Autumn means planning day trips to u-pick apple farms to pick some fruit, go on a hayride, or buy fresh baked goods, especially if a tight budget keeps you close to home. Stick with us while we drive to the countryside for autumn apple picking and pumpkin patch reconnaissance in Rockford, Caledonia and other regions near Chicago, Illinois.

The late summer and early fall is prime apple picking time but before you head out, consider what you'll do with the apples that you pick. Different varieties are better suited for different purposes. The most popular varieties for eating include the Macintosh, Empire, Idared, Red Delicious, and the Jonathon. If sauces or pies are in the plan, try the Cortland, the Golden Delicious, the Russet, and the Mutsu.

Here is some advice on apple picking around the Chicago metropolitan area. For a complete guide to apple picking orchards and farms across the country, visit FTF's Apple Picking USA Directory.

Apple Picking in the Chicago Metropolitan Area

Illinois' rural Rockford region, about an hour's drive out of Chicago, is full of sprawling apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and offers seasonal fun such as hayrides and craft fairs for Christmas shopping.

Edward's Apple Orchard is an autumn staple that's gotten so social they have their own Facebook page. Located on more than 60 acres of farmland, Edward's offers apples, pumpkins, raspberries, squash and other gourds, and 2,200 chrysanthemum plants. Kids will love the farm animals and horse-drawn wagon rides out into the apple orchard. Parents will love the Apple Barn, a revamped barn turned modern shop with preserves, home décor items, and of course, apples. Note that they have two locations and since you can often enjoy live bluegrass music on the weekends, make sure to call ahead for the schedules.

On Rockford's west side is another must-visit, Curran's Orchard, which specializes in using low amounts of chemicals on their apples and pure juice in their ciders. Younger children can find their way out of a mini-maze of straw bales, or peer at massive beehives through glass while parents shop for jams, apple butter, salad dressing, and homemade maple syrup.

About an hour-and-a-half northwest of Chicago's landmark Willis Tower is The Pumpkin Patch -- whoever thought you could have so much fun with pumpkins! Launch pumpkins across a field with a slingshot, have your pumpkin decorated by an artist, and much more!

Edward's Apple Orchard East, 7601 Centerville Rd, Poplar Grove, Illinois 61065- 815/765-2234

Edward's Apple Orchard West, 8218 Cemetery Rd, Rockford, Illinois - 815/963-2261

Curran's Orchard, 6385 Kilburn Ave, Rockford, Illinois - 61103 - 815/963-7848

The Pumpkin Patch, 3178 Il. Route 173, Caledonia, Illinois - 61011 - 815/765-2587