If you’re searching for places in New England for apple picking with the family, look no further. Whether that’s apple picking, apple cider, or apple cider doughnuts, the following is a list of some of the region’s best orchards, cider mills, and apple-themed locales. Let’s get ready for your family’s New England apple-themed Backyard Road Trip! For this trip, we’re heading to Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Massachusetts
Crow Farm – Sandwich
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, with a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay beyond the autumn colors of the orchard.
.Elliot Farm – Lakeville
For another of the region’s best apple cider doughnuts, head to Elliot Farm in Lakeville, Massachusetts. Grab some pumpkins and fresh produce along with a few apple cider doughnuts. These are really tasty with the apple cider flavor permeating through.
Hornstra Farm – Norwell
At Backyard Road Trips, we’ve been fans of Hornstra Farms in Norwell, Massachusetts, for a long time. Watch the apple cider doughnuts being made at the farm store and purchase homemade ice cream and milk. These beauties are more petite in size, making them perfect for popping in your mouth without feeling too guilty or too full afterward.
Mounce Farm – Marshfield
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 sit on for a picture. Sometimes the most basic is the most rewarding. Mounce Farm is only open on the weekends.
Connecticut
Averill Farm – Washington Depot
We continue our trip for apples in the Nutmeg State, along with our search for the best doughnuts in Connecticut. We’ve liked Averill Farm for their apples for years, but also head to the farm store for their cider doughnuts.
Clyde’s Cider Mill – Mystic
Although autumn may be more often associated with the northwestern and northeastern corners of the state, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill in Mystic is a must-visit once the leaves turn red and gold. Visit during their season, from September through December, for cider-making demonstrations, tastings, and the purchase of all things apple. The cider is produced by steam power, which Clydes herald as the oldest and the only such press in the country. Since 1881, the Clyde family, now on its sixth generation, has produced apple cider that has been heralded as the finest in the country. Other gift items are also available to purchase, like fudge, baked apple goodies, and fall decorations. Clyde’s also manufactures its own wine and hard cider, which can be tasted and purchased on the premises. The cider press demonstrations take place in the cider mill, located at the rear of the property, while the main building houses cider and baked goods.
Holmberg Orchards – Ledyard
For many families, picking apples here is an annual tradition. Scale the steep driveway to the sky-high orchard and immerse your afternoon in fall fun. There’s a hay ride to get you to the rows of ripe trees, as well as (stationary) tractors for the kids to climb on. There’s also a bake shop and a pumpkin patch among other festive attractions. Our family has made apple picking at Holmberg Orchards part of our seasonal repertoire for the last few years. Their store is loaded with produce, homemade cider, wines, and lots of sweet treats.
Woodstock Orchards – Woodstock
Most who 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!
Vermont
Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Waterbury
Finally, our September trip for apples continues to the Green Mountain State. In Waterbury, we have to stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Yes, this place is touristy, but I just love it. I’ve been coming here since 1990. The interior engulfs you with the smells of apple cider and baked goods. Pick up a few Vermont-made products, sample some apple cider, and take home a pint with fresh cider doughnuts. (And make sure to watch the video in the back of the store while sipping some cider samples; it has to be the same one I saw as a kid.)
Shelburne Orchards – Shelburne
Shelburne Orchards, in Shelburne, 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.
Apple Festivals
Some of the best apple-themed events in New England are actually apple festivals! Check out these two Connecticut favorites.
Salem Apple Festival – 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. This year it will take place on Saturday, October 25th. Think an apple pancake breakfast, a chance to buy homemade pies, and warm apple fritters.
Southington Apple Harvest Festival – The antithesis of the Salem festival is the Southington Apple Harvest Festival. This year’s two-weekend festival is scheduled for the weekends of October 3, 4, and 5th, and the following 10, 11, and 112th. On Saturday, October 5th the annual parade kicks off at 2:00 PM. This is a huge event, drawing over 100,000 attendees from all over the region! Much more than solely apples, but rides, fireworks, and live entertainment bring the crowds. Free Admission!
With so many apple-related places in New England, this collection in three of the six states should satisfy apple lovers of all kinds. Whether you’re a family looking for a New England apple picking adventure or a solo traveler in the mood for an excellent apple cider doughnut, these locations have you covered!
Want more monthly Backyard Road Trips? Here’s August, July, and June.
