Thanksgiving is all about savoring moments with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and gathering around a table filled with comforting food. Here at Lyman Orchards, Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of the year - it's when the air turns crisp, the orchards are golden with late-autumn leaves, and the kitchen is bustling with the cozy scent of pies baking in the oven.

For generations, pies have been a centerpiece of Thanksgiving tables. There's something about a pie that feels like a warm embrace - it's simple, timeless, and always made with love. And it there's one thing that we've learned over the years, it's that a good pie can bring people together. Whether it's the excitement of slicing into a freshly baked apple pie, the nostalgia of a pumpkin pie shared with family, or the rich, nutting sweetness of a pecan pie, each pie has its own story.

Our bakers pour their hearts into every pie, using ingredients from our orchards and local farms. It's a reminder of the land, the seasons, and the people who have come before us, baking pies for their families over the centuries.

One of the special parts of Thanksgiving here at Lyman Orchards is seeing families come back year after year to pick up their pies. Many of our customers tell us that a Lyman pie has been part of their Thanksgiving for as long as they can remember. Some even share stories of their childhood visits to the orchard, when they'd pick apples in the fall with their parents or grandparents - now, they're making those same memories with their own kids.

Beyond pies, Thanksgiving brings a sense of stillness to the orchard, where the trees and fields are settling in for winter. There's a peacefulness that hangs in the air, a reminder of the year gone by and all the things to be grateful for. We love watching families explore the farm market, taking home fresh cider or a few extra apple cider donuts to enjoy with a morning coffee as they prep for the big meal. It's the little things that make Thanksgiving feel so special.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we just want to take a moment to say how thankful we are for our community - for the families who come to Lyman Orchards not just for the pies, but to make memories, share traditions, and be part of our story. From all of us here at Lyman Orchards, we with you a warm, joyful Thanksgiving. May it be filled with good food, great company, and the comforting taste of a slice of pie shared with those you love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, apple cider, and the excitement of picking out the perfect pumpkin. Pumpkin picking is more than just a seasonal activity - it's a cherished tradition for families and pumpkin enthusiasts alike. Whether you're planning to carve a spooky Jack-o'-lantern, bake a delicious pie, or simply decorate your home for the season, pumpkin patches have something for everyone.

The Journey Begins

The moment you arrive at Lyman Orchards in the fall, you're greeted by rows of apple trees, golden leaves, and the crisp, cool air that signals the season in full swing. As you make your way to the pumpkin patch, the excitement builds. You'll see pumpkins of every size and shape, scattered across the field, waiting to be chosen.

The patch is not just a place to pick pumpkins; it's an experience. The scenic orchard setting, with views of surrounding hills painted in fall colors, makes it feel like you've stepped into a postcard. The kids will love running through the patch, trying to find the biggest pumpkin they can carry, while adults might gravitate towards the perfectly round ones for decorating the porch or mantel.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Pumpkin

While it might be tempting to pick the first pumpkin you see, finding the perfect one requires a little bit of thought and a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to guide you on your pumpkin-picking adventure:

1. Size Matters (Sometimes)

When considering the slot monster in the casino gaming world, it’s essential to think about how the size of the jackpot can impact your experience, much like selecting the right pumpkin for your seasonal creations. Just as a larger pumpkin with a smooth surface is ideal for carving a Jack-o'-lantern, a slot monster game with a massive progressive jackpot can provide thrilling excitement and the potential for a big win. However, if you're looking for something more consistent and less chaotic—similar to choosing smaller "pie pumpkins" for baking—opt for slots with stable payouts and rewarding gameplay mechanics. Each choice can lead to a unique experience, whether you're aiming for a spectacular win or enjoying the sweet, steady rewards of a well-chosen game.

2. Check for Firmness

Give your pumpkin a little knock. A ripe, healthy pumpkin will sound hollow. Be sure to check for any soft spots or blemishes - these could mean your pumpkin might not last through the season.

3. Look at the Stem

A strong, green stem is a sign of a fresh pumpkin. The stem is also part of the charm when displaying your pumpkin, so opt for one that is sturdy and intact.

