Delicious Orchards Celebrates 100 Years

It could be argued that autumn is one of the best seasons of the year, complete with seasonal decorations, Halloween, and – of course – autumn festivals.

of Colts Neck knows this, which is why they opened their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 for their very own Apple Festival. In celebration of their 100 years in the community, the festival featured a showing of classic cars, clowns, games and live music.

Of course, Delicious Orchards was also selling their famous pies, along with other classics such as apple fritters, apple ice cream and apple cider. Missed your chance for an apple fritter? Don’t worry, the Fritter Shack is open every Saturday and Sunday, complete with caramel, honey, chocolate sauce or powdered sugar.

Chef Tony Merola was there giving out samples of his culinary endeavors, while other vendors such as Cabot Cheese were handing out their own treats. The farm’s beekeeper was also in attendance, answering questions about the honey, bees and the bee hive.

Delicious Orchards originally opened in 1911, and soon became more than 110 acres under the ownership of the Barclay family. Creating a roadside apple stand in 1959, the stand soon became a 1,200 sq. ft. store, expanding even more over the years into what you know and love today.

Delicious Orchards is now owned by Bill McDonald and his wife Linda, along with their four children Keri, Erin, Mike and Chris. The store currently brings in more than 2.5 million people each year, with 250 employees and 3,000 vendors selling their products.

Delicious Orchards also has pumpkins and other autumn decorations for sale. 

The Apple Festival reminded everyone that autumn is on our doorstep.