Apple Picking: The absolute worst Fall activity

Picture this: the leaves are all sorts of fiery colors, and that crisp autumn breeze has you feeling alive. It's the season for fall fun, but let's talk about something that's not all it's cracked up to be: apple picking.

First off, apple picking can empty your wallet faster than you can say "cider." Most orchards charge you just to get in, and then they weigh your apples and charge you for those too. Before you know it, you've spent a small fortune on apples you could've grabbed at the grocery store for way less.

Plus, the physical workout sucks. You're not just casually strolling through an orchard; you're climbing ladders, stretching for apples at the tippy-top, and hauling around bags of the heaviest fruit known to humankind. If you were hoping for a chill day out, think again. You might end up feeling like you ran a marathon.

Then there's the crowd factor. Weekends at the orchard can be a madhouse. Long lines, limited apple options, and a far cry from the peaceful family outing you imagined. Instead, you're rubbing shoulders with strangers and fighting for apples like it's a Black Friday sale.

People often go overboard and pick more apples than they can eat. A lot of those perfectly good apples end up in the trash, contributing to our food waste problem.

In a nutshell, while apple picking sounds idyllic, it's often costly, exhausting, and chaotic. Why not make the most of your autumn days with something more enjoyable and less hassle?

The Toucher & Rich Show, the dynamic radio duo of Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb, isn't your ordinary sports talk show. They share a bond that goes beyond sports; it's their shared love for one thing that's just as captivating - food!

Picture this: Fred and Rich, the two hosts of the highly rated morning show, eagerly awaiting the arrival of food drops at the station. Food drops are like little surprises from local restaurants, delivering mouthwatering dishes right to their studio. It's really a culinary adventure and they invite their listeners along for the ride.

Why is this such a big deal? Well, Fred and Rich's excitement about good food is infectious. When they sink their teeth into a juicy barbecue, indulge in sweet and savory donuts, or explore the rich flavors of Asian cuisine, it's like you're right there with them.

What sets them apart is their ability to blend sports talk seamlessly with the pleasures of everyday life. They're not just discussing scores; they're sharing candid food reviews and animated discussions about their culinary adventures.

So, why do they love food drops so much? It's not just about the food; it's about connecting with their audience in a unique and delicious way. It's a reminder to all of us to savor life's little pleasures, and for Fred and Rich, that means savoring every bite, one delightful dish at a time. Food isn't just nourishment; it's an experience, and these radio hosts bring it to life on the airwaves.

Without further ado, here are the top 8 places that we, at the Toucher & Rich radio program (airing from 6 AM to 10 AM on Boston's Home for sports, 98.5 the Sports Hub), would love to receive food drops from. Feel free to reach out to me, Nick Gemelli, anytime. My contact info is below!

Moe's Southwest Grill, or just Moe's, is a unique fast-food spot with a twist. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, it's not your average chain. Their menu is a Southwestern delight, featuring burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, stacks, burrito bowls, and seasonal homemade salsas that add a burst of flavor. What's really cool is that you get to customize your order. You can add or remove ingredients to make your meal exactly how you like it. And as a bonus, every order comes with a side of chips and salsa. It's a fun and flavorful experience at Moe's!

Located in Byfield, just off Interstate 95, the Rusty Can has a classic Southeastern vibe. You can easily find it by following the smoke coming from behind the pale blue plaza.

Their menu puts a barbecue twist on North Shore favorites. Try the brisket bomb sub or the smoked super beef three-way sandwich. They also have adventurous options like the smoked pork belly melt and smoked meatloaf sandwich.

Check their Instagram for daily specials, and if you visit on Thursdays, you're in for a treat—they pile various meats on nachos. It's a tasty experience!

Did you ever imagine that you'd discover the tastiest donuts in a simple North Shore shop? Well, for six whole decades, Kane's has been serving up a changing menu of about 40 different flavors every day. They've got everything from crème brûlée to lemon chiffon to eggnog. They open at 3:30 in the morning, so if you want to grab some, it's best to get there super early.

Kelly’s Roast Beef, a beloved Revere Beach institution since 1951, is your ultimate destination for quintessential New England delights. Picture this: the sun-kissed beach, the sound of waves, and a plate filled with the most divine lobster rolls, velvety clam chowder, and perfectly crispy fried scallops. It's not just a meal; it's a seaside experience. And if that's not enough to tickle your taste buds, Kelly’s also dishes out classic deli sandwiches like roast beef, Reubens, and pastrami that hit all the right notes.

Now, let's talk about Dom’s Sausage Company in Malden – a spot that's practically legendary for one culinary masterpiece. While they still honor their sausage roots, what really steals the show is their sensational steak tips, generously bathed in Dom's top-secret marinade. People don't just visit Dom’s; they embark on a flavor pilgrimage, traveling all the way from New Hampshire just to bask in the sizzle, inhale the tantalizing aroma, and savor every mouthwatering bite. It's more than food; it's a gastronomic journey you won't soon forget.

Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, Massachusetts, offers a mix of Asian flavors, from Cantonese to Thai. It has different themed dining areas. It was recognized as one of New England's best Chinese restaurants in 2004. Families often celebrate special occasions here, and it's a popular spot for tiki culture fans. The restaurant has been owned by the same family for three generations. Plus, Andy Wong is the BEST!

Buff's, a friendly sports pub in Newton, draws a diverse crowd of all ages and styles. But the real star here is their wings. Among all the wing places in the city, Buff's is famous for serving the best. Their wings are juicy and perfectly seasoned. They keep it simple, serving the wings with classic sides like blue cheese dressing and celery. You can jazz them up with different sauces, but our top pick is the sweet and spicy honey hot sauce. It's a must-try for a flavorful wing experience!

Rosa Mexicano is a special place with a unique vision. When you visit the restaurants, you'll enjoy fancy dining that respects Mexican culture and cooking methods. They serve traditional Mexican dishes and more refined options in a fun and stylish setting. It's a great place for a good time and delicious meals. They dropped food off a few months back and it was SO GOOD! We're big fans of Rosa.

Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.

Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!