Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘Fall’

Tastee Apple Celebrates 50th Anniversary

America’s Favorite Caramel Apple

Tastee Apple is located on the banks of the Tuscarawas River in Newcomerstown.

Tastee Apple has been making caramel and chocolate apples since 1974. That’s 50 years of delicious apples being made locally in the small, historic village of Newcomerstown, Ohio at a family owned and operated business started by John Hackenbracht and his son, Greg.

Hackenbracht Orchard was the beginning of it all. John not only owned the orchard but from 1958 to 1976 was manager of the Ohio Fruit Growers so was quite familiar with apples. Son Greg grew up surrounded by 4,000 apple and peach trees so he lived, breathed, and ate fruit growing up. He smiles when recalling, “I always knew what a good apple was supposed to be.”

The seed for a caramel apple business was planted in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until Greg graduated from high school in 1973 that the idea seriously took root. Very few jobs were available at that time and college money was in short supply. John had the perfect solution!

They would start the caramel apple business they had been dreaming about. Greg could work there for six months out of the year and go to college the other six. Tastee Apple, Inc. was officially born!

A variety of Tastee Apples are displayed under their logo.

It all began with one caramel machine and Greg’s personal caramel recipe, which is still used to this day because its smooth taste can’t be beat. That’s why Tastee Apples are called America’s Favorite Caramel Apple. That first year, they made 50,000 dozen caramel apples. Today, they make 50,000 dozen in four days!

Once Greg received his Bachelor Of Science in Marketing/Marketing Management from Bowling Green State University in 1979, he joined Tastee Apple on a full-time basis. During those early years at the plant, Greg worked long hours, seven days a week. Often during the busy season, he fell asleep in a chair at the plant.

John passed away in 2007 knowing that he was leaving the continuation of his legacy in the capable hands of his son, Greg. The family hopes to continue this family tradition of quality products and working conditions for many years to come.

Chad became the president of Tastee Apple in 2022 when his dad, Greg, retired.

Today Tastee Apple continues in the capable hands of a third generation, Greg’s son Chad, who carries on the family tradition after Greg’s retirement in 2022. Prior to returning to the business, Chad enjoyed racing and was a NASCAR champion.

Before returning to Tastee Apple, Chad enjoyed the life of a NASCAR champion.

Today Tastee Apple has 15 full-time employees working all year. However, during the busy apple season from August – October, they employ from 100-160. They treat everyone with kindness, just like they would like to be treated.

Over the last 40 years, Tastee has sold over 250,000,000 apples with candy, chocolate, caramel, and other toppings. This is the only company in the industry certified by the Safe Quality Food Institute. All their apples go through a unique, seven-step rating process to guarantee the quality and freshness of the fruit.

Their dark chocolate, peppermint Gourmet Apple is very popular.

Then perfectly ripe apples are ‘sticked’ and dipped in made from scratch, small batch, kettle cooked caramel or a candy coating. Once cool, they are rolled in gooey toppings like milk, dark, or white chocolate, and then rolled in peanuts, pecans, cookies, or pretzels. The apples are then carefully packaged, stored, and shipped to stores throughout the United States.

Tastee Apple was displayed at the Big Apple in Times Square.

The East Coast is a popular area for their Tastee Apples and New York City has long been a big supporter. Locally, their apples can be found at Walmart and Myers. They also make them for Giant Eagle under a private label.

The Hackenbracht family likes to try new things and over the years have made apple chips, potato chips, sweet potato chips, popcorn balls, and even apple cider. But the Caramel Apple has stood the test of time as a favorite. They have seen a large increase in requests for their Gourmet Apples.

A newer addition this year is Apple Pops, a smaller covered apple.

Every year they come up with some new ideas for their delicious apple treats. This year they have designed Apple Pops, which are just the right size to be convenient for a snack and they are themed for every holiday. A Mystery Box has also been developed that holds a variety of their popular treats.

A sign in front of the business lets locals know when seconds are for sale.

Tastee Apple sells apples with caramel, candy, chocolate, and other toppings. No apple gets the Tastee label unless it is perfect. Those that don’t meet their standards are sold at the plant as “seconds” if the caramel doesn’t cover evenly or the stick isn’t straight!

Tastee Apple, Inc. is located at 60810 Co. Rd. 9, Newcomerstown on the banks of the Tuscarawas River. Bite into a nutritious, mouthwatering Tastee Apple soon. You might want just a slice as their gourmet apples are very large!

Having a successful Tastee Apple business for 50 years shows that the Hackenbracht family knows a good apple when they see one.

Category:

Christmas, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Goodbye Summer! Hello Fall!

