Get to know the ‘burbs while enjoying some fall family fun.
With tons of orchards, pumpkin patches, and beautiful foliage drives, the NYC suburbs are the place to be when the temperature drops. While you’re exploring, be sure to swing by these popular pick-your-own orchards in a few of our favorite towns.
Westchester County
#1. Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (North Salem, NY)
Harvest Moon Farm is about 50 miles north of Manhattan and offers apple picking by reservation only. While you’re here, stop by the farm stand for some pasture-raised meat or local dairy products.
In addition to apple picking, you can visit Hardscrabble Cider to sip farm-to-bottle hard cider. This micro-cidery run by the orchard offers rotating varieties including Dry and Phunky Peach, and hosts live music and pizza nights on Fridays.
#2. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
This century-old Yorktown Heights farm is a Westchester go-to for picking apples, pumpkins, and peaches. Then, in the winter, the farm flips and becomes a sought-after cut-your-own Christmas tree destination — so be sure to come back pre-holiday.
After picking apples, be sure and stop by the onsite corn maze, then stock up on pressed apple cider, fresh-baked pies and, of course, apple cider donuts.
#3. Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY)
Fishkill Farms is the perfect place to spend a fall day. Make a reservation online to pick apples, pears, or flowers. But that’s just the beginning: the sprawling farm also features a cider bar, farm store, and grill.
Be sure to check the calendar before your visit. The farm hosts a ton of family-friendly events, like Farm Yoga sessions and Fall Harvest Festivals, which include a corn maze and live music.
New Jersey
#4. Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ)
You’ll find this 250-acre Princeton orchard offers plenty of pick-your-own produce including apples, fennel, and tomatoes. This sustainable farm also hosts tons of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Sip a tasting flight while listening to live music and soaking in orchard views at the farm’s winery. For the kids, there’s the Read & Pick Program which includes a farm-focused story, hands-on produce picking, and a craft.
#5. Alstede Farms and Riamede Farm (Chester, NJ)
Check the website before heading to Alstede Farms to see what’s ready for harvest and to purchase pick-your-own tickets. On select weekends check out live music then take the kids on a hayride.
Want to make it a farm crawl? Visit Riamede Farms next. It’s just 3 miles from Alstede Farms and here you can pick apples, pumpkins, or squash from New Jersey’s oldest pick-your-own orchard. Don’t miss the apple cider donuts which you can pre-order online.
#6. Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)
A little over an hour outside of the city sits the 135-year old Demarest Farms. This is a favorite gathering spot for locals during the fall. Not only can you pick your own apples, peaches, and pumpkins, but you can also attend one of the farm’s events — there are plenty happening this season including movie nights, BBQs and even summer camps. Plus there’s a 32-acre Halloween Family Light Show complete with fire pits for S’mores and hot chocolate after you take in the glowing displays.
#7. Sun High Orchard (Randolph, NJ)
If you’re looking for a weekday apple picking spot, consider Sun High Orchard. There’s no admission fee at this family-owned farm so once you arrive, just purchase your bag and start searching for the best apples. In addition to apple picking, you can take the kids to see the farm’s goats and horses or visit the store to purchased fresh baked goods.
#8. Wightman Farms (Morristown, NJ)
Morristown locals can purchase a season pass to visit the Wightman Farm so they can hit this outdoor hotspot again and again. Here, visitors can pick apples, go on a hayride or navigate the corn maze. Want to picnic at the scenic farm? Stop by the farm store for prepared foods or salads which you can enjoy with your freshly harvested apples.
#9. Ripple Hill Farm (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Exploring Basking Ridge on a Sunday? Add a stop to Ripple Hill Farm to your plans. This family-run farm might be lesser known than others on this list but it still has plenty of apple trees for pick-your-own fun.
Ripple Hill only offers apple picking on Sundays in September and October. While you’re here, you can also stock up on some homemade jam or fresh herbs.
Long Island
While there aren’t as many places to pick your own apples in the Long Island suburbs, there are tons of amazing farm stands where you can purchase freshly harvest apples, apple cider, and doughnuts straight from local farmers.
#10. Richters Orchard (Northport, NY)
For more than 100 years, Richters Orchard has sold cider and produce from its barn. Stop by to pick up a gallon of their famous fresh-pressed cider — and we won’t blame you if you leave with a bag or two of their apple cider doughnuts.
#11. Schmitt Farms (Melville, NY)
Schmitt Farms is the place to kick off fall for many Long Island families. This farm puts on an annual fall fest complete with hayrides, Instagram-worthy backdrops, and even a fun mini-golf course. Want to get into the Halloween spirit? There’s even a haunted house on the farm…if you dare.
Before you leave, stop by the farm stand to pick up some apples and head to the pumpkin patch to select your soon-to-be Jack O’Lantern.
#12. Jericho Cider Mill (Jericho, NY)
Step back in time at Jerico Cider Mill. This 150+ year cider mill offers cider by the gallon and half-gallon plus homemade apple, pumpkin, and blueberry pies.
#13. Youngs Farm (Old Brookville, NY)
Browse the selection online before stopping by Youngs Farm to see what is currently available. This farm stand offers goods from the Youngs Family (who have been farming since 1892) plus other local farms. You’ll find everything from banana crunch muffins to spinach soup and ginger gold apples.
#14. Rottkamp Bros Farm (Glen Head, NY)
Glen Head locals can visit this farm stand to stock up on tons of fresh produce. They offer a colorful selection of farm-fresh goods like tomatoes, eggplants, beets, peppers, and corn. During the fall months, you can also pick up a carving pumpkin (or two) when you stop by the market.
Connecticut
#15. Bishop’s Orchards (Guilford, CT)
Bishop’s Orchards sits in the coastal town of Guilford, about two hours from Manhattan. This year-round farm has so much to offer. You can pick apples or pears before winding your way through the corn maze. There’s an ice cream stand, bakery, and a winery. Plus the alpacas, goats, and llamas are always a big hit with the kids.
#16. Silverman’s Farm (Easton, CT)
Depending on the season, Silverman’s Farm offers pick-your-own blueberries, peaches, or raspberries. During the fall months, families flock here to pick some of the farm’s 20+ varieties of apples.
You can also take the kids to the pumpkin patch, animal farm, or country market for some apple cider donuts.
No matter what your family’s priorities are, we’re here to help you find the perfect suburb to fit your needs. Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy session today to get started.