The best time to visit an apple orchard in New York State is when the leaves are changing color, the breeze is getting colder, and the apples are ripe for picking. There’s nothing like biting into a crisp, juicy apple that you picked yourself. The smell of fresh apples wafting through the air will surely put a smile on your face.
New York State is home to some of the country’s best apple orchards, such as Minard’s Family Farm (Clintondale), Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus (Marietta), Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (Croton Falls), and Wilklow Orchards (Highland).
Keep reading to explore New York State’s orchards, where you can pick your own apples, explore the grounds, and discover local products and baked goods.
1. Minard’s Family Farm
The Minard family has been in the apple orchard business for four generations and over 100 years. In that time, they have learned what it takes to run a successful farm, and that’s been keeping their customers happy. That’s why they’ve made sure to create a family-friendly atmosphere at Minard’s Family Farm in Clintondale, NY.
When school is out and the weather is nice, there’s no better place to take the kids than to Minard’s Family Farm. The kids can run and play among the trees, picking apples when they get hungry. The day will be filled with fun and fresh air.
The apple orchard is also a great place to teach children about nature. They can learn where apples come from and how they grow. They can also see how different types of apples look and taste.
A day at a family-friendly apple orchard is sure to be memorable for your children. They’ll have a blast running around and playing games, all while enjoying the fresh air and delicious apples.
2. Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus
Beak & Skiff is an apple orchard in Lafayette, NY that is committed to growing the best apples possible. They trim over 300,000 apple trees by hand and grow them in rich soil. The apples are picked by hand to ensure that only the ripest, healthiest apples are selected. Only the finest apples make it to the shelves of the apple orchard’s store.
Not only can you buy fresh apples at Beak & Skiff, but you can also get some delicious apple cider. It’s a delicious, refreshing beverage that you can enjoy year-round.
Beak & Skiff is also a great place to take the kids. The little ones can run around freely and explore, and you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty. There’s plenty for them to do, like picking apples and playing in the hay mound. They can always eat a few donuts while they’re there, too.
3. Dr. Davies Farm
Dr. Davies Farm in Congers, NY is a great place to relax and explore the outdoors. The smell of apples and the sound of birdsong all contribute to a feeling of peace and tranquility. Best of all, you can pick your apples at a fraction of the price at the grocery store.
This apple orchard is also a great place to take kids. They can run and play while you supervise from a distance, and they’ll love picking their own apples. Dr. Davies Farm also features other attractions for the kids, like hayrides and pumpkins.
And if you love donuts, you can grab a bite at the orchard’s donut shop. The donuts are made fresh daily, and they are absolutely delicious. They’re moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.
Finally, the staff at The Donut Shop are super friendly, and they always go above and beyond to ensure their customers are happy. So next time you’re in the mood for apple picking and enjoying a delicious treat, be sure to visit Dr. Davies Farm.
4. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is one of the best places to pick your own apples and pumpkins, go on a hayride, and experience all the fall fun. This spacious farm is located in beautiful North Salem, NY, and offers visitors a variety of activities. And if you visit during the holiday season, you’ll be amazed by the light show in the orchard.
One of the best things about Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is that it offers plenty of activities and attractions. There’s so much to experience aside from apple picking. The farm grows its own vegetables and stone fruits and sells them in the on-site store. You can build relationships with local farmers through the orchard’s supported agriculture (CSA) programs, attend seasonal events, and enroll the kids in educational programs.
But if you’re just looking for a weekend getaway or tour with the family, you can enjoy the orchard’s shop and cafe. Occasionally, live music can be heard in the orchard, making it a great place for friendly dates.
5. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway in Yorktown Heights, NY. The farm offers plenty of activities, from apple picking to wine tasting and walking down a corn maze. You can also grab delicious foods like donuts, cookies, and pies at the shop. There are other specialty goods like honey, nuts, and preserves that you can take home.
At Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, you will not only get to enjoy fruits and other farm products, but you also get to take in some stunning views.
Being surrounded by nature can feel magical for some. When they’re at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, they can’t help but feel like they’re in a fairytale. The views of the colorful foliage are simply breathtaking. It’s an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
6. Fishkill Farms
Fishkill Farms is one of the most popular orchards in the state. Located in Hopewell Junction, NY, the farm offers an opportunity for people to support the local farmers through CSA programs, pick their own fruits and vegetables, shop for amazing products, and learn about ecological farming.
Fishkill Farm grows an array of fruits and vegetables, and the orchard produces delicious apples. The farm has been in operation since 1913 and has recently received organic certification.
The farm is committed to sustainable practices and takes great care of the land. The farmers use holistic farming methods to grow their crops. They also minimize the use of fossil fuels throughout the farm and use cover crops to protect the soil. They have a strong focus on building soil health, using mulching, composting, and cover crops.
The farmstand sells fresh produce, apple cider, honey, and eggs from Tuesday to Sunday. The farm also hosts programs where visitors can pick their own fruit.
7. Soons Orchard
Not only are the apples ripe for picking at Soons Orchard in New Hampton, NY, but there’s also a farmhouse store where you can buy freshly made cider, pies, and other fall treats. You can stock up on all your favorite goods or grab a bite of freshly made pies after picking your apples. At Soons Orchards, the prices are very reasonable, especially if you buy in bulk. You can get some great deals on everything from apples to pumpkins.
Soons Orchard is a great place to come with your family and friends to pick apples, pumpkins, and peaches and enjoy the fall weather. The owners are always friendly and helpful, and their apple pie slices are incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect place to take the family for a day out or to meet up with loved ones for a fall outing.
