Apple picking is one of those fall activities that never grow old. Senior food editor Amy Traverso shares her list of the best apple orchards in New England.
By Amy Traverso
Aug 15 2022
Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, VT | Best Apple Orchards in New England
Photo Credit : SP Reid/Courtesy of Champlain OrchardsLate summer and early autumn is a magical time of year for many reasons, but one of our favorite traditions is the annual trek into the orchard to gather up as many apples as we can carry. Looking for a few good places to pick? Amy Traverso, Yankee senior food editor and author of the award-winning The Apple Lover’s Cookbook, shares her list of best apple orchards for the best apple picking in New England.
First, a caveat: there are hundreds of wonderful orchards in every corner of New England offering not just fresh fruit but everything from cider donuts to hay rides to pumpkins. But as a lover of apple history and diversity, Amy frequents the following spots for the sheer variety of apples on offer—more than 100 different cultivars in some cases. “In the early 1900s, the USDA surveyed apple growers around the country and counted about 14,000 different varieties in production,” she says. “Since then, that number has shrunk dramatically. But these orchards keep this history alive in every sense.”
The apple harvest runs through early November, so don’t miss your chance to seize the season.
Any early season frost in 2023 impacted the apple crops at many New England orchards—please check websites or call ahead to verify fruit availability or scheduling changes.
The view from Alyson’s hilltop orchards is a close second to the one at Gould Hill Farm, with long views to the west toward Vermont. The orchard is run by Homer Dunn, a true-blue New Englander who takes tremendous pleasure and pride in his fruit. He grows all the regular favorites but has a soft spot for rare heirlooms like Ashmead’s Kernel, Hudson’s Golden Gem, Belle de Boskoop, Reine des Reinettes, and Esopus Spitzenburg. The orchard (which also grows peaches, plums, nectarines, and berries) spreads over 450 acres and there’s a seasonal farm stand, plus family-friendly entertainment on weekends. One visit and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite apple orchards in NH.
Is this the most beautiful orchard setting in New England? We certainly haven’t seen another one that matches its 75-mile view, which can spread as far as the White Mountains, making it a natural fit for our list of the best apple orchards in New England. It’s worth coming back just for that. You can also make a project of tasting the seventy-plus apple varieties that Tim and Amy Bassett now grow. One variety particular is worth noting: Hampshire, a tree that sprang up from seed on this very farm and, with its abundant juice and rich flavor, makes a great pie. There’s also live music, a pumpkin patch, a farm store with cider donuts, and a charming little nature museum.
Steve Wood and Louisa Spencer operate two businesses on this beautiful hilltop farm overlooking the Connecticut River Valley: Poverty Lane Orchards, where they grow dozens of antique and unusual apple varieties, and Farnum Hill Ciders, where they make complex ciders from the aforementioned apples. Both are worth exploring for their nuance and quality, whether in the pick-your-own orchards or in the farm stand/tasting room.
This family-owned farm overlooking Lake Champlain is one of the oldest continuously operating orchards in Vermont. Bill Suhr and Andrea Scott grow more than 100 varieties of apples, along with berries and stone fruits, and do so using Integrated Pest Management techniques that minimize the use of pesticides (eight acres are also certified organic). You can stop by the farm’s market, where you’ll find a range of Vermont-grown-and-made products, or pick your own. Can’t make it to Shoreham? You can also enjoy Champlain’s apple and cider tastings at festivals and farmers’ markets around the state. An added bonus: their website offers a wonderfully comprehensive guide to each variety.
This 626-acre property, owned by the non-profit Landmark Trust USA, produces more than 130 varieties of “ecologically grown,” low-spray heirloom and unusual apples, such as Roxbury Russet, Belle de Boskoop, Winter Banana, and Hidden Rose. It also served as the primary location for the filming of the movie Cider House Rules. There are classes on pruning and grafting, apple pie baking, hard cider making. And you can rent any of several historic structures on the property for a weekend getaway—including Rudyard Kipling’s estate, Naulakha, where he wrote “The Jungle Book.”
