A variety of apples? Check.
Pumpkins of various colors? Check.
Autumn themed food? Check.
Buying more than you need? Most definitely.
Reasons to go to Barthel Fruit Farm? All of the above.
Barthel Fruit farm doesn’t need to use gimmicks to attract customers, it’s simple yet traditional setup and wholesome products do it for them. The fruit farm and its surrounding fields reside on Farmdale Road in Mequon, a roughly 30-minute drive from campus.
The welcome sign is strategically placed next to a large crate of bright orange pumpkins and surrounded by several rows of apple trees, which also line the driveway. There’s no cover fee and customers can park on the makeshift gravel parking lot as long as they obey the traffic cones and leave a path for other customers. A quick panoramic view around shows a red barn which doubles as the store, a garden with its accompanying greenhouses, a food truck emitting intoxicating smells, several tractors and the beginnings of what appears to be miles of fields and orchards.
At first glance the options appear a little overwhelming and it’s hard to decide where to begin. In times of pressure the answer is always food. The delicious aroma wafting around the parking lot is due in part to Mother Nature, but mainly to the food truck. Some dining possibilities include apple cider donuts or caramel apple donuts paired with a hot beverage like Colectivo Coffee or hot chocolate. My family ordered a dozen of the donuts, six of each, and weren’t disappointed with either option. Aside from satisfying any craving, buying food is a sure fire way to attract the attention of one or both dogs wandering around the parking lot. Feeding the dogs isn’t allowed, but petting is, and if you’re still lost follow the dogs around, though you might end up following random people and creeping them out.
In all honestly, whether you follow the dogs or not, no place is bad place to begin. We parked on the opposite side of the entrance so we stopped by the entrancing greenhouses and gardens first. The greenhouses showcase some of the products available for purchase. There’s succulents for all the earthy and hipster people, rosemary and lavender bushes for my parents, some herbs, and a variety of other plants. In addition the garden makes for a great photo shoot, as do the enormous tractors parked nearby.
Green things are so summer and once you’ve had your fill or you’re done reminiscing about warmer days you’ll notice across the entire layout are pumpkins and gourds. The smaller items are closer to the barn along with bags apples and the corn stalks, all available for purchase. The decent sized pumpkins sit in several crates in the back, bordering the apple trees.
Here’s the catch. Barthel is set up this way to make it easier for some people to buy apples and pumpkins among other items, but it’s not the only way. The other option includes getting back in your car and following the path to the pumpkin field and surrounding apple orchards you’ve been admiring this entire time. If possible I suggest this option; it’s a lot more fun.
The field is full with endless possibilities. Orange pumpkins are closer to the front and take up the most of the field; the other pumpkins and gourds are near the back end of the field, although there are plenty of them too. Most of the pumpkins should still be attached to the vine, so walk around and examine a few before deciding. Beware the fields are muddy and a little bumpy, so be careful if you decide to chase someone around with a worm. Worms can be found on the bottom of any pumpkin.
Once you’ve selected your pumpkins, load them into your car and head on back. Someone will come and look at your pumpkins, so have the trunk open. Pumpkins cost anywhere between $1 and $6 depending on the size. Some places charge you for the weight of the pumpkin, Barthel’s does not; however, any pumpkin you pick off the vine must be bought.
The apples are along the same path as the pumpkin field. There are signs that say the type of apple and if it’s ripe. Honey Crisp is not allowed to be picked this year but they are available for purchase in the barn.
Barthel’s is easy to find, has good prices, and is fun. The fields and greenhouses are open every day. My family plans to go back next year, unless my parents can’t find it because it disappeared like the one from my childhood. That’s a spooky story for another time. Go out and have a good time; you never know you may find the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.