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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Bite Into The Best Arkansas Black Apples At Appel Farms

Appel Farms in Elm Springs, Arkansas, offers a variety of fresh produce year-round, with a special focus on Arkansas Black apples in the fall.

Published Oct 31, 2020

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

With strawberries in spring and fresh veggies in summer, there's always a good time to visit your local farm. The fall season has us ready for apples, which means it's time to head to Elm Springs. The apples at Appel Farms are absolutely amazing! Take a crisp and juicy bite for yourself by visiting this Northwest Arkansas farm.

There's no better place to satisfy your fall craving for fresh apples than at Arkansas' Appel Farms.

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Facebook/Appel Farms

Appel Farms grows a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round but fall is definitely one of our favorite times to visit. This family farm is located west of Springdale in Elm Springs.

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Appel Farms has a number of different apple varieties but the Arkansas Black apples are the farms' specialty.

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Facebook/Appel Farms

This heirloom variety of apple comes from Winesap apple seeds. The first Arkansas Black Apples were grown by Arkansas settlers in the early 1840s.

These tantalizingly tart-yet-sweet apples are perfect for pies and other goodies.

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Facebook/Appel Farms

Head to the farm to get apples for your own baking at home. During the holidays, Appel Farms also has Arkansas Black apple pies available to order!

On the farm you can try the Arkansas Black in caramel apple form!

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Facebook/Appel Farms

Besides being farm fresh apples, the caramel is homemade too! Appel Farms has all sorts of other treats like salsas, fresh eggs, and locally sourced meats.

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Keep your festive fall traditions with a stop by their pumpkin patch, too.

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Facebook/Appel Farms

Pick your own or peruse through their prepicked selection. In addition to pumpkins and gourds, the farm also has mums and hay bales for sale!

Biting into an Arkansas Black apple is an easy and delicious way to support this local business.

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Getty Images/ Cavan Images

Stay up-to-date with the fall fun at Appel Farms by following their Facebook Page.

Is a fall trip to Appel Farms already part of your family traditions? We'd love to hear about your favorite memories made at the farm in the comments below!

You can always nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now right here.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

We Can’t Get Enough of This Small Town Farm in Arkansas With Sunflower Fields and a Pumpkin Patch

Plan a day trip to Schaefer's Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower to enjoy the fall activities including u-pick pumpkins, sunflower fields, and more.

Published Sep 30, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

I know I am not alone when I say that fall is my favorite time of year. Between the family-friendly activities and the vibrant colors of the season, I can’t get enough of it. Visiting pumpkin patches has become a tradition for my family. I especially love it because there are tons of fall activities that everyone can enjoy including petting zoos, hayrides, u-pick pumpkins and sunflower fields. That and more is what you can expect when you visit Schaefer's Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower, AR. If you want to take your autumn season to the next level, then plan a day trip to this charming small-town farm in Arkansas.

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Just 25 miles north of Little Rock, you’ll find the tiny town of Mayflower Arkansas. It’s a pretty little town of just over 2,000 residents that’s surrounded by rivers and lakes.

A serene lake scene at sunset, with clouds reflecting on the water and rays of sunlight breaking through.
Lorena Barrera-Shankle/Google

If you’ve never been to this small town before, now it’s your chance to plan a trip here to visit one of the best pumpkin patches in Arkansas. For 25 years, Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch has been a place for families to create new fall memories. 

A decorated trailer featuring pumpkins, flowers, and a vintage car display for a pumpkin patch event.
Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch/Facebook

The fun activities as well as the photo opportunities, make it a great place to spend an autumn day. 

Three large hay bales painted as smiling pumpkins, set against a cloudy sky and green field.
Katie Avery/Google

Like to pick out your own special pumpkin? You’re in luck because you can do that here. There are acres of pumpkins of all sizes as far as the eye can see. 

A pumpkin patch with people picking pumpkins under a blue sky and scattered clouds. Lush green leaves surround bright orange pumpkins.
Matthew Savage/Google

Not to mention the sunflower fields that are bursting with those vibrant blooms. 

