The following “CHEW THAT!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information.
“CHEW THAT!”
Jacob’s Orchard
Blaise Doubman
One of my favorite places in Henry County has to be “Jacob’s Orchard”. Located at 4676 N County Rd 75 W just right outside of New Castle, this place holds a special place in my heart. Not only did my family always make several trips here a year but my Grandma Barbra made several trips too where she would always take all of the grandkids for their “special pictures”. If you look over her scrapbooks, there are pictures of all 8 grandkids at Jacob’s Orchard in all phases of our lives. From Elementary School until well into College. Over the years I have gotten to know the staff and family here pretty well and they are some of the nicest people you would ever hope to meet.
You know it is officially “Fall Season” once they start advertising their famous cinnamon apple donuts and apple cider slushies. It could be 100 degrees outside and just hearing and seeing of their opening makes things cooler all of the sudden. See? Did you feel that?
Depending on when you go it could be their blueberry season, their peach season, their apple season or their pumpkin season. Oh and let us not forget their sunflower season, which turns this huge field into a magical sunflower backdrop for some of the most beautiful pictures you can imagine! No matter what “season” you happen to stop in there will alway s be some consistencies. Friendly staff, beautiful scenery, kids activities, apples to buy, certain vegetables, popcorns, Amish goods and of course, their cinnamon apple donuts, which I am a huge fan of!
I have known people to make a special trip just for their donuts! Yes, I will admit to that. You can watch, right there on site, their donuts being handmade, cut, fried and packaged. There is also a sign there saying, “One free sample, per person, per day”. A hidden gem of the place though is there fairly new caramel apple turnovers! I wish I could gift everyone in Henry County one because I am telling you, they are simply quite the most magical and delicious turnovers I have ever had!
Jacob’s Orchard also offers a food truck options on the weekends in August, September and October and offer a variety of delicious foods from hot dogs and hamburgers to wings, pulled pork sandwiches and even pulled pork baked potatoes. They also offer birthday party packages as well as the option to host private events after hours. How fabulous would that be?
Be sure to follow them on Facebook as well as their website for more information on everything I have spoken about here, as well as shipping options, activity dates for the kids and contact information. You can also call them at 765-836-4681. If you decide to visit and I really think that you should, tell them that Blaise and CHEW THAT! sent you there. Eat a free donut for me!