The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from NYC
Fall is here again, and you know what that means. It's apple-picking time! There's nothing better than going to a local orchard and picking your very own fresh, juicy apples to make some of your favorite fall foods, from apple pie to apple cider. Lots of orchards even offer seasonal activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and even petting zoos. We've done our research, and we've made a list of the best apple orchards to visit this fall. So grab a few baskets, take some time to enjoy the countryside, and go get picking!
New Jersey Orchards & Farms
The Giamarese Farm has been family-owned since 1941. On top of their wonderful apple orchard and other fruits and vegetables, they offer lots of fun activities, such as Fall Harvest Weekends, seasonal events, and even group tours. You can also volunteer for Gleanings for the Hungry, which is a program that collects leftover crops after a harvest and then offers them to local schools and charities to help feed the hungry.
Since 1922, the Wightman family has been growing fruits and vegetables at their farm. They grow several types of apples, and some of the biggest Honeycrisp apples we've ever seen! They also offer 4 different kinds of mazes, a rock labyrinth, and a picnic area. This place is only open on weekends, but it's worth it.
Upstate New York Orchards & Farms
Dr. Davies Farm is a real old-fashioned pick-your-own experience. They are open every day from 10-4, and after you spend some time choosing your own juicy apples, you can enjoy their hayrides, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. It's also the perfect place for some new fall family photos!
Much more than just a huge 200-acre apple orchard with 14 varieties of apples, Masker Orchards also has tons of things to do! On weekends and holidays, they offer pony rides, mule-drawn wagon rides, a haunted house, and an apple maze. Plus, on weekends, their snack barn is open, offering pizza, beverages, apple pie by the slice, and donuts. They also have an amazing country store.
Bellinger's Orchard originated in 1930, and they've been growing gorgeous apples ever since. They now boast over 30 different varieties and keep adding more. They also have orchard tours, hayrides, a corn maze, and a hay maze.
While you're reconnecting with nature, make sure to spend some time visiting the local parks and hiking trails, like Trail Station Park. Built on the site of the original headquarters for the Fonda, Johnstown, and Gloversville Railroad, it has plenty of wooded areas that are perfect for a day-hike or a picnic!