When the hot summer weather turns into fresh, cool air and the hilly landscape of Putnam County becomes a vibrant display of red, orange, and gold, it is hard to imagine a more perfect time to go outside and enjoy the season. The autumn in Brewster, New York, and the nearby towns is actually quite magical. Whether it's rows of large apple trees ready for picking or the pleasant smell of cinnamon-sugar cider donuts that have just come out of the fryer, autumn brings with it a feeling of nostalgia and a strong sense of community in our area. For families all over the Hudson Valley, taking a weekend drive along the curvy rural roads to visit local orchards and bakeries is a cherished custom. In order to help you get the most out of this pleasant season, we have created a local guide showing the best places for apple picking, fresh press cider, and delicious autumn treats that are only a short drive from Brewster.
Salinger's Orchard: Freshly Picked Apples and Historic Bakery Delights in Brewster
Salinger's Orchard, located right on Guinea Road, has for many generations been a well-known part of the Brewster community. Situated among 90 acres of attractive rolling hills, this family-run orchard cultivates 26 different kinds of apples so that no matter whether you like a crisp Honeycrisp, a tart Granny Smith or a traditional McIntosh, you will find the perfect harvest available at their farm market. Although the hilly land means that the apples are carefully hand-picked by their committed farm staff and are not available on a pick-your-own basis, visiting their market and bakery is a memorable experience. The bakery, which has been part of the local area for over three decades, offers fresh fruit pies, warm apple cider donuts and seasonal cookies every day. You can also get lunch from their popular blue food bus, which is parked on the lawn, and then enjoy a picnic amid the autumn colours.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard: Crisp Cider and Classic Apple Picking in Nearby North Salem
Right over the town line, just a few minutes south of Brewster, you can find Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, which provides one of the most lively fall festival experiences in the region. Covering 65 acres of beautiful farmland, the farm is a popular choice for the traditional activity of picking your own apples during the months of September and October. Families come to the farm to walk along the sunny rows of the orchard, pick large amounts of fresh fruit, and enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. In addition to apple picking, the farm store carries local honey, meat that has been raised on pastures, and their well-known house-made apple cider donuts. Adults have the option of going to the outdoor seating area to taste Hardscrabble Cider, which is handcrafted on site from the apples grown on the farm. On autumn weekends there is live music, hayrides, and wood-fired food, making Harvest Moon a perfect place to spend an afternoon in the fresh autumn weather.
Outhouse Orchards: Family Traditions, Corn Mazes, and Warm Cider Donuts
Outhouse Orchards, which is situated a short distance from Brewster, is another highly regarded spot that embodies the true essence of autumn. Known for its extensive pumpkin patch and its vibrant farm ambiance, it offers a traditional fall activity for people of all ages. Visitors can take a ride on a hayride pulled by a tractor, challenge their family to go through the complex corn maze, and pick apples themselves directly from the trees. Then head over to The Barn marketplace, where the aroma of spiced cider and hot baked goods is everywhere. The freshly fried apple cider donuts they serve are famous with local residents and go very well with a jug of cold, sweet cider that is pressed right on the farm. It is an ideal place to add to your weekend agenda and to fill your car's trunk with autumn treats.
Fishkill Farms: Eco-Friendly Apple Picking and Artisanal Treasury Cider
A weekend drive northwards towards Hopewell Junction leads you to Fishkill Farms, a historic 270-acre orchard that adheres to eco-friendly and organic farming methods. The farm has a wide pick-your-own programme, so visitors can pick ecological apples, pears, and pumpkins while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding area. Its busy farm shop is a favourite with people who enjoy local foods and carries a variety of artisanal cheeses, preserves made on the farm, and freshly baked fruit pies. You should go to the donut window to get the hot cider donuts, which are made fresh all year round. For adults, a visit to Fishkill Farms would not be complete without going to the Treasury Cider bar, where they serve complex, small-batch hard ciders made directly from apples grown in their own eco-certified orchards.
Brewster Pastry: Old-World French Autumn Tartes and Baked Goods
If you want to find some handcrafted autumn sweets without having to go to a complete orchard, then you need look no further than Brewster Pastry, which is situated right in the middle of Brewster. The bakery, run by a family and headed by Paris-trained Chef Thierry Danvin, offers genuine French bakery skills in the Hudson Valley. In the autumn, Chef Thierry and his staff prepare beautiful seasonal pies, simple fruit tartes, and fine pastries using 100% local New York butter and fresh food from the surrounding area. Starting with spiced apple tartes that have flaky, golden crusts and ending with rich pecan desserts and buttery croissants, all the products on display are made fresh on the premises each day. It's a great local place to get a dessert for a family gathering in the fall or to enjoy a coffee and a pastry in the morning before setting off on a lovely autumn drive.
Vera's Marketplace: Warm Homemade Donuts and Local Putnam Treasures
When you head to the western part of Putnam County to Cold Spring, you'll come upon Vera's Marketplace and Garden Center. Although the shop is famous all year for its fresh produce and imported Italian foods, it turns into an important destination for people who enjoy the fall season looking for some of the finest homemade apple cider donuts in the Hudson Valley. The donuts are baked fresh on the premises all day long and attract visitors from all over the area because of their warm, sugar-coated nature. Together with the cider donuts, Vera's provides a pleasant market atmosphere featuring a variety of local Hudson Valley products such as regional maple syrup, artisanal jams, fresh-pressed cider, and fall garden decorations. A visit to Vera's gives you a nice taste of the small-town character of Putnam County and makes your autumn weekend feel really complete.
Hit the Road for Your Ultimate Autumn Adventure with Brewster Ford
No matter if you're picking apples directly from the branch, exploring a twisting corn maze, or collecting a warm box of cider donuts for Sunday morning, falling in Putnam County provides countless opportunities for you to make lasting memories with your family and friends. By supporting these outstanding local orchards, bakeries, and markets you not only enjoy the finest flavours of the season but also help to strengthen the community ties that make living in Brewster such a special experience.
If you're planning your weekend road trips around Putnam County and further afield, Brewster Ford wants to ensure that your journeys are both comfortable and safe and are prepared for anything the season may have in store. Whether you need a large SUV with plenty of space for carrying pumpkins and crates of apples or a dependable car suited to autumn conditions, our staff is proud to help keep our neighbours on the move. Visit our Brewster showrooms today, fill up your vehicle and make the most of every mile of this lovely season!