4. Unique Shapes

Don't be afraid to pick a pumpkin that's a bit quirky! Oddly shaped or lumpy pumpkins can add character to your display. If you're going for a fun or spooky theme, these pumpkins make great candidates for creative carvings.

5. Color Choices

While the classic orange pumpkin is always a favorite, Lyman Orchards also offers a variety of pumpkins in different shades, including white, green, and even multi-colored gourds. Mixing colors can create a beautiful and unique fall display for your front porch or table centerpiece.

The Full Lyman Orchards Experience

After you've found your perfect pumpkin, there's so much more to enjoy at Lyman Orchards. Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market to pick up some of their famous apple cider, apple pies, or fresh apple cider donuts. Fall wouldn't be complete without indulging in these orchard treats.

If you're a golfer, why not combine your pumpkin-picking day with a round of golf at Lyman Orchards Golf Club? The rolling hills and fall foliage make for a picturesque backdrop as you hit the fairways.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Every trip to Lyman Orchards is filled with the sights, smells, and tastes of fall, and finding that perfect pumpkin is just one part of the adventure. Whether you're a local or making the trip from out of town, the experience of wandering through their pumpkin patch, surrounded by nature's autumnal beauty, is one you'll want to make a yearly tradition.

So grab your family and friends, put on your favorite fall sweater, and head to Lyman Orchards Pumpkin Patch. Your perfect pumpkin awaits!

Get creative and share your carved pumpkin on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win $150 Gift Card to Lyman Orchards!

Carve a pumpkin before October 28, 2024 and post on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be featured to win!

Here's how to enter:

1. Post a photo on Facebook or Instagram of your carved pumpkin and tag @lymanorchards (& make sure you are following up - we will be checking!)
2. Use the hashtag #lymanpumpkins when posting
3. If you have a private account, screenshot your post and DM us to be entered!
4. All of this must be completed by October 28, 2024 to be entered!

Here's how to win:

1. YOU CHOOSE THE WINNER!
2. Lyman Orchards will gather all submissions and post to their Facebook page on October 29, 2024
3. Voting will run from October 29, 2024 until October 31, 2024
4. You will vote by liking your favorite carved pumpkin submission on Lyman Orchards Facebook
5. The person with the most likes on their photo will win! - make sure to share, tag and encourage friends and family to vote for your submission!
6. All votes must be entered by October 31, 2024
7. Winners will be announced November 1, 2024

There will be three winners:

1st Place will receive a $150 Gift Card to Lyman Orchards

2nd Place will receive Two Free Entrées at 1741 Pub & Grill

3rd Place will receive 2 Free Lyman Orchards Pies at the Apple Barrel Farm Market

Good Luck!

Team-building activities are essential for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and boosting morale in any workplace. While there are numerous ways to engage employees, taking your corporate group through a corn maze offers a unique and exciting opportunity for bonding. Here are a few reasons why navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze can be a perfect team building experience.

1. Encourages Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking

A corn maze is essentially a large puzzle that requires team to think critically and strategically. Employees must work together to decide which paths to take, analyze dead ends, and create solutions to reach the exit. This mirrors the problem-solving required in the workplace, where collaboration is key to overcoming challenges. Employees will practice thinking outside the box and making quick, yet informed decisions.

2. Promotes Communication and Leadership

When exploring the unique experience of the Monkeytilt Casino, effective communication becomes just as crucial as it is in navigating a corn maze. Just as team members must listen to each other's ideas and provide clear directions to avoid frustration, players at Monkeytilt Casino benefit from open dialogue and collaboration, whether they’re strategizing for games or sharing tips on maximizing their chances of winning. This interactive environment not only fosters camaraderie but also allows natural leaders among the players to step up, guiding others through the casino’s vibrant atmosphere and helping develop essential social skills. The fun and engaging nature of the casino transforms the gaming experience into a community event, reminiscent of the teamwork required to successfully maneuver through a corn maze.

