How Bout’ Them Apples?

As a kid, one of my favorite parts about late summer / fall in Ohio was going to an orchard to get fresh apples.  A few weekends ago I got to introduce my kids to this tradition when we visited Crossroad Orchard, located on State Route 725 just West of Miamisburg, Ohio.

We had a great time at the orchard.  The kids were amazed at the impressive sight of row after row of apple trees with branches drooping under the weight of ripening fruit.   We saw sweet apples, bitter apples, red, yellow and green apples, tart apples, big apples, and any other kind of apple that exists - it was fascinating.

We learned that the orchard inspects the apples that are for sale at the end of every day.  Those did not sell, are reevaluated and either washed and polished again or discarded.  The focus on delivering quality was apparent.

And the taste… delicious.  We have been back 3 times in the 10 days since our first visit.  My kids are eating whole apples, and asking for them as a snack.  Not only have we purchased more apples, but also home grown tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and the most perfect squash I have seen.  We bought a few gallons of homemade cider as well.  Wow is fresh apple cider tasty!

If you are seeking a fun and inexpensive activity for your family, take a few hours and head out to an apple orchard or farm market near you.  They are all over the place here in Ohio.  Should you live south of Dayton, check out Crossroad Orchard.

Thanks to the great people at Crossroad, who helped to make our first visit and subsequent ones so much fun.

Crossroad Orchard - Home

2008 Tour d’Burg!

The 2008 Tour d’ Burg.  What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon - surrounded by family and friends, gathered in downtown Miamisburg, watching hundreds of great cyclists compete for the Ohio State Championship.  Even better we got to cheer for my brother in law Geoff, who was competing in the race - his last as a category 5 cyclist.

To our delight, Geoff finished 2nd in his race - one that saw a handful of cyclists sprint it out for the last 300 yards to the finish line.  Geoff made a late push down the final straight-away and overtook 2 others just as he crossed the line.  It was thrilling to watch.  My wife and I, and everyone else there were jumping up and down and cheering as Geoff rode past us triumphantly.  I think he had the loudest cheering section of anyone in the event. It was awesome to see him come across the finish line with such enthusiasm.  I know how much he loves cycling and how hard he has worked to get good at it.  It was a moment to remember.

This was our second Tour d’ Burg - and again it was a great day. The Miamisburg Police Department handed out free bike helmets for children, vendors handed out clickers, noise makers, and trinkets, and there was face painting, balloons, games, and food vendors galore.  The event was not overly crowded, but had enough people there to make it an exciting event.

I hope that Miamisburg will continue to put this event on, as it is quickly becoming one of my favorite summer happenings.  I also hope that Geoff will be riding in next year’s race.  Although the competition will be stronger, I know Geoff has what it takes to bring home a trophy or two for the day’s efforts.  And if he rides in a better category, that just means that our cheering section will have to step it up next year too - which of course will be fun.

Did you attend the Tour d’ Burg?  What did you think of the day?  Will you go again?

Here are some pictures of the event, courtesy of another great brother in law - Chad -  who served as the unofficial photographer for the day’s events.

Tour d’Burg 2008 | 2008 Tour d’Burg!