Autumn Adventures in the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Did you know that there Is still time to fully enjoy apple harvest season in New York State? Well there is specifically in Orange County one of the largest apple growing regions! Just an hour’s ride from the “Big Apple,” scenic orchards welcome apple pickers in search of delicious fun now through early November.Applepicking is an experience that bears repeating, and not just year to year. Make frequent visits to compare the early fruit with the later varieties and observe the changing foliage colors throughout the harvest season. Visit multiple orchards; each one is unique. Head to the orchards’ websites at www.OrangeTourism.org to discover where you can drive your car right to an apple tree, have an orchard picnic, see farm animals, let the kids play in a miniature village, ride an apple train, sample apple craft beverages, and more. Plan applepicking adventures until the air grows crisp and the leaves begin to fall, but come soon for your pick of the crop.Recently, I checked out a few farms on a weekend adventure in the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. I rounded up my family and early on a sunny Saturday morning we headed upstate to take in the fall scene. We weren't the only one on the road planning a fall adventure. The drive was easy and comfortable thanks to the safety and tech features in the Traverse..The 2020 Traverse remains more capable, more spacious, more technologically advanced, and totally redesigned for style, safety, strength and efficiency. 3.6L V6 engine is standard across all trims.While heading upstate I tried the Adaptive Cruise Control-Advanced feauture. It is designed to help reduce the need to brake and accelerate by maintaining a preset distance from the vehicle in front of you — even during stop-and-go traffic. This is great in the city and highway!
More drive features that stand out:
Advanced Safety (Adaptive Cruise Control - Advanced,
Automatic Emergency Braking, Intellibeam Auto High Beam
Control, Front Pedestrian Braking)
Convenience (Power Gesture Liftgate w/ Emblem Projection)
When equipped with the available AWD, Normal Mode in Traction Select will switch Traverse to FWD to help improve fuel efficiency.
4x4 Mode (AWD) and Snow Mode (FWD) help to better control when snow and ice make road conditions slippery.
Available on AWD models, Off-Road Mode sends more torque to the rear wheels for improved driving on snow, grass, gravel or loose dirt.
Traverse is the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer a smarter and even more seamless version of the Intelligent Stop/Start, fuel-saving technology.
The 9-speed automatic transmission on the MY 2020 Traverse, offers smooth shifting and improved fuel economy.
IntelliBeam automatic high beam assist
Forward Collision Alert
Following Distance Indicator
Front Pedestrian Braking
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Need tech in your dashboard, the Traverse kept my family connected and proected. With HD Surround Vision and the Rear Camera Mirror, I felt safe knowing that I was able to see everything going on around the vehicle. This is not only helpful when rolling out of your own driveway or to parking anywhere! A lovely luxury was the connectivity, charging was made easier with wireless charging for mobile devices and then keeping the family connected with 4G LTE sevice while driving is a pleasantNow, let's talk space and stoarage.The Traverse is best in-class in the segment with 157.3 cubic feet, max passenger volume. The 2020 Traverse has more cargo space behind the 3rd row seating area than 2019 Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.It's easy to make space as you need it (for people or things) with the Smart Slide seats for easy entry/exit to the 3rd row seating. Ready for your apple picking adventure? Here are some of my families favorite “U-pick” apple orchards in Orange County, N.Y., including:
Pennings Orchard and Farm Market, 169 Route 94, Warwick: Applepicking hours from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. In addition to seasonal apple and peach picking, Penning’s offers a year-round market with fresh local produce and a full-service bar and grill. Relax in the Beer Garden while the kids enjoy the play area. Tastings at the on the on-site Pennings Farm Cidery are available for those aged 21 and older. www.penningsfarmmarket.com
Soons Orchard, 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton: Here, the U-pick 2019 season begins Labor Day weekend. Enjoy special fall activities and shopping in the farm store. Take home some freshly baked apple pie or cider doughnuts from Scotty’s Country Kitchen. Don’t forget the cold fresh-pressed apple cider! Adults can taste hand-crafted hard ciders at the new Orchard Hill Cidery tasting room right next door. Come back for a Speakeasy event or make a reservation for one of their popular farm cooking and dining demonstrations. www.soonsorchards.com
Apple Dave’s Orchard,82 Four Corners Road, Warwick: In addition to 11 varieties of the freshest, juiciest fruit, Apple Dave’s Orchard offers activities the whole family canenjoy. Sample the latest creations from the new distillery, enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, take a wagon ride, visit the farm store, or simply relax by the orchard’s pond or rose garden. They’ll be open daily from Labor Day weekend until late October. www.appledavesorchards.com
Lawrence Farms Orchards, 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh: At Lawrence Farms, pick a variety of produce daily from June through October. According to their online crop schedule, September is applepicking time! Paid admission includes access to the miniature New England-style village with farm yard animals, and Apple Train rides during the fall harvest season. Take in the spectacular views as you relax at one of the picnic tables and savor fresh apple cider donuts, roasted nuts, paninis, and more, from the farm’s concession stand. lawrencefarmsorchards.org
Masker Orchard:45 Ball Road, Warwick: Masker puts a unique spin on the traditional applepicking experience by letting its visitors drive through the orchard and right up to the trees. Bring your picnic gear since you’ll want to spend the whole day relaxing in this expansive 200-acre orchard. Weekend visits include special kid-friendly activities like baby animals, pony rides and wagon rides. www.maskers.com