Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel And Carol LaRussa.
Hi Mel and Carol, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We bought 9 acres 1996We had the orchard graded and installed
A irrigation system 2000. We started planting 2000 to 2010Fuji, gala and honeycrisp trees all half size.
We sold apples to local stores and to Martinelli’s juice. We joined CCOF 2010 to sell organic apples uPick in 2010. Very successful 2015 we Built a Large Barm to handle sales And display apples. We added apple turnovers Honey, Apple butter , lavenders and fresh apple juice
Juice popsicles. Clearview Orchards is open week end only
10 to 4pm. We have mandatory
Parking pass $7 with entry time
In 2020 we purchased 21 acres
To make a parking lot to house 200 cars. And planted another 1000 trees. All mid size mutsu Evercrisp Sweet Maia Red ridge Gala.
The parking is essential. We had cars backed up for 2 hours waiting to park. The parking stoped the wait. We let in 30 cars ever 30 minutes. Each pass has a time to enter .People thank us for
For the parking pass.
The is a wonderful location for families make memories picking apples. It is unique because the tree are 6 feet tall children can reach the apples. No laters and the terrace between the trees have mowed grass like a park.
We have been Certified Organic
16 years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The parking was a problem until we purchased the 21 acres
Covid was hard but very busy
We installed asphalt roads all around the orchard very costly.
2017 Trabing fire. We lost a house a barn tractors equipments
Avocado trees apple trees
As you know, we’re big fans of Clearview Orchards. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We operate a unique apple orchard. Certified Organic 16 years. Family friendly. Trees are 6-7 feet tall so children can pick.
The terraces between trees are mowed grass. The apples varieties are sweet. Ripe apples
Picked from the tree are the best
And they last much longer than a
Store. The parking pass reserves a parking space. No waiting.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The saying if you build it they will come. We are grateful to have 3000 car come to pick and make memories
Pricing:
- Apples all organic. UPick or of the orchard stand
- Honey 1lb $15
- Apple Juice 16 oz $6. Apple pops $2
- Apple turnovers $6.50
- Bunches ,sachets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clearvieworchards.com
- Yelp: Clearview orchards
