I don't speak French, but I would start by visiting Scott and his collection of continental apples in MD. I would park my RV at the back of his place and then after eating his apples I would tour the nations capital. Then I would drop down to VA and check out Don's horse manure pile. Heck, I would probably be expected to help haul some. I guess I would then get tired of shoveling s--t and go to TX and see how to operate a greenhouse at fruitnuts "indoor orchard". Likely it would turn out too darn hot and I would head home, stopping at your place applenut to pester you for awhile.

Yes, and after that we would all go to visit our therapists.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

geraldo:

You're welcome here anytime! But this isn't the best time of the year for fruit. I seldom brag about my apples; well there was those Gala in 07.... Anyone is welcome April thru August. Come see if my stonefruit live up to expectations.

The Fruitnut

Funny you mention Hollow Log, I just learned of this variety today and was thinking of requesting my local nurseryman to graft it for me for next year's planting. What do you like about it?

I like Hollow Log because it is an example of an old Southern apple that has dropped out of favor commercially but is still a quality product. Borers got mine two years in a row, but Lee Calhoun lists it as a summer apple of exceptional quality.

Applenut

what? An apple vacation without visiting gravenstein country and hauer pippin country? Sonoma county and Santa cruz county are the apple capitals of California, and they produce world class apples, and they are a lot closer to riverside.

Yes, and then you could also extend the vacation to include the Poison Oak Festival in Columbia and the Garlic Festival in Gilroy. Don't forget to stop by the Salton Sea for a date shake.

Here is a link that might be useful: Poison Oak Festival

just drove down gravenstein hwy today, the roadside apple stands sold a number old heirlooms, for example rhode island greening, king, and Winesap.

Back east: I left the 14th st. NYC farmer's market 1990, but at that time and for some years prior THE folks to buy apples from were if I remember correctly Peter and Elizabeth Phillips. They were spry young pomologists raising a wide variety of heirlooms somewhere within driving distance and used to bring in a BIG truck of various apples and in season peaches of all sorts and other stonefruit, all of which was fantastic. I will never forget seeing the really old and seemingly infirm NYer's suddenly experience a burst of lionine elbowing energy when they spotted the russeted apples - watch out! Elizabeth makes a rhubarb marmalade she will not release the recipe for - I shipped myself a case of it when I moved here, which UPS disappeared. Later I remember seeing them or Elizabeth on Martha Stewart. Maybe things have changed, maybe alot, but that Farmer's Market was what all farmers markets should be, but unfortunately lack the clientele to support. Go if you can and see small farmers making an honest living from providing fantastic produce and animal products ethically raised.

The Annapolis valley in Nova Scotia has an apple blossom festival.... not so much for sampling flavors i guess but might be something for you.