I guess I’m a little late. The apple picking season has come and gone for 2020. Quite honestly, some places did not open this year and others had firm restrictions. No matter what though, even in late fall, most of these spots offer a fun fall excursion. With farm markets, cider, and doughnuts, these stay active throughout the season. Overall though, these orchards are some of my favorite spots for apple picking in New England.
Woodstock Orchards
Most that venture to the Quiet Corner of Connecticut on lazy autumn afternoons are looking for a tangible bite of the season. Woodstock Orchards, located at 494 Route 169 in Woodstock offers just this. Customers can choose to pick-your-own apples (as well as other fruit) or visit the farm market which includes fresh produce, their own apple cider and an assortment of pumpkins and gourds. No trip through the town is complete without a stop here. Oh, and do try the cider doughnuts!
Shelburne Orchards
Shelburne Orchards, in Shelburne, Vermont, is the ultimate apple picking experience. First, you’re in Vermont! A hayride takes visitors to the orchards from the parking lot although the walk is much quicker. The hayride though, including one pulled by Clydesdales instead of a tractor, is the best way to enjoy a visit to the orchard. The hayride drops you off in your desired orchard. The views overlooking Lake Champlain on the horizon are quite stunning. There is also a farm market with treats such as apple cider, doughnuts, and other autumnal goodies. There is also a distillery on site.
Crow Farm
Upon entering Crow Farm in Sandwich, Massachusetts (just off of Route 6A), park your car in the dirt parking lot and proceed to take the hayride up to the orchard. This apple picking experience is old-fashioned and a welcome respite from the overbearing nature of some of the gigantic orchards in Massachusetts. The experience here is pleasant and with a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay beyond the autumn colors of the orchard. It was a nice juxtaposition.
Holmberg Orchards
Holmberg Orchard: Located at 12 Orchard Lane in Gales Ferry (Ledyard), Connecticut–Holmberg’s has 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 a few years back. 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 has a bit more 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.
Going back this year for apple picking, I was first daunted by the crowds. Once parked though, it was easy to find plenty of apples to pick in a row devoid of others. With pumpkins, apple goody, and hard cider to add to my cart, Holmberg was a winner on all accounts. This time, I liked the Hop Cider the best.
Mounce Farm
Mounce Farm is truly a locals-only apple picking experience. It is the antithesis of the spend-a-day-at-the-farm seasonal meccas. Mounce Farm is located at 481 Union Street in Marshfield, Massachusetts (just down the street from the John Little Conservation Area if you want an afternoon twofer). Mounce is strictly apple picking; no haunted houses, petting zoos or cidery here. Pay for your apple bag and go pick. The trees are scattered behind the farmhouse and ladders can be moved to reach the high branches. The only attraction is an old tractor that kids can take a seat on for a picture. Sometimes the most basic is the most rewarding. Mounce Farm is only open on the weekends.
Averill Farm
Averill Farm, located at 250 Calhoun Street in Washington Depot, Connecticut, 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. Even though their pick-your-own season is over, they still have apples to purchase at their farm stand.
Apple Orchards and Fall Fun
Whether you’re looking for a farm stop for the late fall or plan to bookmark this website for next year’s apple picking, you can’t go wrong with these six orchards for apple picking in New England. There are many to choose from throughout the six states and no way is this list comprehensive, but they do represent a few of my favorite spots for apple picking in New England. Remember, you don’t have to throw elbows when trying to pick apples although some of the more well-known and touristy spots may make it seem that way.
For more apple orchards, check out a ride to Woodstock Orchards and a review of some of my favorite orchards and pumpkin patches in the state of Connecticut.
