Apple cider is a fall staple in Wisconsin. Once the air starts turning cool, this crisp, sweet drink hits the spot in a way it couldn't during any other season. And what better place to drink some than on a farm after picking a massive bag of apples of your own?!

There's something extra special about drinking cider after a day at the farm. You've been outside, your cheeks are flushed, your arms are sore from carrying a heavy bag of apples, and you're ready to relax. Well, if this sounds like something up your alley, I have the perfect Wisconsin fruit farm to tell you about.

Barthel Fruit Farm was established in 1839 and is located about 30 minutes from Milwaukee in Mequon, Wisconsin. It is an easy day trip with an incredible payoff in the form of fresh fruit and lots of fun.

When apples are in season, Barthel Fruit Farm offers two U-pick options: a peck, which carries about 10 pounds of apples, and a half-bushel, which holds roughly 20 pounds of delicious fruit. This Wisconsin apple farm also has an incredible variety, from standards like Macintosh and Fuji to more exotic types that might be new to you!

I'm most intrigued by the Ruby Rush variety, which is ready to pick by the end of October. Barthel Fruit Farm describes the taste of this apple as "Sweet/tart, juicy and aromatic with a desirable crisp texture." Sounds yummy, doesn't it?

In addition to apple picking, this farm offers pumpkin picking when the gourds are in season and various other fruits throughout the year.

There's also a corn maze, which previous visitors report is the perfect size for not getting too lost.

Barthel Fruit Farm is also well-known for its incredibly delicious cider. It can be purchased at the farm's bakery truck or taken home to enjoy in gallon and half-gallon sizes. If you order it there, you can choose between a cold glass of cider or a refreshing cider slush. Sometimes, having a crisp beverage while it is chilly outside can be quite satisfying.

Barthel Fruit Farm also offers a hard cider. Brewed in conjunction with the Fermentorium Brewery and Tasting Room in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, this hard cider is hazy and dry and finishes with delicious notes of sweetness that you'll be thinking about for days. And, of course, it's made with locally sourced, freshly pressed apples.

Another thing you'll want to taste fresh before leaving Barthel's is their famous apple cider donuts. Dusted with cinnamon and sugar, these spicy-sweet delights are the stuff dreams are made of.

That's not the only pastry offered at Barthel Fruit Farms, however. You'll want to bring an appetite for the scones, apple crisps, muffins, cheesecakes, and more. With all of that deliciousness, you might want to bring a cooler along with you. We love this one from REI, which can be worn as a backpack.

If you're looking for something savory to offset all that sweetness, this spot is so unique that you've probably never had a meal like it. It serves Nepalese cuisine and is just a six minute drive away!