With the end of fall break comes dreadful midterms, and I am always interested in just about any way to distract myself from my midterm stress. Recently, I took my friend visiting from a different university to Carter Mountain Orchard for the day. We were able to pick apples, try the infamous apple slushies, and enjoy the scenic view. When I transferred to UVA this semester, Carter Mountain Orchard was at the top of my to-do list. Here are some ways that apple picking can be the solution or a distraction to your mid-term stress.
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Itâs Relaxing.
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We decided to attempt to beat the crowds and got to the Orchard promptly when it opened. Standing on the mountain, looking out at the vast view, I felt relaxed. Being that far up the mountain, the apple trees mask the noise of other apple-pickers, so donât be too worried if you hit the apple trees at a busy time. Picking fruit can be surprisingly therapeutic.
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Picture Courtesy of Isabelle Rennert
The Variety.
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After apple-picking, my friend and I decided to cool off with Carterâs infamous apple slushies, that turned out to be a delightful complement to an eighty degrees day. The Orchard offers a store with many other apple delicacies, including its notorious apple cider doughnuts, cookies, and various jams and jellies. Also offered in the store were pick-your-own-pumpkins, squash, and other fall vegetables.
Picture Courtesy of Carter Mountain Orchard
Picture Courtesy of Yelp
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Itâs a Healthy, Fun, Activity.
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Apple picking can be done with family, friends, or by yourself. Apples are often ripe and can be picked through the beginning of December. I like to pick a certain amount of apples to eat, and some to utilize in baking recipes, like pies, applesauce, and breads. At Carter, as the Orchard is quite literally on a mountain, you can get a mini hike in while perusing and picking from the apple trees.
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So, do yourself a favor and go apple picking to procrastinate from mid-terms or use it as a study break!
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