On every last Saturday in October, the Congregational Church of Salem, Connecticut, puts on its annual Salem Apple Festival. This charmer of a celebration is small-town New England at its finest. The festival is located on Route 85 on the land in front of the church which is the municipal center of Salem, along with its library and town hall.
Here for the food, stay for the charm
Unlike many autumnal celebrations, the Salem Apple Festival is genuine. There are no amusement rides, games of chance, or admission fees. Though there are delicious apple products, all made by hand by the parishioners. Come here to buy apple pies, fritters, and plenty of other goodies.
Expect to wait in the apple fritter line for 45 minutes. It’s long but they sure are good. The fried doughy goodness melts in your mouth. The pie line at the community center across the street is also no joke and the excellent pies are often gone by late morning. There’s also an apple breakfast with apple pancakes, bacon, and hotdogs.
Volunteers spend hours getting ready for the big event but the payoff is tremendous. As the funds raised go to the church, not only are customers satisfied with mouthwatering food, but they can also be sure it is going to a good cause.
The Salem Public Library hosts a gigantic Fall Book Fair which coincides with this festival. It’s easy to peruse for hours. It is held at the nearby Salem School. If you’re here through the afternoon, combine it with a trip to Fox Farm Brewery located just down the street on Music Vale Road.
The Salem Apple Festival combines the best of small-town New England with amazing apple goodies and a collegial, welcoming atmosphere held in picturesque Salem, which is only heightened in the fall season. I can’t wait for next year!
