Discover the Fall Favorite at Isom’s Orchard in Athens, Alabama
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better place to celebrate the season than Isom’s Orchard in Athens, Alabama. For over 60 years, this family-owned business has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, serving up delicious fall treats like their famous fresh apple slushies. Yes, you read that right—apple slushies! With temperatures still reaching into the 80s, the refreshing coolness of a slushy is the perfect alternative to hot apple cider.
A Little History
Isom’s Orchard started around 1957 when Joseph Isom decided to turn his hobby of selling fresh produce from his front yard into a full-time business. Today, that humble beginnings has flourished into a sprawling 300-acre orchard that boasts a wide variety of crops and homemade goods, drawing people from all over the state to enjoy the good life that comes with a bountiful harvest.
Mary Alice Blizzard, Joseph Isom’s great-granddaughter, has a deep connection to the orchard, having grown up among the greenery. Now, as the manager, she ensures that the Isom’s legacy continues strong. “We’re known for our peaches, apples, pumpkins, and strawberries,” she said, “but our slushies probably take the cake when it comes to popularity!”
The Delight of Apple Slushies
Do you want to know what makes those apple slushies so special? It all starts with fresh-pressed apple cider made from apples grown right on the orchard. Mary Alice explained that they started making slushies back in 2005 with just two machines, but thanks to social media buzz, they’ve escalated to about ten machines today! “Not long ago, we had a line on the first day of slushy season, and we couldn’t believe how much this little treat had taken off!”
Each week, Isom’s Orchard presses around 500 gallons of apple cider to keep up with the enthusiastic fans of their frosty treat. “We’ll keep slushing until we run out, typically around Thanksgiving,” Mary Alice added. It’s become a tradition for many families to come out and enjoy this delightful drink together.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Your visit to Isom’s Orchard isn’t just limited to tart and tasty slushies, either. While they might not have the big attractions that larger pumpkin patches offer, Mary Alice ensures that families have plenty of ways to enjoy their time there. Kids can have a blast on the scarecrow trail or get lost digging in the corn pit, while parents pick up freshly picked apples, vegetables, and scrumptious homemade baked goods.
Although drought conditions mean no apple picking this year, the orchard remains a haven for community connection and fall fun. “We are all about being a produce market,” Mary Alice emphasized. “We grow fresh fruits and vegetables for our community, and people love to stop by, grab some apples, and enjoy a slushy!”
Plan Your Visit
So if you’re looking for a lovely way to spend a fall day, head on over to Isom’s Orchard, located at 24012 U.S. Highway 72 in Athens. They’re open seven days a week, ready to serve you and your family a refreshing slushy and the taste of freshly grown produce. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page to see what’s available each week!
Enjoy the delights of fall at Isom’s Orchard, where fresh fruit meets family fun, and of course, the coolest slushies around! It’s a perfect little outing for those crisp autumn mornings when you want to get out of the house and enjoy life a little.
