A good time in the apple orchard

October 4, 2008
Marine, Illinois
by Kris Kolk

Twist, tug, taste. Those were our instructions at Mills Apple Farm near Marine, Illinois.

After a wagon ride (just like a hay ride--sans hay) our family and a wagon full of fellow apple pickers were transported to the intersection of Jonagolds, Empires, Red Delicious and more.

Our guide (and tractor driver), a Mills son, explained which rows contained what varieties. We received a quick lesson on technique and were encouraged to taste each variety before filling our bags.

The trees bent down, offering their bounty—and the pickin’ was easy. Apples were at eye level and even lower, allowing the youngest of pickers to join the fun.

The wagon ride back to the apple shed was accompanied by our canine escorts, Molly and Oscar. It was apparent they knew the orchards like the backs of their paws. Darting in between rows of trees, they always returned to keep the tractor and wagons on track. I wondered how many miles they frolicked in a day.

We brought home about 20 pounds of apples. At a dollar a pound, the price thrilled me. However, I was concerned about the quantity. I knew I would soon be busy making apple pies and apple crisps. But, that’s OK. The smell of apples baking in the fall is such a seasonal treat. Plus, this year I’m looking forward to trying my hand at drying a few apples.

Besides Molly and Oscar, we met some goats, a kitty, frog, and a wooly worm. Oh, and some really nice people.

The Mills family has traced the history of the land, where the apple farm currently sits, back to 1818. History is felt in the barns, old buildings and mature trees. The spirits of former owners such as the Weber Family (1893) and the Ambuehl family (1960’s) are quietly tucked about the grounds.

The Mills’ honor shines throughout the farm. After purchasing it in 1971, the family planted the orchards in 1973. Christmas trees were added on the land in 1981 and peaches in 1990. The apple shed, built in 1980, contains a market and bakery.

For the price of some apples, our family enjoyed a fresh-air autumn adventure. The wagon ride is a good time in itself, and there is also a children’s play area, a petting zoo, chickens, ducks and even a donkey!

Every apple we tasted was delicious, but our favorite (the vote: unanimous) was the Jonagold. It was crisp and so flavorful.

For an old-fashioned farm experience where you will feel like one of the family, I highly suggest visiting the Mills Apple Farm.

Just be sure to allow time for a post-picking nap—you know Molly and Oscar will.

Mills Apple Farm
11477 Pocahontas Road
Marine, IL 62061
618-887-4732

Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Open on Labor Day and Columbus Day

Directions from St. Louis:
Follow I-70 east to exit 21 (Illinois Route 4).
Take Route 4 north to Illinois Route 143.
Take Route 143 east at the flashing light into Marine.
Turn left (north) at the flashing light in town onto Duncan
Street.
At the north edge of town, turn right (east) onto
Pocahontas Road.
Mills Apple Farm is located 3 miles from Marine on the
left hand (north) side of the road.

A word about the buy local campaign:
This October, I will be attempting to purchase items
“locally.” Of course, “local” is a relative term, an opinion.

The thing is--if I were to shop closest to my home, I would
only be supporting the big boxes.

The point of buying locally is to support and enjoy
items which are fresh and/or unique in an area—and which
are produced by local business owners.

To sum up, my buying local attempt will support
locally-owned businesses, even if a little further away
from my house.

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