Casual Fall: Apple picking and cider donuts around Boston

We just waved goodbye to the last batch of visiting friends this month (all of whom happened to be from CA). Two of them had never set foot on the east coast before, so we made sure to share some of our favorite things to do in New England. There were plenty of fresh lobster and oysters, hot chocolate, long walks around the city, foliage peeping and of course apple picking. This summer was my first time at a berry farm, but visiting apple orchards is a tradition I look forward to every fall.

For a comfy outfit that allows for easily climbing, I started with a formula of casual staples – my favorite dark skinny jeans, chambray shirt, plus as warm leather jacket. This pairing was fine as-is, but I experimented with a striped top (last styled for summer here and here) as an additional layer and rather liked the results. There’s something fun about the hint of chambray as a collar, and the flared peplum hem peeping out from beneath the jacket. A pair of slip-on flats continued the theme of navy and neutrals.

I picked these out at the Natick Mall Sperry opening several months ago, and they are now some of the most functional (especially for rainy day commutes, given the non-slip sole) shoes I own. I tried on most of the classics, but personally loved this more girly “Audrey” style with a lower vamp. My favorite color/material combo (tons of choices) is the cognac leather with navy patent. Patent leather seems to be a little more water resistant, plus is very easy to wipe clean.

I found the size 5s to run a little big, comparable to a 5.5 in most brands. The leather laces go around the back, and can be tied tighter up front for a more snug fit throughout. To prevent the back sides from rubbing my lower ankles, I added heel cushions (as shown here) which worked like a charm. I personally thought this style was a bit more narrow in the toe area, and it did take a day of breaking in before they became very comfortable.

Some orchards offer fresh cider donuts and pressed cider (happy sigh), amongst other treats. This place had a warm apple dumpling a la mode special that day – turned out to be an excellent choice.

The apple picking season around here only goes through late October, but Tougas Farms in Northboro, MA (less than an hour drive from Boston) still had plenty of apples and pumpkins as of last weekend. Admission was $20 for up to 4 people, plus an empty bag that holds at least 10 lbs of apples (a nearby orchard allows 2 adults + 1 child for $16). They are more than ok with munching around as you pick – only rule is if you take a bite, you must not waste the apple!