Soons Orchards is also known for its signature apple cider, made using a traditional recipe. What makes it so special is the care and attention that goes into making it. The apples are grown with love and care, and the cider is made using a tried-and-true recipe. When you drink Soons Orchards apple cider, you can taste the history and tradition in every sip.
8. Stuart’s Farm
Located in Granite Springs, NY, Stuart’s Farm has been offering a variety of fruits, flowers, and vegetables to the community since 1828. When you visit this apple orchard, there is more to do than pick apples. Stuart’s farm offers hayrides as well. It’s a great activity for families with small children.
Hayrides usually last around 30 minutes and take you through the different parts of the orchard. You’ll get to see where the apples are grown and how they are harvested. You may even see some animals along the way. After your hayride, you can pick apples to your heart’s content.
Admission is free at Stuart’s Farm, but they require you to purchase bags for apple picking. By getting a large bag, you can fill it with as many apples as you want, ensuring you have plenty to take home with you.
The bakery at Stuart’s Farm is something that you shouldn’t miss. The smell of fresh baked apple cider donuts and pie will greet you as soon as you enter the shop. And the taste of warm, freshly baked goods is a treat for your taste buds.
9. Ochs Orchard
If you love apples and scenic views, visiting Ochs Orchard in Warwick, NY is the perfect activity for you. Not only will you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, but you’ll also get to taste some of the best apples.
There’s nothing like biting into a crisp, juicy apple just picked from the tree. And at the apple orchard, you can try all sorts of different varieties that you may not be able to find at your local grocery store.
Ochs Orchard is not only a place where you can pick apples. You can also find a variety of berries and vegetables. The orchard also sells fresh jams & jellies for you to enjoy. Their pure maple syrup is an amazing treat, and you can’t leave without grabbing some apple cider.
You can be sure that everything is locally sourced and of the highest quality. After all, Ochs Orchard owners take pride in their work.
10. Wilklow Orchards
Wilklow Orchards in Highland, NY is not just a place to pick apples but also a scenic place where community members gather for music, food, and a lovely atmosphere. The orchard offers visitors breathtaking views of rolling hills and colorful foliage. It’s the perfect place to enjoy all the beauty of fall.
Fall festivals offer the local community a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. It’s also a chance to celebrate the harvest season and the hard work farmers have put into growing crops.
Even people and families from outside town love visiting Wilklow Orchards for a memorable fall experience. There’s nothing quite like going out into the crisp air and picking your own apples off the tree. Additionally, you can get freshly made cider, pies, and donuts.
Wilklow Orchards uses only the finest ingredients to make its products, and it shows in the final product. The cider is made with real apples, and the beer is brewed with only the best hops. The taste is incredible, and you can tell that a lot of care went into making these drinks.
11. Pennings Orchard
If you’re looking for a cool, scenic environment to spend a day in, Pennings Orchard in Warwick, NY is the place for you. With its rolling hills and lush trees, the orchard is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air. The hills provide natural shade and ventilation, making it a comfortable place to spend a day in. And with rows upon rows of trees laden with fruit, the scenery at the orchard is simply beautiful.
There’s something very peaceful about being surrounded by nature – it’s the perfect place to unwind and relax. Additionally, the elevation of Pennings Orchard provides a stunning view of the surrounding area – perfect for enjoying the sunset or taking in the sights on a clear day. The rolling hills create a natural windbreak, making it one of the most refreshing places to spend time.
As you head to Pennings Orchard, you’ll discover various apples you’ve never seen before. You may be familiar with popular varieties like Red Delicious, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, but there are many lesser-known types of apples with unique flavors, colors, and textures. Whether you’re looking for a new kind of apple to add to your favorites or want to expand your knowledge of this fruit, you’ll find it at Pennings Orchard.
12. Stone Ridge Orchard
Located in the heart of the Rondout Valley, Stone Ridge Orchard offers great experiences for anyone looking to enjoy the fall season. From picking your own apples to watching a dazzling display of light sculptures, the activities at the orchard are sure to keep everyone entertained and amazed.
At the apple orchard, visitors can pick their own apples right off the tree. Afterward, they can explore and take a walk through the pumpkin patch.
The evenings are filled with entertainment as well, with live music and light shows. The light show is especially popular, featuring sculptures made from LED lights. Visitors can stroll through the park and take in the sights while enjoying hot cider and a slice of pizza.
Aside from being a great destination for family fun, Stone Ridge Orchard is also known as a rustic wedding venue. When it comes to weddings, apple orchards offer a unique and picturesque setting. They also provide a sense of rustic charm that can be hard to find at more traditional wedding venues.
One of the most appealing things about an apple orchard is its natural beauty. The trees, the leaves, and the fruit all come together to create a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. And, depending on the time of year, couples may even be able to get married under a 300-year-old oak.
13. Sand Flats Orchard & Greenhouse
If you’re looking for a place to take the kids and enjoy the fall season, Sand Flats Orchard & Greenhouse in Fonda, NY is a fun place to run around and explore. The orchard has plenty of open spaces for kids to run, climb trees, and pick apples (with supervision, of course).
The whole family will enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and delicious cider and donuts. The kids will love running around and exploring, while the adults can relax and enjoy the scenery. The cider and donuts are the perfect fall treat, and you can even bring home featured local products, like unfiltered honey and goat’s milk soaps. The warm donuts are the perfect treat to finish off your day at the orchard.
Sand Flats Orchard & Greenhouse has offerings for each season. In the spring, visitors go here to check out the greenhouse. It’s a fascinating place full of beautiful plants, and the owners can teach you a lot about gardening.
In the summer, you can pick berries and flowers. You can bring home a bouquet of fresh-picked flowers: There’s nothing like a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers to brighten up your home. Plus, picking your own flowers means you’ll get to choose exactly the colors and varieties you want.