3. Builds Trust and Collaboration

Working through a maze requires trust. Team members must rely on one another to make decisions and solve problems, which helps build trust and strengthens relationships within the group. As they navigate obstacles together, employees learn to collaborate more effectively, which translates to smoother teamwork back at the office.

4. Provides a Fun, Relaxing Break from Routine

Corporate life can be stressful, and employees need time to unwind and recharge. A corn maze adventure offers a refreshing escape from the office environment. By getting outdoors and engaging in a light-hearted activity, employees can reduce stress, relax, and return to work feeling more energized and motivated. It's a perfect way to break up the daily routine while still reinforcing important team-building skills.

5. Fosters Creativity

Corn mazes often feature themed designs or hidden surprises that engage participants' creative thinking. This atmosphere sparks innovation and encourages participants to approach challenges from new angles. By allowing employees to solve a unique, fun problem together, you're giving them a chance to unlock new creative solutions that can benefit their work in the long run.

6. Increases Employee Engagement

Hosting a team-building event like a corn maze excursion shows that the company values its employees and wants to invest in their personal and professional growth. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal to the organization. Plus, the memorable experience will give them something positive to talk about long after they've left the maze.

7. Can Be Tailored to Company Goals

Many corn mazes offer opportunities to customize the experience for corporate groups. For example, you could incorporate company-related trivia questions, puzzles, or even branding throughout the maze. This turns the experience into a reflection of the company's culture while also reinforcing organizational goals or values.

8. Supports Local Farms and Agriculture

By organizing a team-building event at a corn maze, you're also supporting local farms and communities. Many corn mazes are located on farms that offer fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. Bringing your group to these venues helps support small businesses and can turn your event into a meaningful experience with a positive impact.

Ready to Strengthen Your Team? Try a Corn Maze!

Taking your corporate group through a corn maze is more than just a fun day out - it's a chance to build strong, cohesive teams that work better together. With opportunities for problem-solving, communication, creativity, and trust-building, a corn maze provides a unique team-building experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Plus, it's an opportunity to get outdoors, have fun, and support local communities. If you're looking for a memorable, impactful way to bring your team closer, a corn maze is the perfect solution!

---

Interested in booking your corporate group to go through Lyman Orchards Corn Maze?

Contact eventsadmin@lymanorchards.com for more information and group pricing. Our Corn Maze season runs Early September to Late October. Interested in going through our Sunflower Maze? Our Sunflower Maze season runs from Late July to Late August.

Check out this year's Corn Maze theme here.

As the summer warmth fades and the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, there's one activity that perfectly captures the essence of the season - apple picking. Late September through early October is prime time for harvesting a variety of apples, from sweet and juicy to tart and crunchy. Whether you're heading to a local orchard for a family outing, or just craving that farm-fresh apple flavor, this is the perfect time to dive into the heart of fall harvest.

The Best Apples of the Season

Right now there are a delightful selection of apples in Connecticut, each variety offering a unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular types that you'll find at Lyman Orchards during this time:

1. Honeycrisp: Known for its perfect balance of sweetness and crisp texture, Honeycrisp apples are a favorite for eating fresh. Their juicy bite makes them ideal for snacking or adding to salads.
2. McIntosh: Slightly tart with a tender texture, McIntosh apples are versatile and excellent for baking, making applesauce, or enjoying on their own.
3. Empire: A hybrid of McIntosh and Red Delicious, these apples offer a sweet-tart flavor with a firm texture, making them perfect for pies or eating fresh.
4. Cortland: This variety holds its shape well in cooking and is less likely to brown quickly, making it great for fruit salads or baking.
5. Golden Delicious: With a mild, sweet flavor and tender flesh, Golden Delicious apples are perfect for both fresh eating and cooking. They hold up well in recipes like crisps and cobblers.

