Bring your pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters: Fall is truly around the corner. When planning your next fall vacation, consider traveling to a location where you can admire fiery foliage while participating in seasonal outdoor activities like apple picking in the States. Ky, which has become a timeless tradition for families and people of all ages. Across the country, you’ll find hundreds, if not thousands, of places where you can pick your own apples right from the source (read: not the grocery store). Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite apple picking destinations, along with the best orchards and farms: many of which offer additional on-site activities as well as food, apple-themed drinks and festivities to help make the experience more enjoyable. specially.
The Best Way to Pick Apples in America
1. Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Just 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, Hunterdon County, New Jersey is perfect for a fun fall getaway, whether for the day or a whole weekend, with plenty of opportunities for apple picking. During the fall, tourists can choose (pun intended) from options including Melick’s Town Farm. Home to the state’s largest apple grower with 20,000 apple trees spread over more than 650 acres, Melick’s is also known for its fresh-pressed ciders (including ciders for those 21 and up) and its slightly spicy ciders sweet. . . There is also a pumpkin picking service here. Nearby Peterson and Phillips Family Farms also offers apple and pumpkin picking.
2. Southeast Michigan
The third largest producer of apples in the nation, Michigan is home to nearly 15 million apple trees and more than 775 farms and orchards statewide. In southeast Michigan, there are plenty of options. In addition to traditional apple picking, participating in Blake Farms also means access to the petting zoo, cornfield maze, carriage rides and dozens of other activities for the whole family – and adults shouldn’t miss out their solid apple cider. Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill is another great place to check out cider treats and soft cider doughnuts. Plan your visit around September 23-24 to attend the Cider Festival, where visitors can enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and more.
3. Loun County, Virginia
Loudoun County, Virginia is best known as Washington, D.C.’s wine country, but it’s also a great place to visit in the fall, when apple picking season is in full swing. September is apple harvest month at Great Country Farms, which means customers can pick apples while sipping fresh-pressed cider between bites of apple cider donuts. While you’re here, take time to wander the 1.5-acre corn maze, ride a horse-drawn carriage, visit adorable animals, and attend live concerts. Tip: Check out the farm’s events calendar for a full list of can’t-miss fall festivals. Additionally, Crooked Run Orchard, a family-owned business that has been around for more than 200 years, is another spot loved by locals and tourists for its pick-your-own apples.
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN area
There are several apple orchards in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (about half an hour from downtown Minneapolis, which means you won’t have to travel too far!). At dog-friendly Apple Jack Orchards, visitors can choose from 29 varieties of apples, pumpkins and even raspberries. Then, pick up some pastries (scones, nachos and donuts await) and head out to the terrace to admire the views of the water and surrounding fall foliage. You can also pick apples at the Alamode Apple Farm, which dates back to 1848, but don’t leave without visiting the vineyard, visiting the goat farm, tasting cider, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride or taking a hot air balloon ride! Finally, there’s the 250-acre Afton Apple Orchard, home to a 15-acre corn maze and an adorable gift shop selling locally produced treats (apple salsa, anyone?). In addition to pick-your-own apples, the orchard also offers pick-your-own raspberries, pumpkins, squash, squash and corn.
5. Western Massachusetts
Made up of Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties, western Massachusetts makes a great weekend trip from Boston and New York. In the fall, the area transforms into an autumn oasis with beautiful foliage, family-friendly attractions, and of course plenty of apple picking opportunities. Located in the foothills of the Berkshires near the border of upstate New York is Hilltop Orchards, home to more than 30 varieties of apples that are ideal for picking. Once you’ve made your selection, head to the tasting room, winery, or on-site winery. Operated by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown offers Instagram Mable mountain views and more than 100 varieties of apples, making it the perfect place for picking and picnicking.
6. Portland, Oregon metropolitan area
Visitors don’t have to go too far outside of Portland to pick apples: in fact, there are plenty of options in the area. The aptly named Mt View Orchards is worth the 90-minute drive, if not for the 125 varieties of fruit trees, for the panoramic views of Mt. Hood. Once you’re done picking apples, consider staying for a picnic or scenic hayride; otherwise, check out breweries, wineries and tasting rooms serving farm-fresh cider. Nearby is also the more than 100-year-old Kiyokawa Family Orchard, which has stunning mountain views and is well worth a detour on the way back to PDX. However, those wanting to stay a little closer to town should consider Douglas Family Farms on Sauvie Island or Sherwood Orchards, dotted with 1,300 fruit trees.
7. Dutchess County, New York
Dutchess County, in the Hudson Valley, 90 miles north of New York. Barton Orchards offers some of the best apple picking in the area with varieties ranging from Early Gold to Macintosh to Honeycrisp and more, along with an on-site taproom, farmers market, dog park, petting zoo honey and the corn maze. The orchard hosts festivals every weekend until November, so plan your visit accordingly. Fishkill Farm has been growing apples for more than a century; today, visitors can choose from a variety of apples and pumpkins before heading to the on-site cider mill. From mid-September to mid-October, the working farm hosts a weekend Harvest Festival with live music, hay rides, donuts and cider. Other options include Greig Farm (where you can pick apples, feed goats, and hike along scenic trails) and the 100-plus-acre Rose Hill Farm (which dates back to 1798 and has a cider mills as well as vineyards).
8. Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County may be most famous for its wine, but don’t sleep on it because the region is full of apples. The 14-acre solar-powered EARTH seed farm offers three varieties of apples, raspberries and Asian pears that you can pick yourself. Meanwhile, at Apple-A-Day – Ratleff Ranch, guests can also choose from three varieties of apples while enjoying fall-themed treats like freshly baked apple bread. End your visit with a glass of cold-pressed apple juice. Some hotels also offer on-site apple picking services exclusively for guests. For example, The Strand, a luxury boutique hotel in the Russian River Valley, will offer apples to guests through October. Likewise, Mine Farm, a quaint inn surrounded by a wooded forest red and river, have their own supply of apples in the fall. Customers receive bags to easily choose for themselves.
9. Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Less than 50 miles from Philadelphia, beautiful Bucks County is filled with orchards, farms, and beautiful foliage. Shady brook Farm sells locally picked sunflowers, apples and pumpkins. On weekends and select days throughout October, the farm hosts its Fall Festival, which includes a pumpkin patch, a 5-acre corn maze, carriage rides, live music, steamed food and drinks LED and Halloween light show. There’s also an on-site farmers market and a super cozy pub. Tabors Farms offers U-pick sunflowers (until September) and apples (until mid-October), while Solebury Orchards offers scenic carriage rides through the orchards from September to October. 11, that is, in addition to being able to pick your own apples. Finally, there’s Solly’s Farm, where baked goods like fruit cakes and fresh bread are not to be missed.
10. Hendersonville, North Carolina
The town of Hendersonville is located just south of Asheville and is known for its walkable downtown, outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, including apple picking. This destination is home to several must-see orchards, including Justus Orchards, which offers dozens of apple varieties to please every palate, from sweet to tart and everything in between. There’s also apple canyon, a large playground, farm animals, a train ride, and fall festival treats like apple cider donuts, apple fritters, apple cider, and apple cider. Embark on a scenic carriage ride to Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, where visitors can pick apples, pumpkins, grapes, sunflowers and zinnias before or after strolling the corn maze or shooting the cannon apple.
