The best places to go apple picking near New York City by Asta Thrastardottir and Sarah Schmalbruch on Sep 30, 2015, 12:04 PM Advertisement
Without apples we wouldn’t have some of the best treats out there: apple pie, cider, hard cider, cider donuts — basically all of your fall favorites. So, if you’re looking to get away this weekend, why not spend some time picking apples? We rounded up some of the best places near New York City to get away for the weekend and come home with a bushel full of fall's favorite fruit. Make sure to go before it's too late; apple picking season winds down near the end of October. 1. Applewood Orchards and Winery For those wanting to spend the weekend drinking wine and eating apples, head to Applewood Orchards, which also happens to be a winery. Located in the heart of Hudson Valley, the orchard also has plenty of attractions, including an herb and rose garden, wagon rides, puppet shows, and (of course) freshly pressed apple cider. There is no admission, parking, or entertainment fees — you simply pay for the apples you take. Applewood Orchards is located at 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY 2. Greig Farm Greig's has been open to the public for over 60 years. The farm is open everyday from 9am to 7pm rain or shine, and visitors have their choice of picking both fruits and vegetables depending on the time of year. Currently, the farm is offering blackberries and plenty of apple varieties for picking. Greig also hosts the Hudson Valley Farmer's Market every Saturday in a century-old barn. It's a great opportunity to grab some eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, or flowers to go with whatever you just finished picking. Greig Farm is located on Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 3. Fishkill Farm This apple orchard has been in the same family for nearly 100 years. Fishkill’s mission is to combine the historical identity of the “u-pick” orchard with sustainable farming methods. They have Harvest Festival Weekends all through October, where they offer homemade food, donuts, cider, hayride, and live music. With views of the Catskills, you can relax while listening to live music and eating homemade pies. Plus, you can pick peaches and nectarines if apples aren't your thing. Fishkill Farm is located at 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 4. Barton Orchards Barton Orchards offers 122 acres and 25 varieties of apples, as well as a petting zoo and weekend hayrides for the kids. There's even a haunted house all throughout October. The farm is open from 9am to 5pm every day, and there are multiple dining options on site. Their bakery sells fresh apple cider donuts, there's a kitchen that serves burgers, chili, hot dogs, and more, along with a tap room for adults, and a farm market that includes a fudge counter. There are also plenty of events throughout the year, such as a pumpkin festival. Bartons is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, New York 5. Wright’s Apple Farm This 453-acre farm produces 100,000 bushels of apples annually. They also grow a variety of other fruits, including cherries, peaches, plums, and nectarines The farm also has a roadside farmer's market that's open year-round and a bakery that makes assortments of pies every day — and plenty of pumpkins. Wright’s Apple Farm is located at 669 State Route 208, Gardiner, NY 6. Hurds Family Farm Hurds has been a true family farm for seven generations. Home to more than just apple picking, the farm is a great place to seek out a Christmas tree, find your way through the corn maze, or go for a ride on the cow-train. There are multiple farm-to-table products to choose from at Hurds' stores, and even an apple cafe that sells all kinds of unique snacks featuring apples. Hurds Family Farm is located at 2187 Route 32 Modena, New York 7. Masker Orchards Masker’s has been around for over 100 years and has a 200-acre orchard chock full of apples for the taking. They are located in the middle of the Hudson Valley, and are a good option for young families since they offer plenty of fun options for children, including barnyard baby animals as well as pony and wagon rides. Masker Orchard is located at 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY 8. Stuart’s Fruit Farm Stuart’s has been a family-operated farm since 1828, and grows 14 different varieties of apples for picking in October. They also have hayrides on the weekends and a pumpkin patch so you can enjoy all your favorite fall activities in one place. Stuart’s Fruit Farm is located at 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY SEE ALSO: 33 Things Every New Yorker Should Do This Fall FOLLOW US: BI Travel is on Twitter! |