For thousands of travellers making their way along Highway 401, a stop at The Big Apple in Colborne has become much more than a quick break from the road.
It has become a tradition.
Located just off the highway, The Big Apple has been welcoming travellers, families and local residents since 1987, growing from a small apple pie bakery into one of Northumberland County’s most recognizable roadside destinations.
And after nearly four decades, the pies are still bringing people through the doors.
The Big Apple says it has now sold million of pies, a milestone that reflects just how popular the Colborne attraction has become with people travelling through the area.
What began as a small bakery has grown into a destination featuring food, shopping, entertainment and a wide variety of complimentary outdoor activities.
Visitors can watch fresh products being made through large windows overlooking the bakery before choosing from an extensive selection of baked goods.
The bakery produces its signature six- and nine-inch pies, Mumble Crumble, Dutch apple pie, apple fritters, fresh breads and pastries, along with other favourites.
One of the popular treats is the Apple Caramel Cheesecake, combining fresh apples, cream cheese and caramel into a dessert that has become a year-round favourite.
And while the apple pie may be what first brings many visitors through the doors, there is much more to The Big Apple.
The property features a Smokehouse restaurant serving ribs, brisket and sides, along with a regular kitchen and food trucks.
There is also a candy, chocolate and ice cream shop, café and apple cider brewery.
The Maple Shack has added another Canadian favourite to the mix, offering Grade A Canadian maple syrup and a variety of maple products and treats.
For families, the attraction extends beyond food.
The Big Apple offers complimentary activities including mini-golf, a petting zoo, ping-pong and a children’s train ride. A new carousel has also been introduced this summer.
The combination of food and family entertainment has helped turn what could have been a simple highway stop into a destination in its own right.
The Big Apple has built its reputation around the slogan, “A little bit of country, a whole lot of fun!”
Quality remains at the heart of the bakery. The business says its handmade pies, breads and pastries are produced without preservatives or artificial flavours, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional baking methods.
Like many Ontario businesses, The Big Apple faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The business has continued to grow, maintaining its position as a popular stop for people travelling along Highway 401.
For some, it is a planned destination. For others, the sight of the familiar Big Apple sign is simply an invitation to pull off the highway and see what is being baked.
Over the years, generations of families have made The Big Apple part of their road trips, stopping for a pie, a meal, ice cream or simply a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the property.
Today, the Colborne attraction remains open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy the bakery, Smokehouse, food trucks, orchard and outdoor grounds, while checking the activities schedule for seasonal events and entertainment.
Whether it is a fresh apple pie, an apple fritter, fresh bread, maple treats or a slice of Apple Caramel Cheesecake, The Big Apple continues to offer plenty of reasons to make the stop.
Million of pies later, the roadside landmark remains a familiar and much-loved part of the Highway 401 experience in Northumberland.
For travellers heading east or west, it is a place where the journey can pause for a little while — and where there is always the possibility of leaving with a pie.
A little bit of country. A whole lot of fun — and a whole lot of pie.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