Six generations, 18 acres, 1200 trees, 57 varieties. These numbers form the broad outline of the Cayford operation, but for Jason and Heather Davis, who have run the the farm for more than three decades, this work is rooted in a passion for preserving their family’s heritage as well as that of the apple itself. Unlike some of our favorite farms, which more recently swapped out rows of Red Delicious and McIntosh for heirlooms, the Davises found many surviving antique trees on the property when they set out to revive it in the early 1990s. So they tended to those and added a few more and soon had customers young and old asking for the old apples in addition to Cortlands and Honeycrisps.
This is not your typical pick-your-own orchard, but it’s well worth a mention on a list of the best apple orchards in New England and, for passionate enthusiasts, maybe even a visit during the off-season. Why? Because it belongs to John Bunker, the self-described “fruit explorer” who has devoted four decades of his life to tracking down rare and unusual apple varieties and preserving and propagating them all over the state, including here at his own farm. His orchards are a living catalog of global apple varieties, and Mainers have come to savor these fruits through the “Out on a Limb” heirloom apple CSA he operates each fall, with multiple pick-up locations from Portland to Mt. Desert.
Red Apple Farm, run by fourth-generation farmer Al Rose, offers the full gamut of apple orchard attractions (a farm stand, weekend barbecues, hayrides, cider donuts and fudge, farm animals to pet) while also operating a diverse horticultural program with more than fifty apple varieties, from Arkansas Black to Roxbury Russet. Right by the entrance, you’ll find an apple tree that has been grafted with nearly all fifty of the farm’s varieties sprouting off a single trunk—a spectacular sight that alone is worth the trip, and easily makes Red Apple Farm one of our favorite apple orchards in Massachusetts.
Tom and Ben Clark, the father-son team behind Clarkdale farm, are two of the most personable growers you’d ever hope to meet. But that is just one of the charms of this hilly parcel located just off the Mohawk Trail. True apple aficionados, the Clarks replant about five percent of their orchard every year, adding 19th-century heirlooms, along with popular modern cultivars like Honeycrisp and Suncrisp, to their collection. Currently, they offer about 60 different apple varieties, but that number grows each year. At the farm’s rustic store, you’re invited to taste unfamiliar cultivars and ask about their best uses (the pick-your-own operation is limited to McIntosh trees). And don’t forget to pick up a gallon of Clarkdale’s excellent pear and apple ciders.
Set in a historic region for fruit production in New England, this beautiful winery/restaurant/wedding destination is also home to acres of pick-your-own Cortland, McIntosh, and Roxbury Russet trees, as well as a spectacular antique apple orchard stocked with rare finds like Pink Pearl, Ashmead’s Kernel, and Esopus Spitzenburg—nearly 100 in all. You do need to make an appointment to pick from the antique orchard, but all it takes is a phone call. Tack a wine tasting and dinner at J’s Restaurant onto your day and you have the makings of a harvest festival.
Where else can you find one of New England’s most beautiful beaches within a five minute drive of an apple orchard? Take a walk on Crane Beach, then head down to the road to this idyllic farm where the Russell family has nurtured 120 acres of apples, pears, berries, stone fruits, grapes, and vegetables for more than forty years. There are more than 30 varieties of apple available, including Northern Spy, Gravenstein, and Baldwin, as well as modern favorites like Honeycrisp. Shop the sprawling farm stand and grab a from-scratch cider donut and cider slushy, say hello to the farm animals, and sample some of the Russell’s award-wining ice cider.
Belltown may not grow as many unusual varieties as others on this list, but it is one of the most beautiful orchards in the state, spreading out over a landscape of gently rolling hills. Hop on a hayride to pick your share of Macouns, Jonagolds, and Cortlands, pick up a pie at the farm stand, and don’t miss the irresistible apple fritters, Belltown’s signature alternative to the usual cider donuts.
