For an updated list for 2019 of apple picking around NYC, check out The Best Apple-Picking Orchards for Families Near New York City
The colorful autumn foliage is lush, and apples are in their prime, ripe and ready for plucking as it is peak harvesting time. A variety of apples are grown in the tri-state area — including Cortland, Empire, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Rome — and there are numerous family-friendly farms and orchards in the area where you can witness and take part in the harvesting process with your family.
Through late October, orchards offer families the chance to pick their own apples. The orchards and farms also sell cider, homemade baked goods, and offer tried-and-true attractions, like hayrides, petting zoos, and mazes (either hay and corn). The homemade treats could be a great addition to a picnic lunch, which many orchards allow during harvest time. Considering that this is a popular activity amongst families, it is always best to call ahead and confirm hours, apple availability, and attractions that may a-peel to your family.
Here are the best spots for apple picking near the Big Apple:
New York:
• Applewood Orchard [82 Four Corners Rd. in Warwick, NY, (845) 986–1684, www.applewoodorchards.com]
In addition to apple picking, Applewood Orchard offers wagon rides, puppet shows, a country store, and a picnic area.
• Dubois Farms [209 Perksinville Rd. in Highland, NY, (845) 795–4037, www.duboisfarms.com]
In addition to apple picking, Dubois Farms offers pumpkins and fall activities on-site like a corn maze and pony rides.
• Jenkins-Lueken Orchard [69 Yankee Folly Rd. in New Paltz, NY, (845) 255–0999, www.jlorchards.com]
In addition to apple picking, Jenkins-Lueken Orchard offers pumpkin picking and sells apple cider from their own cider mill.
• Masker Orchard [45 Ball Rd. in Warwick, NY, (845) 986–1058, www.maskers.com]
In addition to apple picking, Masker Orchards sells honey, which is quite popular.
• Outhouse Orchards [130 Hardscrabble Rd. in North Salem, NY, (914) 277–3188, www.outhouseorchardsny.com]
In addition to apple picking, Outhouse Orchard offers pumpkin picking and hayrides.
• Stuart’s Farm [62 Granite Springs Rd. in Granite Springs, NY, (914) 245–2784, www.stuartsfarm.com]
In addition to apple picking, Stuart’s Farm offers pumpkin picking and an area for picnics.
New Jersey:
• Mackey’s Orchard [284B County Route 519 in Belvidere, NJ, (908) 475–1507, www.mackeysorchard.com]
In addition to apple picking, Mackey’s Orchard has miniature golf, a greenhouse, a farm stand, and Mackey’s Ice Cream Barn.
• Wightman’s Farms [1111 Mt. Kemble Ave. in Morristown, NJ, (973) 425–9819, www.wightmansfarms.com]
In addition to apple picking, Wightman’s Farms offers pumpkin picking and autumn activities like hay rides and a corn maze.
Connecticut:
• Bishop’s Orchards [1355 Boston Post Rd. in Guilford, CT, (203) 453–2338, www.bishopsorchards.com]
In addition to apple picking, Bishop’s Orchards has a market, winery, bakery, and plant store.
• Silverman’s Farm [451 Sport Hill Rd. in Easton, CT, (203) 261–3306, www.silvermansfarm.com]
In addition to apple picking, Silverman’s Farm offers a hayride and a petting zoo.
If you’re driving, review the route as well as construction notifications and estimated driving time. There will likely be crowds descending upon the orchards and farms during the peak season. Most orchards and farms are well equipped to handle the amount of visitors during the apple-picking season. Whether you own a car, rent one, or use public transportation to make your day trip, this family activity is — at its core — about making wonderful memories (however, leave your pets at home because most farms do not allow four-legged friends).
Apple pie
After you and the kids have visited the orchards and farms, bring your apples home to share with friends and neighbors, as well as make tasty treats — like apple crisp, pie, muffins, and cake. One of my go-to apple pie recipes is here:
INGREDIENTS:
3 to 4 medium apples (Cored, peeled, sliced)
3/4 c raw sugar
1 tsp of cinnamon
½ tsp of nutmeg
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1 store-bought pie shell
DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, add apples, lemon juice, and zest, and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure apples are coated. Pour apple mixture into pie shell. Place topping. (See topping recipe below.)
Bake 400 degrees for 50 minutes.
Topping:
½ c brown sugar
½ c flour
½ c butter (cubed)
Mix together the sugar and flour. Blend in butter with a fork or stand mixer just until the topping is crumbly.
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shniekajohnson.com.
