More than half of the apples produced in the U.S. come from Washington, which has five big apple-producing regions ripe for exploring on a Pacific Northwest trip. In fall, the fruit still hangs in the orchards, poised for plucking. Local stands around Lake Chelan, Yakima Valley, and the Columbia Basin are filled with dozens of varieties, as well as local honey, melons, and squash. Just two hours from Seattle, Yakima is a good place to start. Go to the red barn at
Barrett Orchards, spread across 45 acres and run by fourth-generation farmers. Another great gift of apple countries is their bountiful hard cider. Continue on to
Tieton Ciderworks—one of several cideries in the area and
one of the best in the West—where the drinks are made with heirloom fruit from the owners' Harmony Orchards.