Fall is now official; apple picking season has begun. Load up the kids and head east for Marine, Illinois, destination; Mills Apple Farm. The Mills Apple Farm is open every Saturday and Sunday in September and October. You’ll find 15 varieties of apples, both picked and pick-your-own.  Call ahead to check on the ripeness of your favorite variety or to order a pie (sugar free pies are made to order). The farm store offers apple cider, pies, cookies, preserves, milled soap and alike. Three bag sizes are available; Bushel/21 lbs., Peck/10 lbs. & ½ Peck/5 lbs., grab some from the rack in farm store then catch a ride on the tractor and wagon to the orchard. The orchard is neatly mowed and trees are properly pruned for convenient picking. They actually encourage the pickers to sample the apples (within moderation) in order to determine which variety is right for you. Upon returning to the store, pay for your apples (a modest $1.00/per pound as compared to the others places priced at $1.59) and pick up some fresh bakery items. The bakery is in the same building and is completely visible for those interested in that. There is a picnic area and play ground with a petting zoo for the little ones. What ever you do, don’t fill up on apples because Diamond Mineral Springs restaurant is just three miles due east of Mills.

     At Diamond Mineral Springs you will see young families, retired folks, large groups as well as antique car clubs or week-end bikers who display Missouri license plates in the parking lot. The reasonably priced family style dinners have kept them coming back for over 117 years. My first visit to DMS was very memorable although it was 29 years ago. It was the day when I bought my first real car, a 1980 Ford Bronco, from a dealer in Greenville, Illinois.  Afterwards our family met friends; the Anthony family, from Greenville at DMS for supper, I’ve been going back ever since. Johnny Rabbitt goes way back to the beginnings for this issue of Inside St. Louis. 

      Mark and Judy Hartman conquered “The World’s Longest Yard Sale” and bring us back the story, images and Insider Tips in Road Trip.

 Check it all out at www.antiquewhs.com.