When you think of fall, no doubt the first food you think of is pumpkin. Dare we say it? We are living in a world saturated with pumpkin! If you're visiting the South Sound this autumn, don't forget that Washington is the largest apple-producing state in the country. Time to embrace the underdog of fall produce with baked apples, apple butter, and yes, the incredible experience of biting into a perfectly crisp and juicy apple just plucked from the tree. We also have options for fermented apples (cider!), launching apples over long distances, and apples in one of their finest forms—the donut.
They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In the South Sound, make sure it falls into your mouth.
Apple Picking
Curran Apple Orchard, University Place
Apple picking is perfect for two types of people: those of us who have always dreamed of putting on our best fall outfit and taking some amazing pictures with apple trees and a basket of apples in the background, and those of us who are there solely for the goods. No matter which type of person you are, Curran Apple Orchard is a must-visit this fall. They have cider pressings where you can sip on fresh cider, and over 200 trees with 15 different types of apples! If you go and love it, they also have an “adopt-a-tree” program where you pick out a tree to “adopt” and it’s reserved for just you and your family for the next season!
Cideries
Cockrell Hard Cider, Puyallup
Family-owned and operated since 2014, Cockrell Hard Cider has been pouring their housemade ciders all crafted with local fruit, most of which is grown right there in the orchard you're sitting in. Their flavors rotate seasonally, but in Autumn you can expect fall flavors like cranberry, warm spices, and traditional plain old apple!
Mill Haus Cider, Eatonville
If you want to feel like you’re sipping cider in a cabin in the woods, Mill Haus Cider is the place for you! Their taphouse is a wooden barn style building in a large area covered in greenery in the heart of Eatonville. Of their 8 taps, you can always find their 5 “everyday favorites” with flavors like cran-raspberry, huckleberry, and their haus dry, and their 3 additional tap rotate with unique seasonal flavors.
Locust Cider, Gig Harbor
Locust Cider is a great option for anyone with kids in tow. They’re a family friendly cider tap house with over 14 different hard ciders, a non-alcoholic cider, and a full food menu. This Locust location is special because it’s also where they do their canning and kegging! Perfect for anyone wanting a behind the scenes peek at the cider industry.
Fierce County Cider, Puyallup
Come enjoy delicious craft cider right where it’s made! At Fierce County Cider, their taphouse doubles as their working cidery, meaning you’re getting the freshest cider possible. With a cozy wood interior, rotating seasonal cider flavors, and local food trucks, what more could you ask for?
Apples: Sipping and Eating
Picha Farms, Puyallup
If warm apple cider and caramel apples are up your alley, be sure to check out Picha Farms. In addition to their delicious apple goods, they also have fun fall activities like corn mazes, hay rides, and even a giant slingshot. Stop by on the weekend and enjoy live local music with your cider!
Pao’s Donut & Coffee Shop, Tacoma
Voted one of the best donut shops in Pierce County, it’s near impossible to make a bad donut selection at Pao’s Donut & Coffee Shop. Our recommendation though? The apple fritters, of course! With a crispy exterior and fluffy apple filled interior, it’s like holding fall in your hands.
Original House of Donuts, Lakewood
Thought to be the first donut shop in all of Washington state, the Original House of Donuts has been making and perfecting their handcrafted donuts since 1959. With almost 50 different donut options available daily, it can be stressful to decide! Let us help: go for the apple fritter, it’s about the size of your head, with a not too sweet glaze and the perfect texture.
Apple Events and Activities
Steilacoom Apple Squeeze, Steilacoom
You won’t want to miss out on the 49th annual Steilacoom Apple Squeeze hosted at the Steilacoom Historical Society on October 6th from 10:00-4:00PM. This event is everything apple: you can hand-press your own cider on historically accurate cider presses, buy cider by the gallon if you don’t want to press it, and indulge in hot cider, cold cider, apple butter, apple fritters, and apple pie. If something can have apple in or on it, it will be there! There will also be local performance and a local craft fair.
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Maris Farms, Buckley
Have you ever wanted to shoot apples out of a hand-held cannon at high speeds? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to go to Maris Farms where they have their famous apple shooters! Come point, aim, and fire apples at various targets and try to get a bullseye.
Meeker Mansion Cider Squeeze, Puyallup
Saturday October 10th, from 10:00-3:00PM come to the Meeker Mansion for a fall extravaganza! Enjoy regular and hard cider, operate an antique cider press, go for hay rides, and learn about the Oregon trail. Each ticket comes with its own half gallon of fresh pressed cider for you to take home with you. Don’t miss out!
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Apples are just the beginning of our fall excitement, and we can barely contain ourselves! Stay tuned for more fall events, activities, and recommendations from us @VisitTacomaPierceCounty or subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss any Pierce County fun!