Why Apple Picking Is the Perfect Fall Activity

Apple picking isn't just about the fruit; it's an experience that immerses you in the beauty of autumn. Here's why it's such a beloved seasonal tradition:

• Scenic Surroundings: Most apple orchards are nestled in beautiful, sprawling landscapes that become breathtaking as the leaves start to change. Imagine wandering through rows of apple trees, surrounded by vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows, with the cool breeze carrying the scent of ripening apples.
• Family Fun: Apple picking is a great family-friendly activity. Kids love racing through the orchard to find the perfect apple, and it's a change to connect with nature while enjoying some unplugged time outdoors.
• Farm Fresh: There's something satisfying about eating an apple you've just picked from the tree. It's fresh, flavorful, and Lyman Orchards apples are Eco-Certified.
• Orchard Perks: Many orchards offer more than just apple picking. Lyman Orchards offers a Peanuts themed Corn Maze this year for all Snoopy & Charlie Brown lovers as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and petting farms available on weekends in September and October. Visit the farm market with some seasonal favorites, such as apple cider donuts, apple pies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and pumpkin crumb cakes to enjoy on-site or to take home.

Tips for a Successful Apple Picking Trip

• Dress for the Weather: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking through the orchard.
• Don't Overpick: When exploring the world of LuckyWins Casino, it's easy to get carried away with the excitement of gaming and the thrill of potential wins. Just as one might find themselves picking too many apples from a bountiful tree, players should be mindful of how much they wager and the games they choose. It’s essential to enjoy the experience while also ensuring that you’re only playing with what you can afford to lose. Just like with apples, only indulge in what you can reasonably consume—whether that’s the fun of the games, the enjoyment of cooking up strategies for winning, or storing away your earnings for future play. By balancing enjoyment with responsibility at LuckyWins Casino, players can savor their gaming experience while keeping their finances in check.
• Store Apples Properly: After your trip, store apples in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life. Many apples will last for weeks if stored properly in the fridge or a cool panty. Lyman Orchards has some handy tips and tricks about storing apples that you can read here.

Plan Your Visit

Apple picking season is only a few months long and each variety ranges from 2-4 weeks of availability from start to finish, so plan your trip sooner rather than later. Call Lyman Orchards hotline, 860-349-6015, to see what varieties are in season and ensure there is availability. Like most orchards, Lyman Orchards can get crowded on weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

As summer reaches its peak, there's nothing quite like spending a day outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty and the infectious energy of America's favorite pastime. Nestled in the heart of our local countryside is a unique experience that shows the partnership of two beloved Connecticut attractions: Lyman Orchards & The Hartford Yard Goats, Connecticut's local baseball team.

This enchanting maze isn't just a feast for the eyes with it's 350,000 golden blooms stretching towards the sky; it's a tribute to the spirit of community, sportsmanship, and the simple joys of summer. But the allure doesn't stop with the maze itself - beyond the sunflower walls, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of a sprawling orchard, making this outing one for the books.

The maze is carefully crafted, with paths winding through towering sunflowers that form intricate patterns, including the Hartford Yard Goats logo. It's an instagram-worthy experience at every turn, and fans of all ages will appreciate the clever nods to the team throughout the maze.

As you make your way through the sunflower corridors, you'll encounter numbered posts that match up with our passport, challenging your knowledge of the themed passport you've chosen to help you find your way. These fun trivia spots add an extra layer of excitement to your journey, making it more than just a walk among flowers - it's a playful, educational adventure that brings out the competitive spirit in everyone.

Once you've successfully navigated the maze, you'll find yourself at a vantage point that offers stunning views of the surrounding orchard. This lush landscape, with its rows of fruit-laden tress, provides a tranquil contrast to the vibrant energy of the maze. Visitors are able to pick their own fresh fruits and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

The sunflower maze is open 9am-4:30am daily until August 25th. It's an ideal outing for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy a day immersed in nature. Be sure to bring your camera, as the photo opportunities are endless, and don't forget to stop by the orchard's market for some fresh baked goods to take home.

Whether you're a die-hard Yard Goats fan or simply someone who appreciates the simple pleasures of summer, this sunflower maze is a must-visit. It's a place where the love of baseball and the beauty of nature come together in perfect harmony, offering an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of our community.

So, grab your sunhat, lace up your walking shoes, and head out to explore this one-of-a-kind maze - where every twist and turn brings you closer to the joys of summer.