Day Trips

Love Creek Orchards in Medina, Texas, has the only tree-ripe apples available in the U.S. in early July. This year, the farm celebrates its 30-year anniversary as the premier pick-your-own apple orchard in the Hill Country.

Baxter Adams built the orchard on a former goat ranch in the protected valley of the Medina River. He has 500 dwarf apple trees that produce 12 varieties of full-size fruit, but only reach a height of six feet. The harvest goes from July to November. "This year's harvest is going to be a great improvement over last year," says Adams.

Love Creek Orchards also grows peaches and blackberries, which are ready by July. Adams is looking forward to a good crop of figs ripening in early August. He'll have Oriental persimmons this fall. In October, the pumpkin patch opens up to pick-your-own shoppers.

When you're in town, stop by the Apple Store in downtown Medina (population 500). Open seven days a week, it is more than just a gift shop, with a wide variety of condiments and 5-pound apple pies. Out back at the Patio Cafe, it's the sweet jalapeño mustard and fresh buns that make their hamburgers extra special.

Love Creek Orchards is located off TX 16, on the Bandera side of Medina. Picking times run Monday through Friday, 9:30am-4pm. To see what's available, call 830/589-2588 or go to www.lovecreekorchards.com.

1,093rd in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.