Great Places in the State for Pumpkins and Apples
The following places are recommendations for places to get pumpkins and apples in the state. Note- the Quiet Corner has been mostly (except Eastford) skipped over, look for a separate entry on seasonal places in the Woodstock-Pomfret area in another post.
Apples at one of the state’s many orchards
Buell’s Orchard: Located at 108 Crystal Pond Road in Eastford, this renowned orchard features both apple and pumpkin picking. They will be having their annual Harvest Festival on Columbus Day Weekend which features live music, cider, cider donuts, face painting, and BBQ. http://www.buellsorchard.com/
Holmberg Orchard: Located at 12 Orchard Lane in Gales Ferry (Ledyard)–Holmberg’s had been a destination of mine long before they were producing wine. In the fall my family would often take trips to Holmberg’s to pick up pies, apples, and other seasonal goodies. Since moving out of Connecticut, I had not been to Holmberg’s in years when my mother asked if I would like to accompany her there one day in October. I obliged and was surprised to see their line of wines and hard ciders available. Although I did not indulge in a tasting, I did buy a few bottles of their hard cider. I tried three varieties, the MacIntosh, Cortland, and Russett, and enjoyed all three, but the Russett was my favorite. It had a bit more of a tartness to it. Of course, I also had to pick up a pie, a bag of apples, and white chocolate pops in the shape of a ghost. Holmberg’s offers pick your own pumpkins and apples as well as a visit to their farm market. http://www.holmbergorchards.com/
Burnett’s Country Gardens: Located at Route 85 in Salem, this has been an eastern Connecticut mainstay under its Salem Country Garden moniker. Although not technically able to ‘pick your own, this place offers many pumpkin varietals as well as plants and garden offerings. http://www.burnettscg.com/burnetts-country-gardens.html
Bishop’s Orchards located at 1355 Boston Post Road in Guilford, This orchard and winery’s tasting area is located inside a large supermarket-style store which is Bishop’s Orchards. Although pies and treats are available, this is much more than a farm market. This idea threw me off a bit when first visiting. We decided to visit after a book reading at the Milford Library since this was a convenient stop along the way (right off of exit 57 on Interstate 95) back home. We sampled their different offerings including Happily Impeared, Sachem’s Twilight, and my favorite the blueberry Leete’s Island Blues at their tasting area counter. Bishop’s is also known for their fall activities as well as a pumpkin patch. Their hard cider is also worth a taste. Apples and pumpkins are available to pick along with a slew of fruit in season. http://www.bishopsorchards.com/
Holdridge’s, located at 749 Route 117 in Ledyard. Like Burnett’s, Holdridge’s is also the place to go for garden supplies, but also is a fine place to pick up a pumpkin in the fall. https://www.holdridgegarden.com/
Averill Farm, located at 250 Calhoun Street in Washington Depot, is a prime spot for pick your own apples and a marketplace with pumpkins and other autumn seasonal goods. Averill, which has been in existence since 1746, is also famous for its large pumpkins on display for the public to view and even touch. http://www.averillfarm.com/
Averill Farm
Silverman’s Farm, located at 451 Sport Hill Road in Easton, is a fun pick your own experience. Board the wagon at the bottom near the marketplace and a tractor will pull you up the hillside where the apple picking awaits. Also on site is an animal farm and pick your own pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks. http://www.silvermansfarm.com/
Lyman Orchards, located at 32 Reeds Gap in Middlefield, includes not only pick your own apples and pumpkins, but also a sunflower maze and a corn maze to get lost in. The orchard also owns three challenging golf courses to choose from on-site. (Note- this gets VERY crowded in prime season on weekends) http://lymanorchards.com/
Belltown Hill Orchards, located at 483 Matson Hill Road in Glastonbury, features pick your own pumpkins and apples as well as a substantial farm market. www.belltownhillorchards.com
Maple Lane Farms, located at 57 NW Corner Road in Preston, typically has pumpkins and apples to pick, but not this year, unfortunately. They do have other seasonal fruit and Christmas trees available in season. Make sure to try their superb black currant juice, A Currant Affair. http://www.maplelanefarm.com
Make sure to cross off these places on your fall checklist!