Antique apples are the focus of this family-farm operation, though you’ll also find popular newcomers like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala. But why settle for the familiar when you can try Gravenstein, Seek-No-Further, and Sheepnose? There are thirty-four varieties in all, some dating as far back as the 1700s, which also happens to be when Jonathon Hurlbut founded the farm on a land grant from King George II. You’ll also find corn, zinnias, and other produce, not to mention fields of grazing sheep, but their commitment to preserving heritage apples makes it a favorite. The farm doesn’t allow customers to pick their own apples (though summer visitors can pick blueberries), but the charming farm store is a lovely place to shop.
Greg and Katy Ostheimer grow more than eighty varieties of apple on Aquidneck Island. Among the dozens of cultivars available at this pick-your-own farm (open weekends only) is Rhode Island Greening, Little Rhody’s own namesake apple, which was first discovered near Newport (not far from Rocky Brook) in the mid-1600s. Terrific in pies, it has a tart-sweet, lemony flavor and, true to its name, bright green skin.
What tops your list of the best apple orchards in New England? Let us know!
This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated.
Amy Traverso is the senior food editor at Yankee magazine and co-host of the public television series Weekends with Yankee, a coproduction with WGBH. Previously, she was food editor at Boston magazine and an associate food editor at Sunset magazine. Her work has also been published in The Boston Globe, Saveur, and Travel & Leisure, and she has appeared on Hallmark Home & Family, The Martha Stewart Show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Amy is the author of The Apple Lover’s Cookbook, which was a finalist for the Julia Child Award for best first-time author and won an IACP Cookbook Award in the “American” category.
More by Amy Traverso
What! No mention of NH’s oldest and largest apple orchard? Applecrest Farm Orchards is a year round destination with a store featuring locally made foods, New England grown produce and an excellent farm to table restaurant.
Only ONE orchard in Rhode Island mentioned… c’mon. Really?
There are many good orchards in little Rhody. Only one made it onto your list.
We have always loved picking apples and blueberries at Bishop ‘s Orchard in Guilford, CT! An experience we will never forget!
When visiting CT, don’t overlook Lyman Orchards, located in the middle of the state in the pretty little town of Middlefield (south of Hartford). It is one of the oldest family owned farms in the country and it’s quite lovely with a beautiful farm store, home baked goods, gold courses and pick your own fruits. A sunflower maze in the summer time and a corn maze in the fall. Loads of activities throughout the year on the weekends. Just a super fun place to go that I promise, won’t disappoint.
When was this research done? Quite a few good orchards are not even mentioned. Only 2 Vermont? You should update the info.
i think you should research more when doing all your articles. ask people local first.
Only ONE in R.I.????????? Are you kidding me???? Really??
Tougas Family Farm in Northboro MA. IS GREAT …….SO MANY VARIETIES
Loved the article on all the Apple orchids where Does Rogers Apple orchid In Southington Ct, rate on the list ?
Roger’s is a staple on Central CT. Old fashioned goodness! Delicious Apple Cider donuts as well! (And good pick-your-own too)!
Kohls
Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond MA
There are many apple orchards in New England. Lucky us! My 2 favorites, due to proximity and atmosphere, are in Acushnet, MA. I would suggest instead of naming the article ‘the best’ please consider, ‘Our Favorite” as the very small independent farmers work hard to keep this American dream alive. Perhaps a directory of all orchards, big and small would be helpful!
I agree. New York State has many wonderful orchards as well. Due to proximity these are the ones I visit as well as Ct ones. Maybe New York should be considered a New England state?????
Taconic. Orchards is a fun place all year- Taconic,N Y
March Farm located at 160 Munger Lane, Bethlehem, CT, should absolutely be on this list. Apples, blueberries, peaches, corn, veggies, etc. Fresh baked PIES, cider donuts, etc. Gorgeous property and fabulous family. PS – Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury CT has new owners.
I agree March Farms has the best apples in Connecticut. You can give me a Cortland apple from any where and I can tell you which one is from March’s Farms. They also have the best peanut butter cookies!!!
