Did someone say “cider doughnuts?”
Pumpkin season is here and one of the best ways to celebrate is by heading to a farm for a fall festival. The NYC suburbs are filled with pick-you-own pumpkin patches and farm stores selling baked goods (we can practically taste an apple pie already).
Take a break in between town tours to visit a farm or two– and don’t skip out on those apple cider donuts…
New Jersey
Abma’s Farm (Wyckoff, NJ)
Abma’s Farm offers hayride packages complete with a visit to the barnyard zoo and pumpkin patch. This farm has been run by the same family for five generations and is open every day except Sundays.
A 200-year-old barn now serves as the farm’s scratch kitchen and if you visit the market you’ll be able to head home with scones, pies, muffins and more fresh-baked goodness. Farm fresh produce, eggs and poultry are also available for sale and you may want to consider joining the CSA if you settle nearby.
Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)
For classic fall traditions, it’s hard to beat Demarest Farms. This family-run farm has been around since 1886 and is a go-to for Hillsdale locals wanting to pick their own apples, peaches or pumpkins. The market also sells apple cider donuts, fresh produce and vibrant flowers. Another reason we love this farm? They host tons of events like birthday parties and a Halloween Light Show.
Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ)
Live music, an on-site winery, pick-your-own flowers and a market where you can buy jugs of apple cider – this 250-acre farm has it all. For families with little ones, the Family Fun Weekends make for a great outing. Buy tickets online in advance to save $3 and get ready for pony rides, pumpkin painting, corn mazes and more.
Lee Turkey Farm (East Windsor, NJ)
For over 80 years this farm has raised turkeys and many local families make it a tradition to buy their Thanksgiving bird straight from the farm. The frozen oven-ready turkeys may be what the farm is best known for, but there are plenty of other fall adventures to be had here. Take a farm tour to learn more about the history and day-to-day operations or pick your own produce. On your way out, stop by the market to stock up on some additional seasonal veggies.
Wightman Farms (Morristown, NJ)
The fall festival kicks off in early September and visitors can test their directional skills in the giant corn maze, go on a relaxed hayride or pick apples straight from the orchard. Stop by the farm store to grab a salad or sandwich to enjoy in the scenic picnic area.
If you visit on a weekend after September 24, you can try your hand at the pumpkin slingshot. And if you end up moving to Morristown, ask about joining the CSA. Boxes include both fresh produce and prepared foods – like corn and macaroni salad.
Westchester
Fable: From Farm to Table (Ossining, NY)
This uniquely modern farm gives you the chance to get hands-on experience. Locals can sign up for the FIT (farmers in training) program if they want to learn how to take care of livestock or grow produce. For something more low-key, take a behind-the-scenes farm tour or cooking class. The market, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays, sells seasonal crops, free-range eggs and baked goods from local suppliers.
Home of the “Legend” (Irvington, NY)
Step into the storybook with a visit to Sleepy Hollow. Touring Washington Irving’s home is an annual tradition for many locals. Book tickets online in advance to learn more about the iconic American ghost story. In addition to taking a tour, you can watch a live performance of Sleepy Hollow on select nights.
Thompson’s Cider Mill (Croton-on-Hudson, NY)
This apple orchard dates back to the 1870s and today guests can visit the farm to try hard cider made from heirloom apples. The red barn makes for a great fall-themed photo op and you can also pick up locally-made pies, maple syrup and apple cider donuts.
If you’re planning a full day of Westchester fall fun, consider visiting this farm before going to the nearby Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Buy tickets online early (they do sell out) so you can experience this popular walk-through attraction filled with thousands of carved pumpkins and synchronized sounds.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
This year is the farm’s 107th season and this continues to be one of the best pick-your-own farms around. Peaches and apples are available starting in late August and the pumpkin patch opens in October. There’s a market for donuts, cider, fruit preserves and other local treats. You can even check out the corn maze or make a quick stop at the onsite winery.
Long Island
Schmitt Family Farm Festival (Dix Hills, NY)
Schmitt’s is open weekends from late September through October. This is a great place to stock up on fall decorations like mums and cornstalks or snag some amazing local treats, including fresh-baked pies and homemade doughnuts. Young families love going on the hayrides and there are a variety of pumpkins just waiting to be picked.
Hicks Nursery Fall Festival (Westbury, NY)
From mid September through October 30, this beloved Long Island nursery transforms into a must-see fall destination. Purchase an admission ticket and you’ll get unlimited hayrides plus three seasonal DIY projects.
During the festival, the Country Kitchen sells fruit pies and cider and there’s a food truck offering hot dogs and their famous roasted corn. Little ones can follow the story walk-thru themed to a friendly ghost named Otto. Keep an eye out for a photo op with Otto. On October 18, bring your pet in costume for the annual Pet Halloween Parade.
Fall Farm Festival at White Post Farms (Melville, NY)
There’s so much going on during the White Post Farm fall festival it’s no wonder that local families have been coming back year after year for 32 seasons. Visit the animal farm to see the resident giraffe, Patches, and then head out on a sing-a-long hayride or paint your own pumpkin. While you’re here, you might be able to catch a magic show or talent performance that was featured on America’s Got Talent.
Elwood Pumpkin Farm (Huntington, NY)
Starting at the end of September, pumpkins can be picked off the vine at Elwood Pumpkin Farm. There’s a small corn maze perfect for little ones. This farm even sells freshly-cut Christmas trees during the holiday season.
Jericho Cider Mill (Jericho, NY)
This is the place for all things apples. Dating back to 1820, this mill makes apple cider on-site and sells fresh fruit pies made from old family recipes. We recommend grabbing a few extra to stock your freezer – these go fast. Local tip: if you wind up in or around Jericho, keep your eyes open for Jericho Cider Mill Thanksgiving pie presales.
Kerber’s Farm (Huntington, NY)
If Kerber’s Farm sounds familiar you might remember Oprah naming the signature Kerberry Pie as one of her Favorites Things in 2018. This farm also sells a line of products at William Sonoma and Neiman Marcus but there’s nothing better than stopping by and purchasing something from the farm store.
During the fall, sign up for one of their seasonal workshops. Pumpkin painting, pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin cheesecake classes are offered for adults while kids can learn about Halloween chemistry or bake apple bread.
Connecticut
Sam Bridge Nurseries (Greenwich, CT)
Greenwich locals have kicked off the fall season with a visit to Sam Bridge Nurseries for 90 years. Take a free hayride through the pumpkin patch before picking up a build-your-own scarecrow kit to take home. And if you move to town, come back during the winter holiday season to see live reindeer.
Castle Hill Farm (Newtown, CT)
Castle Hill Farm is a hub of fall fun. Starting October 1, travel through the corn maze, take a hayride and visit the four-acre pumpkin patch to select your soon-to-be Jack O’Lantern. Head to the sunflower stroll for some great pictures and visit the farm stand for baked goods and fresh produce. The annual Halloween festival on October 29 includes trick or treating and a flashlight scavenger hunt in the corn maze.
Silverman’s Farm (Easton, CT)
Looking for pick-you-own in the Connecticut suburbs? Silverman’s Farm offers apple, raspberry, blueberry and peach picking (depending on the season). Visit during a fall weekend for live music, face painting, fresh cider and tractor rides. Want to win a free pumpkin? If you can guess the weight within 2oz it’s yours at no charge. Before heading out, stop by the market to grab some fall decorations or baked goods.
Fall is a great time to explore the suburbs. Reach out today and we’ll help you start planning local town tours – including stops at a fall festival or two.