(FAIRMONT) — With fall officially arriving today, local orchards are welcoming visitors for the apple-picking season. Timberlake Orchard opened earlier this month and has about 3,000 apple trees across five acres. Owners say this year’s crop is looking good, with several varieties available, including Honeycrisp, Zestar and SweeTango, along with new varieties such as Pink Lady, Sweet Sixteen and Ambrosia. The orchard has also expanded its store offerings, adding homemade applesauce, coffee and more baked goods. Timberlake Orchard will also have a presence at the Fairmont Farmers Market on Saturdays. Center Creek Orchard opened this past weekend and features about 800 to 1,000 apple trees. Owner Gordy Toupal says the warm weather and rain have produced a good crop with large apples. In addition to apples and pumpkins, Center Creek offers a variety of fall activities, including a corn maze, zip lines, mini golf, hayrides, a super slide and a haunted forest. A new axe-throwing attraction has also been added this year. Center Creek Orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Timberlake Orchard is open several days a week at 176 200th Avenue in Fairmont.