I have fond memories of going to Cheney Orchards in Brimfield, Ma. as a child with my father. Mr and Mrs Cheney were such nice people. I always got a free apple. I still have a copy of Mrs. Cheney’s Knobby Apple Cake recipe. I no longer live in the area, and don’t know if the are still operating. In our house fall always meant a trip to Cheney’s.
Cheney Orchard has closed – the home and property are for sale. My search to learn more found your post.
Buell’s Orchard, Eastford CT. Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Great pumpkin patch and the apple cider donuts are to die for!!
I absolutely agree!
Applecrest in North Hampton, and my favortie apple The Cortland . I have tried most ot the apples you recommend, I still come back with the wonderful Cortland.How did you miss this fantastic apple. You should read the books Apples of NEW YORK and you will find the roots for most of our apples.
If encouraging a long list of responses was your goal, congratulations! If not, then you had better re-think your own list! Left out many top-notch orchards and need to note the pesticide use.
Good point about pesticide use. Apples are in the top of the “dirty dozen” list for pesticide contamination (see Environmental Working Group: ewg.org)
Including 18th Century Purity Farm is spot on!!! But have you looked at Lost Nation Orchard in Groveton, NH? Michael Phillips has written several books on sustainable orcharding and is a recognized expert!
Lapsley Orchard in Pomfret Center, CT has terrific apples, cider, and cider doughnuts.
Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot, VT is definitely my “go to” when visiting New England. Great variety, easy pickin’, friendly and helpful people and, the apple cider donought are to die for! Can’t ask for anything more.
Cider Hill Farm – Amesbury MA,
Excellent everything – apple cider, cider donuts, hard cider, cider donut ice cream, many many varieties of apples, peaches, and many other fruits. Excellent chicken pies, bakery, vegetables, flowers, homemade jams, honey, food truck, wagon rides, pick your own, cider tastings, lots of events, goats, chickens, children’s play area, country store. Pumpkins, Christmas trees.
ONLY 2 ORCHARDS FOR MAINE WERE LISTED, NO WHERE NEAR THE NUMBER OF GREAT ORCHARDS IN MAINE….
You missed Sunset Orchard, North Scituate, RI
Yes!! And they have a hay wagon specifically designed for the handicapped. Call ahead to make sure they are running. Family owned farm!
Another wonderful farm near Alysons in Walpole is Old Cider Mill Farm. Just off RT 12 in Westmoreland. Just before the Walpole town line. Angie and Marist are good hosts. Antique apple varieties. PYO Great small farm for families! Try it-Like it! Stop at Jingles Gift Shop right on RT 12. Great experience!!
Down Home feeling!!
I realize New England takes in Vt,NH,Maine,CT, but in New York state, the Hudson Valley has produced apples for over 100 yrs. Empire apples originated in the Hudson Valley. Best orchards, Mead farm, Greig farms, Red Hook, NY, ( also have blue berries)Wilklow Farms in Highland, NY, many more, Google Apple and produce farms in the Hudson Valley.
Clark Brothers Orchards in Ashfield Ma, is one of the best orchards in New England,they have over 30 varties of Eco friendly apples as well as other fruits, it’s a family owned and operated orchard since way back In the 1800’s, wonderful customer service and I highly recommend this orchard to anyone visiting this area!
Didn’t mention Mann Orchards in Methuen, MA. They have a huge farmstead that sells not only apples, all vegetables, even cooked foods frozen, they make fruit baskets, have a huge bakery and all kinds of Pies! They even have an Ice Cream stand on the property, next to the the large modern barn market bakery I just mentioned! They have the homemade cider and cider donuts! Open year Round! This Apple Orchard is truly worth mentioning.
Buell’s Orchard ,, Eastford/ Woodstock . Connecticut
Yes! I agree ????
