The Dwyer family visits Owen Orchards every year at this time. They're pleased that it's added an outdoor bar. Adult-friendly apple and pumpkin picking. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Syracuse, N.Y. — For years, moms and dads all over Central New York would load the kids into the minivan and head to a nearby farm to pick pumpkins and apples. This autumn tradition would entail hours chasing the young‘uns through rows of dirt in search of a blemish-free squash for that Halloween’s jack o’lantern.

We’d hoist them up to only to have them drop the best apples onto the ground. We’d treat them to a cup of cider and maybe even a pony ride. All the while, we parents would get nothing but a backache.

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