Fall in Oshawa and Durham region is beautiful. We are beyond lucky here that while we are in the big city we don’t need to go far to experience fall in all it’s beauty. Since moving to Courtice six years ago we’ve been to all the local farms countless times – we are literally surrounded by farm fields and one of Bowmanville’s best attractions for families is Watson’s Farm. Watson’s Farm Pick Your Own (https://watsonfarmspyo.ca/) is located right in the heart of Bowmanville (2287 Highway 2) – literally across the road from Walmart. It’s so surreal that we can drive ten minutes and be surrounded by farmers fields and apple orchards. Watson’s Farm PYO is celebrating 50 years in business this year and it’s a great time to check it out!
I chatted with Watson’s PYO about where this awesome farm started and what’s in store for this season. Check it out!
You are absolutely a farm right in the heart of the city. How long has Watson’s PYO been serving the families of Bowmanville and Durham region?
The Owner Paul Watson’s Grand father bought this Farm in 1956. Ted Watson (Paul’s Dad) planted Strawberries in 1969 and then the PYO opened in 1970. Four years later, in 1974, Ted added Raspberries to the PYO and skip ahead another 4 years to 1978 apples were added to the PYO. This is Watson Farm’s 50th year of PYO. In the Summer we have Strawberries, Raspberries, Peas and Beans for PYO and then in the Fall the Apples and Pumpkins will start in October.
Why do you think it’s important for families and children to experience pick your own?
What a great way to bring families together in the Fall. Enjoy the last bit of summer before the winter begins. We believe a PYO experience is a great way to teach kids and families how all these different fruit and vegetables grow and are harvested. We have been striving to make it a yearly family tradition by adding on Photobooth’s and we also offer free tractor rides on the weekends.
New this year, Watson’s Farm PYO has partnered with some amazing local businesses to offer pop-up markets on the weekend! Here’s a little insight into how this started and what makers you can expect to see:
We wanted to give the customers an added experience when coming to Watson Farm’s PYO. Since Pop -Up markets are such a hip new trend we figured why not and how much fun would it not be for people to come pick apples, shop local produce and SHOP some of their favourite local small shops.
Seriously, mark your calenders:
Sept 26/27: Oak and Ben (https://www.oakandben.com/) and Lave Naturals (https://www.lavesoap.com/)
Oct 3/4: Pink Lemon Decor (https://pinklemondecor.ca/) and Aspen Florist (https://www.aspenflorist.ca/)
Thanksgiving weekend – no pop-up makers but Watson’s PYO has teamed up with Algoma Orchards to sell some of their delicious Apple, Pumpkin, and Pecan pies for you to take home for Thanksgiving Dinner!
Oct 17/18: Biscuits to Baskets (https://www.biscuitstobaskets.com/), The Boho Scrunchie Shop (https://www.facebook.com/boho.scrunchie.shop/), 21 Deserts (https://twenty1.ca/en/) and The Gem Next Door (https://www.facebook.com/thegem.nextdoor/)
The details:
I was really impressed by the layout this year at Watson’s Farm. If you’ve been in the past, this year you drive right back to the apple orchard where you are provided a bag to pick (and these reusable bags are pretty awesome). **Make sure to bring your masks** There is no admission charge, and you’re able to fill your bag with as many different types of apples for $40. There are even free tractor rides to the back of the orchard running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We went on a Sunday afternoon and while it was busy there was still tons of space and we basically had our own row to pick from. New this year are some really cute areas where you can snap some photos – I would seriously love to do a photo session here – make sure to take advantage of these!
This fall more than ever Watson’s Farm provides a wonderful experience for families looking to get outside and make amazing fall memories, safely. Go help Watson’s PYO celebrate 50 years of pick your own right in downtown Bowmanville! Apple picking is quickly becoming a yearly tradition for us and my guys are begging to bring their freshly picked apples to school in their lunches.
Have you been to Watson’s? What’s your favourite thing to pick? Comment below and let’s help them celebrate 50 years in our community!