Good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
We always go to Wellwood Orchards in Springfield VT – Surprisingly not listed here. (http://wellwoodorchards.com/) Really love the place, great apples and other produce, bakery items – just lots of goodies and they have a lovely petting zoo. Our dogs loved it there too but now they have the “No Dog Policy”. Boo & Babe were so disappointed that they couldn’t go see the chickens this year ???? So we also went to Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook this year since they have a dog walk field. Not worth it – tiny apples and everything is way over-priced. Guess you have to pay for the wonderful view. Got to find a new place next time – maybe Alyson’s of Walpole, NH
OH no you left out Bishops and Clydes my local favorites……..
Clyde’s cider is GREAT!
Mystic, CT
https://www.clydescidermill.com/
You left out one of the best apple picking farms in Ct. It is Averils in Washington Ct. and they make the best cider donuts you will ever eat! Please check them out, too.
Here’s our favorite. We ignore the orchards in our home state of NJ in favor of McDougal’s in Sanford, ME. http://www.mcdougalorchards.com/ They offer the widest variety of apples and the absolute best donuts in any of the orchards we’ve visitied. I will say though that the donuts at Bolton Orchards in Bolton, MA are a close second. We wish you could pick your own at Bolton. It’s a lovely place to purchase your goods and have lunch on on their picnic tables.
Atkins Apple Orchards in Amherst, MA is one of the best. Loved them apples since I was a kid and believe me that was a heck of a long time ago.
In Northborough, MA we are fortunate to have two places to get tasty apples, cider and other home-grown products…Tougas Farms where you can pick your own and visit their store and Davidian Brothers Farm which has a lovely farm stand complete with flowers, fruits and vegetables as well as animals. A great ride in the fall to visit Ball Hill…right off of RT 290 and these picturesque farms. Bring your camera!
The person who eats only organic apples should know that the growers use organic pesticide.
Im surprised that you left out Brooksby Farm in Peabody.
Amen to that. Best Orchard on the North Shore.
I used to sneak over there after football practice at Peabody High.
I agree, Brooksby’s is one of my favorites! Beautiful property, tasty cider and cider donuts and wonderful apples.
Old Stone Orchard in Little Compton, RI is a great place for picking with a good variety at a good price. You can PYO pumpkins, too!
We only eat organic apples, due to cancer risk.
I wonder how many of these farms grow organic pesticide/chemical free apples?
If anyone can help we would appreciate it.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE apples and eat them every day. One of my favorites is the Macoun.
Happy for Apple season!
I only eat organic apples too. I go to Small Ones Farm in Amherst, MA. They have a farm stand and a Pick Your Own operation that opened for apple picking last Saturday. I was there and pick my first 50 or 60 apples of the season. Macouns are my favorite, but they won’t be ready for another month, I think.
The town of Stow, MA has many apple orchards and farm stands; 40 miles drive from Boston to a quaint, scenic town. Honey Pot Hill Orchards, has been a family owned and operated farm since 1926.Their 180-acre farm offers bountiful fruit available to pick yourself or purchase at their farm store. There are farm animals and maze.
When entering Stow, you will see signs for other apple orchards; such as Derby, Carver Hill, Shelburne Farms. I grew up in Stow and now, own a third generation business.
Another lovely Orchard is Lyman Orchard’s in Middlefield, CT, since 1741, not only are their orchards full of apples Pick your Own”, and in season, peaches, pears and more. There is a lovely retail store where you can buy produce, fresh cider donuts, cider, and amazing pies, especially the apple, all baked on premises. If you feel like golfing, there are three professional golf courses on the site. A fun destination for the entire family. It is Connecticut’s “Sweet Spot”.
I would have expected Lyman’s to be listed! Disappointed that it was not!
We’ve traveled from FL just to pick apples at Lyman Orchard! Still do! Their pies are fabulous
I have found that the cider produced in Connecticut is superior to that of the North Country. I think it may be because the climate allows for a wider variety of apples to be raised…AND…many locals add peaches to mellow the acidity.
Just an opinion…I enjoy them all.
Our favorite is Russ Allen’s Orchard in Westminster, VT. Strictly a pick-your-own, innumerable varieties, including many heirloom.
