Apple picking on weekends (and Monday holidays):
Hayrides leave from the main gate near the store every 15 minutes (or on demand). Pickers must purchase and use our approved Russell Orchards PYO peck size bag. Cost: $15 (CASH ONLY). A walking trail will be available later in the season when more varitees are ripe.

Apple picking on weekdays:
Everyone (age 2 and above) who enters the orchard will pay a $3 fee towards their fruit purchase. You will pick your fruit in the glorious outdoors and bring it back to the gate to be weighed. You show your receipt for the money you have put towards your purchase and simply pay the balance due. The price of PYO apples is $1.75.
Hayrides are not available to the public on weekdays.
Driving to the fields is not permitted (exceptions granted for cars with handicap decal). Jogging strollers suggested for folks with babies and toddlers.

FAQ:
Why do we have to pay before we pick?
Can we still drive out to the berry patch?
Why do I have to pay for my 2 year old to get in?
Will I lose money?
Is it alright to eat while we pick?
Why are you making these changes?
Isn't the cost of eating while picking included in the price?
What frutis and vegetables are available for PYO?

FAQ

Q: Why do we have to pay before we pick?
A: Great question! With people paying ahead of time we hope to cut some of the losses we incur from people who graze but don't pay.


Q: Can we drive out to the picking?
A: Regretfully, no. Unless you have a handicap decal or have made special arrangements with the owners for reasons of genuine need, you will not be able to take your car into the orchard. But there is great news: Free hayrides will be available; the schedule will be posted.


Q: Why do I have to pay for my 2 year old to get in?
A: Excellent question! We have found that kids are very excited by the prospect of picking fruit, and rightfully so! Our own kids LOVE to pick fruit and we hope yours will too. The experience of picking fruit and the value of that family time spent in our orchards and fields is not something that can be replicated very easily in a non-farm setting. We've seen some truly great and beautiful moments, especially with families or with folks who've never picked before. We feel that families gain a great deal from the picking experience and the cost for the child to pick is negligible when compared to what is gained.


Q: Will I lose money?
A: If you pick one lb. of strawberries, you have already made your money back. 1 lb. is just shy of filling a 1 quart box. A ballpark idea is to pick roughly a box per person. We will help you figure this out when you get here. You won't get any money back if you don't pick $3 worth of fruit.


Q: Is it alright to eat while we pick?
A: Not unless you brought your lunch. But seriously, we have always discouraged people from eating the fruits before paying, and we will continue to do so. In fact, taking or consuming goods without paying for them is considered stealing in any other setting and is STRONGLY discouraged on the farm.


Q: Why are you making these changes?
A: Another really good question. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience of picking their own fruit here for many years to come. Pick-Your-Own is a wonderful concept when everyone holds up their end of the bargain. We have had our fields and orchards wide open to the public for 25 years and we've witnessed a whole lot of...stuff you don't really want to hear about... Very simply: the new system is designed to allow you to come and pick just like you've always done, while allowing us to keep closer tabs on what's going on out there.


Q: Isn't the cost of what I eat while picking included in the price?
A: No. There are many people who come to pick fruit and do not eat while while they are picking. Why should these people have to pay extra for fruit they are not eating? To keep costs down and have a fair system for all, we expect everybody to pay for what they pick by not eating before you pay.


Q: What frutis and vegetables are available for PYO?
A: When in season and conditions permit, we offer strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and apples. All other fruits and vegetables are not available for PYO.

© 2003 Russell Orchards, Inc. All Rights Reserved.