Fall is fast approaching, and that means it's almost apple-picking season. As you prepare for the magic of autumn, it's important to create a plan to visit some of the best local orchards that Brewster and its surrounding areas have to offer. At your local Brewster Ford, we love our hometown and all its seasonal beauty. Read on to learn about seven places to pick apples near Brewster, New York.
Salinger's OrchardB
Beginning all the way back in 1901, Salinger's Orchard is currently on its fourth generation of Tim Salingers, with ownership passing down from one Tim to another over the years. Today, this orchard offers seasonal fruits including peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, and cherries along with produce, baked goods, and candies. For apple lovers, you can bask in 18 varieties grown right on the orchard's land.
You can begin picking some apple varieties as soon as the end of August, while others go on all the way until the end of October. If all your picking leaves you hungry, there's no need to worry. Salinger's even offers an adorable cafe serving coffee and fresh-baked apple cider doughnuts, sure to knock your socks off.
Outhouse Orchards
The creatively named Outhouse Orchards is a great stop for any apple lover. Enjoy a fully stocked farm stand complete with farm-grown produce, local honey, maple syrups, jellies, baked goods, ciders, and seasonal decorations. For those who'd like to pick their own fruits, the pick-your-own (PYO) season begins Labor Day weekend with peaches, pears, and apples.
Apples should be on the trees from the beginning of September until the end of October. With the orchard's pre-paid bag policy, you can select how many pounds of apples you'd like to purchase (15- or 25-pound bags are available) and spend as much time as you'd like filling them. Note that reservations are required to pick, so plan ahead before heading out to this local spot.
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
Marvel at the wonder of the Hudson Valley at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard. This hillside orchard features panoramic views of the valley below. Spend the day picking apples, with the season beginning in September and running through October. When you've picked out your perfect apples, you can fill up on fresh and hot cider doughnuts and wash them down with farm-pressed cider. If you're really hungry, you can enjoy barbeque lunch options, or you can simply sit back and relax with the farm's homemade hard cider. Other options for purchase include pies, breads, and other tempting baked goods.
Stuart's Fruit Farm
All year long, the longstanding Stuart's Fruit Farm has something for you and your family to love. During the spring months, you can enjoy farm-fresh flowers and vegetables. In the winter, get ready for the Christmas tree season. But fall is when this spot really shines.
Enjoy apple-picking in the farm's autumn-tinted orchards. For a full experience, you can hop on a hayride and visit the farm stand for produce, cider doughnuts, and other baked goods. This family-operated spot even encourages visitors to bring a picnic basket and spend an entire day looking up at the trees as their colors change. The farm accepts cash and check only, so be prepared. You're going to want to buy a few things here.
Barton Orchards
Barton Orchards is a full-farm experience like nothing you've ever seen before. On top of 175 acres of apple picking, you can satisfy your apple obsession with seasonal pastries and baked goods, including a famous apple cider doughnut sundae sure to make your mouth water. We're hungry just thinking about it.
Stop by the ice cream shop for this and other cool treats, visit the farm stand to grab some produce for later, and grab a glass of local wine, craft beer, or cider at the tap room. If that's not enough to keep you and the entire family busy, there's also a petting zoo, dog park, and playgrounds. Coming soon, the adventurous picker can scale the trees themselves in the orchards' tree top adventure attraction. If you're ready for a full day of apple-based fun, Barton is the place.
Blue Jay Orchards
Offering a staggering 8,000 trees growing over 20 varieties of apple, you're sure to find something delicious at Blue Jay Orchards. Picking begins around Labor Day, with the options only getting sweeter and riper as the season marches forward. You can also enjoy a seasonal farm stand filled with pies, doughnuts, and ciders, along with some thoughtful (and nontraditional) touches like designated picnic areas and photo props for the perfect shot. Enjoy a calm, chill day out in nature with Blue Jay.
Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm
Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, no matter which holiday you choose. The season starts with PYO apples and peaches, moves to pumpkins later in October, then transitions into cut-your-own Christmas trees as the weather cools even further. To make the most of these time-spanning options, check out the farm's three farm markets, filled with pies, ciders, doughnuts, and gifts for everyone on your list. On select September weekends, you can also take a wagon ride through the trees.
Picking officially starts on Sept. 3, and Wilkens recommends that you visit as early in the month as possible to guarantee a good selection. For every adult, expect to pick at least the farm's 1-peck minimum, or 1/2 bushel for 3-4 adults. But this shouldn't be a problem. Take one look at the fully stocked trees above you and get ready to go wild.
So, there you have it. Brewster Ford just listed seven of the best apple orchards around. How'd you find this list? Are you ready to set out and check out a new spot? Contact us today to let us know. We can't wait to hear from our fellow apple fiends.
Photo Credit: in the apple orchard by Jennifer Boyer is licensed with CC BY 2.0