A field of sunflowers with people and vehicles in the background under a clear blue sky.
James Snider/Google

But the fun doesn’t stop there folks. The kids as well as the big kids will love the playground, pony rides, corn pit, and sandbox.

Two children play on a seesaw at a park, while adults watch nearby. The sun sets in the background, creating a warm atmosphere.
Tiffany Wilson/Google

Don’t skip over the train ride around the massive sunflower fields. They’ll love that, too.

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A tractor pulls a colorful train of barrels with people enjoying a ride through a sunny field.
Candice Huyck/Google

Plus, there will be barnyard friends waiting for you to pet them.

A person in a red shirt pets a white goat through a fence at a farm.
Zac Taylor/Google

To capture these fun fall memories be sure to have your camera. There will be several places around the farm to take some pics. As you can see, you’ll have lots of activities at this small-town farm in Arkansas that you and your family will enjoy. 

A group of children and teens sitting on a bench in front of a festive fall backdrop with pumpkins and decorations.
Sheena Sisk/Google

What is your favorite pumpkin patch in Arkansas to visit during the fall season? What do you like the most about it? Tell us below. 

Be sure to visit the Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch website or follow Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch Facebook page for pricing and dates for their upcoming fall activities. 

Searching for seasonal decoration to spruce up your yard? Check out some of our top picks for fall decor.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One Arkansas Ranch Where You Can Pet And Feed Adorable Alpacas

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

I have a serious confession to make. Sometimes, I prefer hanging out with animals more than hanging out with humans. Don't judge me, but animals are so cute, how could you not love them? One of the most adorable animals on this planet is the alpaca. And if you have never petted or fed one, now is your chance to do so at Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville, Arkansas. Not only can you feed these cuddly creatures, but you can also throw a party with them as your special guests. How cool is that? Hanging with the alpacas is an unforgettable animal encounter in Arkansas that you need to experience for yourself. Plus, the kids will love it, too!

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Visiting the Blowing Oaks Ranch in Batesville is an experience of a lifetime. The ranch is home to the most adorable alpacas in Arkansas.

Three llamas stand in a grassy area near a fence, with a house and trees in the background under a blue sky.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

The alpacas are cared for by owners John and Caren who have dedicated their lives to providing a pleasant sanctuary for the cute animals.

Two alpacas stand by a pool, surrounded by greenery, with a few other animals lounging nearby.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

Call ahead at (870) 291-1777 to book a tour of the ranch and they'll teach you a lot about raising and breeding alpacas.

Fuzzy, cute, cuddly, and yes, they are known for spitting, but how could you not immediately fall in love with these friendly creatures.

A white alpaca cria stands in a grassy field with three adult alpacas in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch/Facebook

Each alpaca has its own personality, goofy, and fun to be around. Just look at that face.

A close-up of an alpaca with a fluffy, curly coat and expressive eyes, standing under a shelter in a grassy area.
Becky Mitchum/Google

The kids will love petting and feeding their new fuzzy friends...

A child interacts with two alpacas in a grassy field, with a dog nearby and trees in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch, LLC/Google

...and of course, the kids at heart will love them, too.

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A person in a blue shirt feeds an alpaca in a grassy field, with other alpacas in the background.
Audra Grace Carter/Google

Playing with these cuddly pals will remove all your worries in the world. It's a great activity for the entire family.

A person feeds animals in a field, including llamas and a dog, with a fence and trees in the background.
Blowing Oaks Ranch/Facebook

Best of all, you can book an alpaca-themed party at the ranch and have the alpacas as your special guests. Talk about a memorable experience, right?

A colorful party table with snacks, fruits, and balloons against a vibrant, festive backdrop.
Ann Martin/Google

The next time you're searching for a place where the entire family will love or somewhere for your next event, we recommend that you visit the Blowing Oaks Ranch for this amazing animal encounter.

Would you take your family to Blowing Oaks Ranch for this memorable animal encounter in Arkansas? Or have you been to the ranch before? Tell us in the comments below.

And if you want to make this a weekend-long activity, here are some fun things to do in Batesville. Plus, we found an affordable hotel in town with lots of amenities.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/walkable-town-day-trip-ar/

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