After a long year of quarantining, people are ecstatic to return to semi-normal lives and take part in fun fall festivities once again. Although Las Vegas is not your typical fall storybook town sprawling with trees of different shades of red, oranges, and yellows, the city has its own charm and local attractions that are perfect to visit when you’re in that cozy autumn mood. 

At the Gilcrease Orchard, one can find that cozy charm and much more. 

Located in North Las Vegas at 7800 N Tenaya Way, Gilcrease Orchard contains 60 acres of fruit trees and vegetables. Visitors can walk down rows of trees picking apples, pears, and other fruits. Vegetables grown in the ground can also be picked as well. Not only does the orchard offer fresh fruits and vegetables, but they make their own food and beverages out of home-grown produce as well. 

Although the type of produce changes throughout the year, it can be argued that the fall season is the orchard’s best. Beginning on September 25, Gilcrease opens its doors to reveal a typical fall tradition: a pumpkin patch!

Upon arrival, visitors can walk through the white picket fence of the establishment to find welcome signs pointing them in the direction of any of the plants they choose. Aligned with the fence are wagons and barrows that guests can use to carry their items. Visitors can then walk down numerous rows of pumpkins of every shape and color. Within the leaves and vines, anyone can find a rare white pumpkin, a green one, or a traditional round orange. 

Once guests have gotten their fill of pumpkins (and can no longer pull their barrows due to the weight of all the delicious fruit), they can stop for a cold apple cider or a box of tasty cinnamon donuts found at stands at the center of the Orchard. 

Made there at the orchard itself, the cider is sweet and fresh and the donuts are warm and have a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. 

Along with the donuts and cider, a number of other sweet treats can be found. Many guests prefer a caramel apple or a bag of kettle corn made there as well. 

The activities and food items are very popular with many people. 

Palo Verde sophomore Paisha Douglas says, “My favorite part about going to the orchard is spending time with my family and friends, and doing fall activities with people I love. I usually have food every time I go, such as the donuts, popcorn, and apple cider.”

Before you leave, don’t forget to take a famous tractor hay ride around the orchard so you can truly discover what the land has to offer. The ride is perfect for children and families who are curious about the number of fruit trees and vegetables that lie within the 60 acres. 

For restless children who are still looking for something to do, they can join the Spooky Sing-a-long Storytime.

Gilcrease Orchard is a perfect place for spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. The orchard is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

It truly is a fan-favorite for Las Vegas locals and a perfect place to get your autumn fix, so if you haven’t stopped by already, be sure to do so soon!