Start a new fall tradition in the suburbs this season.
Looking for a fun weekend in the ‘burbs – and a great way to break up your town tours? Grab a basket and start picking. These farms and orchards are the perfect places to pick your own apples and snag a few fall faves. Apple cider doughnuts, anyone?
Westchester County
#1. Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (North Salem, NY)
Get tickets in advance for apple picking at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard. The pick-your-own season runs from September 10 – October 30. There’s almost nothing better than spending a few hours picking apples from the scenic orchard before enjoying a hayride or stopping by the farm store for cider and donuts. You can even end the afternoon by sipping a hard cider at one of the patio bars while listening to live music.
#2. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
Wilkens Farm starts apple picking in early September and reservations are not required. Check the website for the latest availability – they grow gala, fuji, empire and many other varieties. There’s a corn maze, winery and farm store for snacks and apple cider. Starting October 1 you can also visit the pumpkin patch to find the perfect one to carve.
#3. Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY)
Fishkill Farms offers everything you need for an entire afternoon of fall fun. You’ll find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, food trucks and live music on the weekends. Make a reservation online for apple picking and consider adding on other experiences like pick-your-own flowers or farm yoga. Visit the patio bar to sip hard cider or stroll through the market if you’re looking for locally made gifts. And don’t miss the chance to enjoy some apple cider donuts while you’re here.
New Jersey
#4. Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ)
Pick-your-own Gala, Honeycrisp and McIntosh apples starting September 3. But fruit is just the beginning. You can also pick flowers and gourds or visit the on-site winery for a tasting. On Tuesdays, the orchards offer a Read & Pick Program for little ones that includes storytime and a craft or produce picking activity.
#5. Alstede Farms and Riamede Farm (Chester, NJ)
Chester locals have easy access to two great pick-your-own farms. Head to Alstede Farms for apple picking, live music and a chance to explore the giant sunflower trail. Visit the ice cream stand for seasonal flavors made with fruit straight from the farm.
Riamede Farm, just three miles away, is New Jersey’s oldest pick-your-own farm. The apple-picking tradition has been going strong since 1974. Later in the season, you’ll also be able to grab a pumpkin while you’re here.
#6. Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)
Apple picking season officially started on September 3 at this 135-year-old farm. Reservations are required and after visiting the orchard, stop into the store for mums or baked goods. Stick around for the Halloween Light Show and, after exploring the 32 acres of dazzling displays, find a spot by the fire pit to make s’mores.
#7. Sun High Orchard (Randolph, NJ)
From mid-September, stop by this hidden gem for apple picking and freshly baked pies. It’s a laid-back old-fashioned farm and you might see the farm’s donkey or alpaca wandering around. Find a spot by the market’s fireplace to play checkers or grab some picnic supplies and enjoy a meal on the grounds.
#8. Wightman Farms (Morristown, NJ)
This is a Morristown favorite for weekend apple and peach picking. Farm passes come with access to the orchards and the giant corn maze. Make sure to visit the market for some grab-and-go fare which you can bring to the picnic area – where you’ll also find cornhole and hula hoops. But you’ll have to wait until September 24 if you want to experience the pumpkin slingshot.
#9. Ripple Hill Farm (Basking Ridge, NJ)
This small family-run farm is a great stop if you’re visiting Basking Ridge on a Sunday. Apple picking starts on September 18 and runs through October. While you’re here, pick up some homemade jam from the farm stall.
Long Island
Long Island features more farm stands than orchards, but these can still be great places to pick up fresh apples and other seasonal produce items.
#10. Richters Orchard (Northport, NY)
It’s a tradition for many Northport locals to stop by this 100-year-old farm for fresh-pressed cider and a bag of apple cider donuts. Even though it’s not a pick-you-own experience, it’s a popular standby for seasonal produce.
#11. Schmitt Farms (Melville, NY)
While you may not be able to pick apples at Schmitt Farms they offer pretty much everything else. Stop by for pumpkin, sunflower or vegetable picking and if you’re looking for some Halloween fun, stick around for the haunted house or haunted corn maze. There’s also mini golf and a petting zoo for a not-as-scary experience.
#12. Jericho Cider Mill (Jericho, NY)
For more than 150 years, this mill has been making fresh pressed cider. Join in on the longstanding tradition and stop by for a gallon or two. But fair warning – it’s almost impossible to leave without also grabbing an apple or pumpkin pie.
#13. Youngs Farm (Old Brookville, NY)
This certified-organic 5th generation family farm grows dozens of varieties of fruits and veggies. Step into the farm store for fresh produce and prepared foods, like applesauce and pumpkin soup. Although you can’t pick anything, visitors are welcome to wander the grounds and explore the farm.
#14. Rottkamp Bros Farm (Glen Head, NY)
Fresh produce is available most of the year but during the fall, locals come for the carving pumpkins and decorative corn stalks. You might even be able to pick up freshly harvested kale or kohlrabi during your visit.
Connecticut
#15. Blue Jay Orchards (Bethel, CT)
Located just 30 minutes from Westport, CT, you’ll find Blue Jay Orchards which grows pumpkins and 20+ different apple varieties on their 122+ acre. If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to soak in the beautiful fall foliage. Definitely stop by their market and bakery before you leave to load up on cider, delicious apple pies, apple cider donuts, preserves, honey and more.
#16. Silverman’s Farm (Easton, CT)
Apple picking is already underway for the season but you can check the website to see when certain varieties will be ready for harvest. Apples, cider, eggs, cheese and bread are also available in the farm store. And starting in October if you guess the weight of a pumpkin within 2oz, you’ll get to take it home for free.
Whether you’re considering the NYC suburbs – or somewhere entirely different – we’re here to help. Schedule your free Suburbs Strategy Session today to get things started.