Eric S.
Yelp
LOW HANGING FRUIT
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, can I go ahead and cancel my HMO?
Recently, I re-visited this quaint place with a small group of Yelpers/friends after a hiatus of several years. It was gorgeous on Saturday 10/13/18 and crowds were manageable when we arrived, though it got crazy busy around 1pm.
Located in Sturtevant Wisconsin, about 15 minutes north of the Illinois state line, Apple Holler is a multi-function farm and expansive fruit orchard. They grow peaches, pears, and apples during the warmer months as well as a pumpkin patch once summer ends. In total, it sits on 78 acres of land.
"The Holler" has been owned by the Flannery family who've kept the place running across generations. It's a little beat up in spots and could use a minor facelift (couldn't we all??) but being a teensy bit run-down is part of the charm. Things haven't changed much since I came here as a wee lad in the early 90's.
Preferred parking is $5, and spots along the nearby frontage road can be tough to come by. My recommendation would be to get here EARLY on a weekend, otherwise the heavy post-church crowds will force you to park what feels like miles away!
Ever since I could remember, good ol' fashioned Apple Holler was a surreal assault on all five senses:
+ the sounds of a rasta man playing Bob Marley hits in the little gazebo (he's there all the time on weekends)
+ the smells wafting through the air from the pig races, pony rides, and the Golden Goat Bridge (animal pun ftw)
+ the taste of warm cider donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar, hot Sheboygan brats with mustard, and freshly baked pies
+ the sights of families pulling their kids all bundled up in adorable red wagons through the orchard
+ the feel of a crimson, perfectly juicy Jonathan apple
That said, I don't remember the orchard prices being as high as they were. A small bag (roughly 1/4 peck, or 3-4 lbs) cost $15 per person, which equates to about $5 per pound of apples! Sure they're *your* special apples, but damn, that's still seems like a lot.
There's tons of activities for little ones, like a cow maze, giant slide, and a storybook path. The "corn palace" was a big hit with Nichole C, who rolled around with Ivonne M in a giant sandbox filled with dried corn kernels. My inner germaphobe died that day.
We didn't eat in their cute restaurant that looks like a barn, but we spent plenty of money in the bakery. Apple Holler features plenty of market areas that sell pre-picked apples in addition to loads of other goodies. The old fashioned gift shop remains untouched by time; it's lovely.
* TL;DR *
This orchard near Kenosha is an annual fall pilgrimage for many families, and it's especially close to the hearts of those who've lived in the midwest. All in all, I've likely been to Apple Holler 20 times throughout my life, so yeah, you could say I'd be the Duke (retroactive to 1993).
It's pretty touristy and a group of mom + dad + 2 kids could burn through $120 without much effort. Despite the cost and congestion on weekends, I can't think of a better way to spend an autumn day. Apple Holler is a must-visit!