The Honeycrisp was originally developed in 1974 at the University of Minnesota. It was recently proclaimed the state fruit of Minnesota. More info/trivia can be found via Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeycrisp

This is by far my most favorite apple. Sweet, tart, juicy, crisp, it's the perfect eating apple. It doesn't stand up as well as other varieties for baking or other uses, but nothing comes close, IMO, for an on-the-go snack.

They are expensive right now (if you can find them) because they're out of growing season. The best time to buy them is in the early/mid-fall. In MN, you can routinely get them for under $1.50/lb and at that price, there's not much difference from other varieties in cost.