Local Apple Picking Guide | New Canaan & Darien Moms

Cooler temperatures and sweater weather are here, which means big cups of hot cocoa, school events, and of course APPLE SEASON! Here is a list of the best family friendly recommendations in CT and NY! In addition to apple picking, many of these wonderful farms also offer things like petting zoos, photo op areas, cider mills, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides. While you’re there, pick up a pumpkin too…and you’ll be ready for Halloween as well!

*Be sure to call ahead to confirm what fruits each farm currently has to offer.

Where To Go Apple Picking

Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
(845) 227 -2306
Sunday – Wednesday, 11a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Playground, animals, ice cream stand, gem stone mining, mini golf, concessions, farm stand, Tree Top Adventures Thursday – Sunday, but needs to be reserved online. Music on Friday & Saturday evenings, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. No entry fee (except during festival weekends).

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110 in the White Hills section of Shelton, CT
(203) 926-1098
Bakery open daily, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bishop’s Orchards
1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT
(203) 458-PICK – daily updates
Market & winery

Blue Jay Orchards
125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, CT
(203) 748-0119
Market open daily 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. pumpkin patch beginning September 26 (no wagon rides this year)

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY
Apple picking by reservation on weekends ONLY! Tickets go on sale every Tuesday for the following weekend.
Farm market open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (no fall festival this year)

Lyman Orchards
32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT
(860) 295-3886 – 24-hour hotline
Golf, apple barrel & farm market open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

March Farm
160 Munger Lane, Bethlehem, CT
(203) 266-7721
Market, bakery, playscape, animal yard & corn maze

Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY
(914) 277-3188
Apple picking by reservation ONLY!
Corn maze, farm stand & pumpkin picking

Rogers Orchards
2876 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke, Southington, CT
(203) 879-1206
336 Long Bottom Rd, Southington, CT
(860) 229-4240
Farm store open daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. for in-store shopping and curbside pickup

Silverman’s Farm
451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT
(203) 261-3306
(Bring your walking shoes, there will be no transportation by tractor)
Market open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., animal farm open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY
(914) 245-5111
Open Wednesday – Monday, CLOSED on Tuesdays.
Corn maze, farm market open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., winer & bakery.

Know Before You Go

  • Call ahead to check on conditions and the types of apples available for picking.
  • Dress appropriately for the outdoors and for potentially changing weather conditions. Terrain in orchards is usually grassy and bumpy with hills to climb/come down.
  • If you want to bring your dog, check ahead of time. Some orchards do not allow pets.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera!
  • Definitely bring snacks… many of the orchards are a bit of a drive.

How To Pick The Best Apples

  • Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first.
    Once they’re picked, apples stop ripening.
  • To pick apples directly from a tree, roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist.
  • Don’t throw apples into your basket or bag after picking. Handle them gently to prevent bruising and spoiling.
  • Don’t wash apples until right before using them to keep from spoiling.
  • Keep apples cool after they’re picked to increase their shelf life.

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