Deer Run Farms

Was excited to try here since they have chemical-​free apples for u-​pick and the good reviews. Their apples were $ 1/​lb and they had Ida Red and Cortlands. They did warn you that the apples wouldn’t look all that nice, but we had hopes of finding the ‘good ones’ up higher. The Ida Reds were really bad; all of them had bad spots, dimples, or holes. The Cortlands were better, but most of them we didn’t even want to take home. We bought some just for the sake of buying some. I have high hopes for their apples in the future. Hopefully the apples will improve and be better quality and be organic. The apple fritters were yummy, but expensive at 3 for $ 6. We didn’t realize that until we stopped at a couple other places later. The ones here were made to order, thin apple rings with thin coating. The apples they sell bagged in store are not chemical-​free. They had a couple low-​key dogs out and about that were in and out of the store and on the grounds just in case you are with anyone really scared of them. I enjoyed petting one of them since I miss our dog.

This place is way too underrated! The apples they have for «you — pick» are Macintosh, Empire, Idared, Red Delicious, and Cortland. I loved the Macintosh the most and Empire was good too. They have other varieties in their store (Honeycrisp, Autumn crisp etc), as well as baked goods. I smelled the amazing apple fritters but didn’t get a chance to get it. Next time!
I did the you — pick option and it was wonderful! It was a lot of fun, the apple prices were great ($ 0.50/lb!!!), and the apples were chemical-​free! At first I was a little worried that the apple quality would be bad from worms etc. because of the lack of pesticides. I was pleasantly surprised to find many great quality apples (no spots, no holes)!! You just have to reach higher and go through branches. But that’s just part of the experience. :) I highly recommend this place for anyone just looking to pick good, clean apples for a great price! More people needs to support chemical-​free/​organic apple orchards!
The only people I wouldn’t recommend this place to is if you are looking for a very lively place with hay rides, cider tasting etc. That was fine by me since I enjoyed the quiet orchard where I could spent quality time with family!

The original home of the apple fritter!
As outlandish as it may seem, this place touts itself as the home of the original apple fritter. And having tried it, I can attest that it is unique enough to be a distinct possibility.
Compared to the other you-​pick apples in the area, there are only two reasons to come to Deer Run — the apple fritters, and the apple fritters. Made DAILY until 5:30 pm, they’re unlike any apple fritter I’ve had before — and excellent! The fritters are made to order, starting by slicing and coring an apple to create apple rings. The apples are then dipped in batter, deep fried, and rolled in sugar and spice. The result is something like a doughnut with an apple ring in the middle, and it is delicious.
If you’re looking for the idyllic «Disney» roadside country store experience, there are others with a little more gloss and luster. Deer Run is more the authentic experience, with authentically excellent apple fritters. Delicious!