Whether you're interested in baking the perfect autumn apple pie, making fresh apple cider or getting that obligatory fall Instagram photo op, we've found the best places for apple picking in Wisconsin near Milwaukee.
Each week on Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine’s dining critic, Ann Christenson, and 88Nine’s foodie, Tarik Moody, discuss Milwaukee’s culinary and restaurant culture on This Bites. This Bites is supported by Society Insurance.
Listen to the podcast and read more below to hear about Peck & Bushel and other fall Milwaukee food events and news.
Best apple orchards near Milwaukee
In the new October issue of Milwaukee Magazine, Ann writes about why apple picking at Peck & Bushel Fruit Co. should be on your autumn bucket list.
The charming Peck & Bushel is in Colgate, a community west of Germantown in Washington County. The family-run organic orchard has over 18 apple varieties that you can pick yourself through late October from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Check which apples are ripe on their Facebook page.
The distinct flavors of the organic varieties like Pazazz, Liberty and Crimson Topaz are a foodie's dream. And the rustic-meets-modern Magnolia Farms-esque barn couldn't get any more photogenic. Also, check out their honeys, apple butter, jams, cider doughnuts and caramel apples for sale.
Other Milwaukee-area apple picking spots
The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago
Patterson Orchards in New Berlin
Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon
Rim's Edge Orchard in Germantown
Awes Apple Orchard in Franklin
Appleland Farm Market in Fredonia
Harvest Time Orchards in Twin Lakes
Other Milwaukee food news and culinary events
Funky Fresh Spring Rolls in Milwaukee Magazine
Milwaukee Mag also featured Funky Fresh Spring Rolls in the October issue. It tells the story of the owner TrueMan McGee, who went from fitness guru to restaurant owner. Look out for his second location of Funky Fresh in the Sherman Phoenix building, coming this November.
Swig is closing
Swig was considered one of Milwaukee’s first small plate restaurants and after a 15 year run, it will close its doors following brunch service on October 14. It will be your last time to get Swig’s bottomless mimosa brunch.
Cider and Nano Beer Fest
On Saturday, October 6, celebrate the autumn season at the Milwaukee Cider & Nano Beer Fest in Schlitz Park. Enjoy unlimited sampling, over 40 ciders and nano brews, live DJ entertainment, a commemorative tasting glass, Wisconsin Football on the big screen and more.
Battle of the Chefs
Sunday, October 14 is Milwaukee's third annual Battle of the Chefs. It aims to expose a variety of chefs (up and coming, students and seasoned) from various neighborhoods to a diverse audience in a unique and upscale setting. Chefs will be paired with local "celebrity" sous chefs and judged by local foodies and community leaders. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MPS Fundation for culinary programming. See the list of chefs and get tickets here.
Let's Brunch MKE
Milwaukee's biggest brunch is back on Saturday, October 20. Sample brunch favorites and beverages from Bittercube, Lake Park Bistro, Harbor House, Milk & Honey, Brunch, Stella Van Buren, Build-a-Burger, Swig, Holey Moley, Mimosa, Bernatellos Pizza, Safe House, Mason Street, Café Manna, Oak Barrel, Zyn, OMG Bloody Mary's, Great Lakes Distillery, Pastiche, Brass Alley and many more.
