Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming has been a working farm for over 100 years. The founder, Charles Frederick Fifer, moved his family to Kent County in 1919, seeking fertile ground to grow his fruit and vegetable crops. It turned into so much more than a simple apple orchard in Delaware.

Delaware's sandy, well-draining soil and moderate climate make for a great growing season for a variety of crops, including peaches, pears, grapes, apples, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, lima beans, asparagus, strawberries, and much more.

When Charles first founded Fifer Orchards, Delaware was in the midst of a devastating peach "yellows" plague that threatened farmers in the top peach-growing state. Many farms never recovered from the disease's devastation, and that marked the beginning of a decline in Delaware agriculture. The railroads saved the day, and demand for canning fruits and vegetables revived the industry. By the 1950s, interstate trucking took over, and southern states began to reign supreme when it came to fruits and vegetables. Most Delaware fruit and vegetable farmers began to switch over to crops and of course, poultry.

Through all of these years, though Fifer Orchards has continued to be an important farm in Kent County, where locals could pick their own fruits and vegetables all season. Fifer Orchards still produce a variety of crops, such as asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom varieties, apples, pumpkins, and more. Almost every one of these is open for pick-your-own.

When fall starts to change the leaves and chill the air, there's no better place for apple picking in Delaware than Fifer Orchards.

You can find the farm at 1919 Allabands Mill Road

Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934

This photograph shows Fifer Orchards in the 1930s.

Apple picking has been a fall tradition in Delaware for generations, and Fifer Orchards has been a popular destination for over 100 years.

Today, modern machinery makes apple picking in Delaware a family-friendly event.

Tractor-pulled hay rides will take you and your group out to the orchards at the beginning of your day.

These Pink Lady apples are just one variety of the many that Fifer grows.

Honeycrisp, Jonamac, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Rambo, and Gala are all available at Fifer, and if you pay attention to the schedule, you can plan to pick some of each type.

Apple picking is an activity that the whole family can enjoy.

You can lift up your littlest family members to reach the highest apples or let them pick from the lower branches. It doesn't matter where they grow - everything that comes off of a Fifer tree is delicious and fresh.

At the end of the day, you'll have a bucket full of delicious, crisp apples.

What will you do with them all? I love to make apple pie when I get home from apple picking in Delaware.

Of course, making candy-coated apples is another great option.

Fifer sells pre-made candy apples if you'd like to avoid the mess of making your own. I'm definitely not afraid of the mess, though - to me, nothing is better than a fresh chocolate-covered apple coated in M&Ms or crushed pretzels.

Apple Cider is an apple-picking tradition, too.

Whether you like it hot or chilled, you can get freshly made apple cider from the Fifer Orchards farm store when you're done picking for the day. There's nothing better on a cool Fall afternoon!

Oh wait.. yes there is!

Apple Cider Donuts are the only thing better than apple cider, I think. Fifer's makes them fresh throughout the fall and winter, so pick up a few before you head out on the tractor to fuel your picking adventure.

And of course, pick up a box to bring home.

They'll pair perfectly with your fresh apple pies, or be the best breakfast treat you can offer the kids.

A trip to Fifer's is the best way to spend a fall day in Delaware.

Between the cider donuts, hand-picked apples, and freshly made apple cider, you'll be in the fall spirit by the time you leave.

And it's just about time to embrace that fall spirit!

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisp, and fall in Delaware is about to begin. Visit beautiful, charming Fifer Orchards to kick it off in the best way.

Here are a few tips when visiting Fifer Orchards in this video from Fifer's Farm Store & Kitchen:

There are so many great farms that have existed in this state and many that still do. It really isn't hard to find a great apple orchard in Delaware.

Are you planning to go apple picking in Delaware this fall? If you enjoy the First State's agricultural history, you will fall in love with these 21 beautiful old barns in Delaware. Why not rent an RV and go on a barn-hunting road trip?