Green Mountain Orchards in Putney, VT!
Apples (and blueberries!), farm store, beautiful views, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Last weekend we picked Zestar, a variety new to us, as beautiful to behold as to enjoy fresh! It’s become a regular stop for our family.
Totally agree! We go every year for apples, as well as, blueberries! Best orchard ever!
Norton Bros. Farm, Cheshire, CT; more than two centuries of apple-growing history, and delicious varieties of their own wonderful apples; a great visit!:)
I love the tradition, as well as the apples, of Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Ct. my hometown for thirty years, seventeen years ago. It is family owned, has pick-your-own and an excellent variety of apples and peaches.
The Lyman family have been good citizens of Middlefield, a small Connecticut town once known for their farms. The old family homestead is still there. We lived near-by and would walk through the orchards for exercise and for fantastic views of the Connecticut River Valley..
Our daughter as a high school student in the late l980 was hired part-time to bake cookies and doughnuts. She now lives in Massachusetts where she is delighted to find Lyman Orchards in her Wholefoods Market. Lyman apples have been widely distributed through New England and the country as a whole for many years, a testament to its “wholesome” goodness and enduring customer loyalty.
Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Mass. Best apple farm around. Weekend bbq’s and hayrides, pumpkin patch, farm animals, snack shop with lots of homemade pies, fudge, donuts and lots of goodies, hiking trails. They also host weddings and festivals throughout the year…..check them out!
We love Holmberg’s Orchard. Have been going there since I was a child and now take my children every fall to pick apples!
TOTALLY AGREE!! Yankee needs to trek up to the Upper Valley area! Love Windy Ridge!
Yes, Windy Ridge is a great orchard! We started trekking up there when it was all in one building and enjoy watching it grow!
I will agree with you on the cider at Carlson Orchards. And they have a good variety of apples. ????
Brackett’s has been around for a long time. I can remember going there as a little girl and picking apples.(I’m 70 now) They sell squash, pumpkins ,cider etc. along with apples. They also have a gift shop. I came back to Maine over 15 years ago and each fall I make a trip to Brackett’s for their apples.
Brackett’s Apple Orchard in Limington, Maine. Best apples ever.
My favorite is Hyland Orchard in Sturbridge. Free entertainment on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, brewery on property , great for kids with small animals, kids tractor rides, outdoor pavilion, disc golf, bring your own food and blanket or sit at the outdoor bar or picnic tables. Dogs love it there too! Great place during September and October months!
Holmberg Orchards & Winery in Southeastern CT, near Mystic and the casinos. Meticulously maintained orchard specializing in Pick-Your-Own, Wine & Sparkling Hard Cider tastings, Farm Market with bakery and more. Not to be missed! http://www.holmbergorchards.com
Take some time this September and find your way to Lost Acres Farm in North Granby CT. Hidden in the hills of northernmost (almost in Mass!) Connecticut, Lost Acres is what you think of as a classic New England apple orchard. Pick-your-own apples, tractor rides and the best tasting and looking goodies baked duly in their kitchen. The smells are worth the trip alone!
We love Lost Acres too, but FYI “pick your own” apples are not available this year. Due to the inclement weather in the spring, the bees were not able to pollinate the trees. ????
My favorite is Carlson Orchards of Harvard Mass.
I especially love their apple cider which is the best tasting cider ever!!!
You’re totally missing out if you haven’t been to Windy Ridge Orchard and Christmas Tree Farm (windyridgeorchard.com) in North Haverhill, NH! It’s a short and beautiful trip from Lincoln if you’re leaf peeping! Besides apple picking, there are nature trails, farm animals to visit, a winery (www.sevenbirches.com), and the Cider House Cafe…best cider donuts anywhere!
2 New Hampshire favorites in Strafford County- Butternut Farms in Rochester & McKenzies in Milton
Just visited McKenzies in Milton, NH. Great place for seasonal fruit, veggies, pumpkins, cider donuts and the biggest apples I have ever seen.
Maine didn’t make the list? Wallingfords in Lewiston, Me, wallingfordsorchard.com and Bailey’s in Windsor,Me https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baileys-Orchard/238372282868869
I go to both every year, each is a unique place and choice of apples and apple related products.
Echo Hill Orchard, Monson Ma.
Treworgys apple orchard in Glenburn Maine, is so delightful, with a corn maze trivia, pumpkin patch, raspberry , and blueberry patches, animal barn, ice cream snack bar, and to top it off free concerts every week end all fall through October. Love that place, so family orientated
Blue Jay Orchard in Bethel, CT is located in a beautiful bucolic landscape. It offers many types of apples and has an amazing store filled with fresh bakes goods, jams and jellies and so much more!
Holmberg’ s Orchard in Gales Ferry Connecticut. It’s a piece of Heaven on earth. Fabulous pick your own, and a wonderful farm store.
For Connecticut, Bishops Orchards in Guilford,CT. Great food center, winery and plenty of Orchard parcels with a huge selection of apple varieties. Also it’s one of the easiest Orchards to get to being right off of I-95.
We love going to Gould Hill Farm. The setting is beautiful, the view is spectacular, and the fresh cider and doughnuts can’t be beat!
Gould Hill farm in Hopkinton/Conoocook is the best
Great list! I’d add Shelburne Orchards in VT. Picking apples from the trees sloping down towards Lake Champlain makes for a magical experience. Another good place is Carlson Orchards in Harvard, MA. Tons of trees and variety, plus they have pumpkins, hay rides, apple crisp, etc which make for a nice New England-y experience.
I would highly recommend Morning Star Perennials in Rockingham VT. The one and only no spray apple orchard my family and I were able to find anywhere near our area. There we met Scott and Laurie Bolotin. Scott led us through his humble orchard where he has over 350 varieties of apples, personally grafted and lovingly cared for. Some of the trees had over 25 varieties on just one tree. He encouraged us to sample different varieties and took the time to explain the best uses of the various apples, and their names. We went home with several bags filled with more than 30 varieties of apples–each unique. He even introduced us to Thomas Jefferson’s favorite kind of apple. We had an experience we will long remember, and have already made a commitment to visit this orchard every year from now on.
We have been going to Wellwood orchards in Vermont for years. Every fall we make a few trips with our children, pet the animals, eat fresh doughnuts and enjoy the atmosphere. They get my vote!!!
Gould Hill farm is our favorite. It is gorgeous!
My favorite orchard here in west central Vermont is Champlain Orchards in Shoreham Vermont. They have a lovely farm store as well as pick your own. Their homemade pies are very delicious, and their apple cider donuts and homemade cider yummy! The organic veggies and meat, ice cider and other vermont specialty foods make it very much worth the trip…
I’d recommend Clarkdake fruit farms in Deerfield, MA. Tom and Ben Clark grow 35 varieties of apples and it’s one of the locations for the annual CiderDays event (first weekend in Nov, CiderDays.org). Yankee editor Amy Traverso, author of The Apple Lovers Cookbook, will be there on Nov 3rd to do an apple butter demo (as part of CiderDays).
I love to make Autumn trips to Kelly Orchards in Acton Maine (off Rte 109). A small orchard, so easy to navigate, but has many types of apples, incluing heirloom varies just planted! Also has peaches, raspberries, pumpkins. Honor system in place for picking. Lovely area!
Thanks Ted…….yes our orchard has been in our family since 1852 and we take pride in our heritage apple crop. The crop includes Wolf River, Cortlands, Romes, Jonathans, Snows, Dollie Delicious, Arkansas Black, Blue Pear Maine, Empires, Macouns and many other varitities.
We highly recommend Sandy River Apples in Mercer, Maine. The farm begun in the mid-nineteenth century is now run by ninety-six year old Francis Fenton and his daughter Carol Fenton Gilbert. Recently they have restored the barn on the property for quilting workshops and added a carriage house next door for Francis’s vintage tractors and other equipment.