You’ve always wanted to take the kids apple picking, but finding an orchard seems a bit tricky. Fortunately, apple orchards are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re actually much more common than you might think! Here are two great websites that will help you locate places to pick apples locally.

Pick-Your-Own.org
Just like the name implies, this convenient website provides information about all of the different ways to pick apples across the country. Simply select our state’s name from the cumulative list, and the site will show you detailed information about the different facilities across the state. The orchards are even separated by county to make it easier to find one locally.

Local Harvest
This is a go-to site for all types of organic and local food information, but it’s also very beneficial for finding and researching information about apple orchards. Local Harvest’s interactive map enables you to browse by wide areas, and the site also offers information about upcoming events at the orchards. Once you find the closest place to pick apples, check the ratings from other members and read a full description of all of its facilities.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Jeff Kubina

The Shops at Riverside is a modern shopping center that offers a wide variety of national retailers that people of all ages can enjoy. There’s nothing more satisfying that finding a great deal on a new jacket or that pair of jeans that you’ve had your eye on, and there are always bargains just like that at this popular mall in Hackensack.

Visit clothing stores like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and H&M, or stop into the mall’s staple department stores, like Bloomingdale's. Designers like Tory Burch, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton all have a home here, while the little ones will enjoy shopping at Gymboree and Pottery Barn Kids. After you’re done shopping, refuel with a meal at The Cheesecake Factory or Au Bon Pain.

For a full list of stores and upcoming sales, visit the Shops at Riverside website.

The Shops at Riverside
390 Hackensack Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-riverside

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr …love Maegan

It's time to take out my Northface even though I was trying to delay it.