the apples you get for your money, but the overall experience that builds family bonds and creates memories.
Money well spent!
Many fall traditions, on the other hand, can get quite pricey. For example, going to a pro or college football game can cost a lot of money, when you add up tickets, parking, and concessions. Another example is Halloween parties for grown-ups, where folks dress up in elaborate costumes and enjoy of evening of drinks and laughs. The last Hallowen party I went to, in 2008, cost well over $100 between the costumes and drinks.
I’d rather go to the apple orchard. Maybe it’s becuase of where I’m at in life these days:)
Do you have any similar fall traditions that you partake in each year? Are they a good value, or do you just splurge on some things?
I am dying to get to the cider mill this weekend, I cannot wait.
Here is a kind of strange tradition. Each year at this time, McDonalds has the ‘Monopoly’ promotion. I always grad a McDs lunch, grab a blanket, and we all go to a local lake. Across the lake are trees with the most beautiful fall colors. The kids climb trees, feed ducks, etc and we just have a nice time. Normally I would pack my own food, but somehow this tradition came about, and we look forward to it every year.
The way I see the expense on your apple picking, it really is more of an ‘entertainment’ expense than an apple expense. Totally worth it!
Everyday Tips – I see it that way too, it’s entertainment – with a positive benefit of life experience and education for kids! By the way, that tradition you described is just the type of unique tradition that’s cool, because it’s all your own. Another one: every year, my family would drive to Michigan in November/December to eat at a particular restaurant in Michigan, about 2 hours away. Just a tradition all our own.
I also enjoy apple picking and we are going to be going this Monday (Canadian Thanksgiving) if the weather is nice!
Invest It Wisely – enjoy the apple picking and the holiday weekend up there.
Aloysa – I enjoy fall as well, with the leaves and the milder weather. I know what you mean about walking through the leaves…I always liked that crunching sound (still do).
I miss apple picking! We’ve got pumpkins around here but no apples.
Local picked apples were always better than the ones in the stores, so that’s how I justified the expense. Plus you can’t get carousel apples in most stores (my favorite local variety). And fresh picked strawberries… hands down more amazing.
Nicole – I can see why one would miss apple picking. It’s fun, and not too difficult to do. I absolutely, totally agree with you on fresh picked strawberries. They can taste amazingly good, with much stronger flavors than store-bought varieties. Same with blueberries.
Oh, I have never been apple picking, but it sounds like fun. The cost doesn’t seem exorbitant based on what you got out of it: a meaningful experience that you all valued. There are clearly people who spend a lot more than $55 who don’t get that!
Roshawn – I agree, some folks spend a lot more than $55 for things that offer far less. I’m sure we have all spent money for little quality experience in return. The apple picking was totally worth it, and lots of fun.
Apple picking, sounds like a lot of fun. Pies, applesauce and cider. Not much opportunities for apples here in eastern Oklahoma, but we’ve done blueberry picking.
I can see one fall event that’s *not* going to become a tradition in our house, and that’s the state fair. Between the hair-raising, stomach-churning rides, huge crowds, and exorbitantly priced and thoroughly forgettable food, it was a so-so experience for Mom and Dad. Counting up the money spent though, was the most regrettable. Definitely a very non-frugal outing. The boys loved it, more’s the pity.
I’m sad because most orchards suspended apple picking in my area due to the late frost we had. We do have a big apple tree in our yard. It was neglected and not pruned for decades, so I’m not sure if it’s a lost cause but we do usually eat a bunch off our tree.
Sandy – how cool to have an apple tree! I have family that grows fruit in their backyard, and have thought it would be very neat to be able to do that. There’s a big difference between store bought and fresh. For some fruit, such as strawberries, it’s a night and day difference.
I am ALL about apple picking. I have some of the best memories of apple picking when I was really young, and I think that it was one of the most timeless activities you can partake in. This post really brought back some fun memories and I need to think about taking up some of the activities and involving some people who haven’t done them before!
Andrew – I know what you mean about apple picking. My hope is that my daughter will look back with fond memories of this when she’s older. Hope you can get out there and try it again!
What a great traditions! Hats off to you sir!!!
We don’t really have a fall tradition, but I blogged about our Christmas tradition of getting our Christmas tree! We do to a local Christmas tree farm. We pick, cut, and sled the tree back to be bound. While I’m binding it with the employees, the family goes in by a old fashion stove and get a cookie and hot chocolate which they play Christmas songs. It’s one of my favorite things to do 🙂
Money Reasons – That’s a great tradition! Very cool. It’s fun to look forward to the comfort of such traditions. You know, it’s been in the 70’s/80’s in the Chicago area lately, and it’s easy to forget that the Holidays aren’t that far away!
I think it is a great way to spend a fall afternoon with family! In Florida, this is a tradition that we cannot enjoy. In fact, the heat alone makes many outside activities a little miserable. Glad you had fun!
Lisa – it sure was a fun way to spend an afternoon. I’m sure there are fun traditions you might have in Florida that folks here in the midwest don’t have. People here spend good money to visit there as the weather gets colder.