This giant ear of corn welcomes you to McDonald's Corn Maze.

This giant ear of corn welcomes you to McDonald’s Corn Maze.

Pumpkins + Corn Maze = Thoughts of Fall

McDonald’s Corn Maze provides the perfect spot for families to discover the spirit of the fall season. In 2006, the corn maze was created with hopes that a few children might be able to enjoy it. Never did they expect that over 3,000 would make their way through the maze that very first year.

The theme each year differs. This year the five-acre corn maze features a cowboy with a lasso standing by a saguaro. Wonder if he’s going to lasso a pumpkin?

A play area along side the corn maze offers many possibilities to explore.

A play area along side the corn maze offers many possibilities to explore.

This is indeed a family affair involving three generations. Jim and Susan McDonald built their home between their parents’ farms on Adamsville Road in Muskingum County. This makes for close family ties and grandparents have opportunity to watch their two grandsons grow up.

Agriculture is their main interest and they want to teach youngsters and adults more about the process of getting food from the farm to the table. Jim lived on a farm all of his life so it was no surprise when he graduated from Ohio State University at their Agricultural Technical Institute with a degree in greenhouse and management production. He opened his first greenhouse the year after he graduated.

All kinds of pumpkins are waiting to be taken home for decorations.

All kinds of pumpkins are waiting to be taken home for decorations. Those in the front are called “Witches Warts”.

There’s no shortage of pumpkins here as McDonald’s has fifteen acres of pumpkins with choices of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Choose from Buckskin, White Pumpkins, or Witches Warts to name a few. They expect to have over 10,000 pumpkins this year as well as a large supply of mums, gourds, and cornstalks. Everything you need for a fantastic fall scene.

Pictures is an overview of the 2015 maze.

Pictured is an overview of the 2015 maze.

They cut the maze in June when the corn was about a foot high. The drawing of the maze scene was placed on a grid, then Susan carefully directed Jim on his mower foot by foot to make it perfect. That’s no small feat in a five acre maze.

Educating students and adults about honey bees is one of Jim's enjoyments.

Educating students and adults about honey bees is one of Jim’s enjoyments.

Affectionately called Old McDonald, Jim has farming in his blood. School groups, 4-H clubs, scout troops and even seniors enjoy his stories about the farm. As you would expect, it’s not unusual for a verse or two of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” to be part of the day’s events.

Maggie the Milk Cow even goes to the county fair for demonstrations on how to milk a cow.

Maggie the Milk Cow goes to the county fair for demonstrations on how to milk a cow.

Today’s children don’t have much opportunity for up-close contact with real farm life. Jim wants them to understand where their food comes from. His enthusiasm about farm life is almost tangible. Even though it’s hard work, it obviously has its rewards as he enjoys telling children about pollination by honey bees, milking a cow, growing pumpkins and why it’s always earth day for a farmer.

This goat stands on top of a large bale of round ray and peers into the plastic pipe used as a slide. Should he or shouldn't he?

This goat stands on top of a large round bale of hay and peers into the plastic pipe used as a slide. Should he or shouldn’t he?

A petting zoo gives everyone a chance to be in contact with different baby animals such as a lamb, goat, duck, pig, or rabbit. Nearby a small playground contains a unique “sandbox” – a round watering tank filled with fifty bushels of shelled corn. There’s also stones to play hopscotch, and a slide made of plastic pipe atop bales of hay.

Take a walk in the Enchanted Forest and discover how early farmers lived.

Take a walk in the Enchanted Forest and discover how Ohio’s first farmers lived.

Then take a leisurely walk through Enchanted Forest and surround yourself with nature. Listen for the special sounds of the woods and learn about the plants that grow there as many have markers with names and uses. Deep in the woods is a teepee, home of Ohio’s first farmers.

McDonald's Greenhouse also has a large assortment of mums to brighten your fall.

McDonald’s Greenhouse also has a large assortment of mums to brighten your fall.

Sometime during your visit, be sure and climb on the hay wagon for a ride through the beautiful countryside filled with autumn leaves. Sit on bales of hay while the tractor pulls you down a path to see the fall season in beautiful Ohio. There’s a small admission price of only $6 per person for the day, but unlimited fun as it includes all activities.

A visit here adds up to a perfect fall experience filled with learning and fun…no ghosts or witches allowed, except for Witches Wart Pumpkins.

McDonald’s Corn Maze is located east of Zanesville, Ohio off I-70. Take Exit 157 (State Route 93) north to 3220 Adamsville Road. It’s only about two and a half miles from the interstate.

Category:

Gardens, Ohio, Uncategorized

Tagged with: