Falling Leaves, Mums and Apples..Fall is in the Air

As the leaves begin to change color and fall and there's an abundance of squirrels with fat checks full of  nuts, my thoughts begin to think of the cooler days ahead and the annual trip my mother and I take to Graves Mountain Lodge. One of the highlights of this day trip is their great food. For the day I forget the healthier route and enjoy some finger licking good country fried chicken and a variety of other mouth watering delights. The other part of the day I look forward during the trip is our stop where we collect bags of apples to bring home for cooking. I never really gave much thought to which are the best for cooking but according to bon appetit the three best are the Honeycrisp, the Mutsu (aka Crispin) and the Pink Lady (Cripps Pink).
Being nutritious and low calorie, eating apples are a great addition to any healthier living lifestyle plan. Since the skin is packed with nutrients, apples are best eaten with the skin. However, due to the use of pesticides by some growers, always thoroughly clean before enjoying. After you read up on the facts of apple nutrition, I hope you'll be like me, seeking out local spots that carry a variety.
My recent find is Nalls Produce, Inc. which the vibrant colors of their plants in the front caught my eyes as I drove by. I was so pleasantly surprised on my first visit to find it was much more than a nursery, as I got out of the car, I was greeted by a rooster and a couple chickens. Along with a beautiful array of mums, asters and other plants, a rooster, chickens and a pig, they also carry locally grown fresh produce. This will definitely become one of my pit stops when I am out in the Alexandria, Virginia area. Please share your special spots so others in your area can enjoy.