Community Corner

Apple Picking in Laurel for Johnny Appleseed Day

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with apple picking in honor of Johnny Appleseed Day?

In children’s books, Johnny Appleseed is often portrayed as a fun, historical fellow who wears a cooking pot on his head and disperses apple seeds wherever he travels. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on Sept. 25 each year, celebrates his birth, life, and generosity.

John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, was a Massachusetts-born philosopher and philanthropist, who, beginning in 1802, wandered through northern and Midwestern states planting apple nurseries. His trees fed many settlers, and he was loved wherever he went.  

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Now the apple doesn’t fall far from the holiday. Fall brings forth a time for harvest, and apple picking is a fun fall activity that family and friends can do together. 

O’Keefe Orchard in Colesville has fresh picked apples from July to Labor Day. Pickers shouldn’t get too excited as the orchard does not allow patrons to pick their own apples.

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15400 New Hampshire Avenue

Colesville, MD 20905

301-384-8580

Queen Anne Farm in Mitchellville opens from September 22 through Oct. 31. The farm includes apple picking, apple ciders, honey and fall vegetables.

18102 Central Ave

Mitchellville, MD 20716

301-249-2427

Larriland Farm in Woodbine is a 280-acre farm that includes 16 acres of apple orchards. Meet at the red barn on the premises to get buckets for what you pick and you'll be on your way.

Local farmers markets are also sure to sell apples, along with other homegrown and organic fall fruits and vegetables.

The Dutch Country Farmers Market and Laurel Farmer's Market open on Thursdays and include fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are lots of legends and fun tales about the life of Johnny Appleseed, so you can celebrate in many ways. If tossing seeds around a la Johnny isn’t up your alley, and it’s not a good day for apple picking, the next best thing is curling up with a nice glass of homemade apple cider.

How are you going to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day? Tell us in the comments below.


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