Discover Delmarva: Vessey Orchards
WESTOVER, Md. – Vessey Orchards has been a gathering spot for residents on the Eastern Shore for close to a century, it can be found along the Pocomoke River in Somerset County.
Susan Redden the grand-daughter of the owner’s took WMDT on a tour of the property and showed us some of the offerings one would find throughout your visit. She tells us, you can find “A pick your own apple and peach orchard, and then we have a stand that’s full of your local fruits and vegetables here. We do homemade jams and local honey that is sourced right from here.”
One of the best parts of this Orchard is the variety of products they offer made from their own produce. Redden tells us, the wide variety of apples helps attract people no matter what their apple of preference may be “We have jonathan’s, Stayman’s, red delicious, yellow delicious, fuji apples, all the ones that you would see in your local grocery stores.”
The Stayman apples are the most versatile apple they grow and is the staple of their signature apple cider. The signature apple cider repeats the same process year in and year out for nearly a century. “We use a cider press. An old fashioned cider press that is over 100 years old.” The process is straightforward- the apples go in – are pressed into juice with no preservatives added, keeping it all natural; Pretty simple with one ingredient.
Redden tells us, keeping this apart of the farm helps preserve those family values. “It’s just one of those great wholesome family traditions that I remember when I was a little kid. Now we’re passing it on to the next generation.” The location is picturesque right along the Pocomoke River – it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon along the calm waters. It has some of the freshest fruit you’ll find or a nice glass of apple cider on a cool fall day.
They also have a wide variety of produce if the apples aren’t catching you’re eye “We have red haven peaches, we have white peaches, yellow peaches, we have the freestone, we have the cling. We have a little bit of everything for everyone,” says Redden.
We’re told the weather greatly dictates the yield of the harvest each year “Mother nature is our biggest enemy I think. She’s also the biggest blessing.” With factoring in the extreme heat and drastic swings in precipitation this can alter the harvest and does pose a challenge for the orchard. Running an Orchard is no easy task but keeping the family tradition alive keeps the family motivated to keep going year after year in this little slice of paradise. With nearly a century under their belt they hope to make it another century here along the Pocomoke River
Now Redden says they’re approaching one of their biggest events of the year “Apple Cider Day” where you can watch the 100 year old press in action and enjoy some fresh cider. They’re open 7 days a week throughout the Fall. For more information on their hours and their Apple Cider Day event, check out their website.
And if you make the trip make sure to tell them you saw them on Discover Delmarva.
