Now that we are getting into the nitty-gritty of fall, paired with some pretty comfortable days weather-wise, it’s a great time to experience the joy of the season by going apple or pumpkin picking. Although it will be a bit different this year with reduced capacities, social distancing, and other safety measures, they are still worth a visit. Not only to relive memories of those trips from childhood, but also for the apple cider donuts, hayrides, and pumpkin patches that await.
Check out our list of farms below located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, which are all within a 1-2 hour drive from Midtown, some being accessible by public transportation.
Dr. Davies Farm
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Dr. Davies Farm is located in Congers, New York. A fun fact is that it has been the site of many TV shows and movies such as Saturday Night Live, Riding in Cars With Boys, and Blacklist, just to name a few.
Apple picking is a pretty popular activity on the farm, which is offered daily from 10am to 4pm, but apart from that, there are plenty of other activities you can take part in. The corn maze, great for all ages, is decorated with festive fall items, making it one of the many ideal places to snap a photo. Once you’ve finished exploring the corn maze, you can hop on a hayride, which has been a farm favorite for two decades!
You will also find snacks at the farm if you start to get hungry, with options like apple cider doughnuts, pretzels, and popcorn. If you also end up going home with more apples than you anticipate, the farm also offers some recipe inspiration. You can try making their famous apple pie, apple cake, or applesauce.
Although reservations aren’t required, they are suggested, to avoid disappointment. You can use this booking tool to reserve your spot. Note that only cash and checks are accepted, with an ATM available onsite as well.
Giamarese Farm & Orchards
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Giamarese Farms & Orchards is located in East Brunswick, New Jersey. The Giamarese family has been farming for over seven decades, on their thirty-five-acre farm. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Pumpkin and apple picking is only offered on the weekends, but it is probably the best time to go, as that is when they run all of their fall centered activities.
These include Fall Harvest Weekends. From pony rides, hayride tours, corn mazes, and food vendors, there is definitely enough to keep you entertained, when you are not picking your own pumpkins. If you decide to go later in the season, closer to Thanksgiving, you can also pick out your own Christmas tree. There are usually 5 different varieties you can choose from!
Reservations are not needed, as tickets can be purchased upon entry. However, make sure you arrive at least an hour before closing.
Alstede Farms
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Alstede Farms is located in Chester, New Jersey, and is a great place for apple picking. With over 50 different apple varieties to choose from, whether you prefer sweet mild Galas or sharp tart Granny Smiths; there is something for all tastes.
You can start the day with their ‘all you can eat’ farm to table buffet breakfast or brunch, which also includes a tractor-drawn wagon ride. If an early morning start isn’t your thing, then you should consider checking out their Harvest Moon Hayride, which runs Fridays & Saturdays, 6 to 10pm. It’s a night filled with a crackling bonfire, a corn maze, wine tasting, as well as s’mores making. The hayride only runs until October 31st, so make sure you get tickets soon if you don’t want to miss out. There are other activities to do on the farm, such as taking a peek at the cider mill or exploring its three mazes.
It’s required that you book your tickets before attending, which can be purchased here. Each ticket holder has access to a ‘pick your own’ field, as well as the orchards at 9am. Don’t be late for your time slot, as a new time is not guaranteed for the same day.
Hanks Pumpkintown
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Hanks Pumpkintown is located in Water Mill, New York, and is another one you should add to the list, it is open daily from 9:30 am to 6m. Don’t let the name fool you, as Hank’s Pumpkintown is actually a great option for apple picking as well, which is available on the weekends. You can pick up a 10 lb bag for only $30, and there are 14 different apple varieties to choose from.
There are many fun family activities on the farm, whether you want to check out the market, do some gem mining or taste Hank’s hard cider. The Maze Park is also full of fun adventures, such as the giant corn maze, jump pad, tractor, and hayrides. You could spend the whole day here, and not run out of things to do!
Be sure to try their hand-dipped caramel apples and apple cider doughnuts, and don’t even think about leaving the farm without trying their freshly baked apple pie from the market.
You can’t reserve tickets beforehand, so we recommend getting there just as they open. Tickets are $16 per person.
Bishop’s Orchards
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Bishop’s Orchards is located in Guilford, Connecticut. The farm dates back over 140 years to its original 52-acre farm. They currently have options to pick your own apples and pumpkins. Their hours are 10am-5pm. The Little Red Barn and pumpkin patch are also open 10am-6pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends. Here you will find seasonal decorations, fall-themed foods, and an apple train for the kiddos.
Their bakery is pretty extensive by offering fresh pies, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, a hot soup bar, and an assortment of “grab n go” meals. They also offer a large selection of cheeses and specialty groceries. Their winery is unfortunately currently closed, but wine sales are still available. Other activities include an ice cream stand and corn maze ($7/person). In terms of events, they will be having a Fall Festival the weekend of October 10th, featuring food and music, and wagon rides.
Reservations are not required, as you pay for what you pick onsite.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
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Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is located in Yorktown Heights, New York. What’s unique about this farm, is that they also have pick you own peach and nectarines available during the mid-summer months. They are open Wednesdays-Mondays, 10am-5pm. The pumpkin patch and pick-your-own apples are available until 4:30pm. For your shopping needs, there is a bakery where you can pre-order goods like apple cider donuts, strudels, and fresh-baked pies, in addition to an Apple Farm Market, and Country Farm Market.
Other activities include a corn maze that was created for their 100 year anniversary and a winery & vineyard which has Friday evening hours for wine tastings. Wine bottles for off-premises consumption are available at the Farm Market. Their ‘Choose-n-Cut Christmas Trees’ are available just after Thanksgiving. Check out their Harvest Calendar to help in all the planning.
No reservation is needed to pick your apples, check-in and payment are done onsite. Tickets for the corn maze may be purchased in the Farm Market, Bakery, or at the Pick-Your-Own Pavilion, and if you want to visit the winery, you must call or email ahead for reservations.
Hurds Family Farm
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Hurds Family Farm is located in Modena, New York. It is a 7th generation family farm, and apples have been part of their family history for a long time.
There is quite a lot of family fun activities at the farm. Apple picking is available from 9am to 5pm, and specific activities require a wristband purchased prior to your visit. They are currently available for the time slots: 10am to 1pm and 1 to 4pm. These activities include a giant slide, weekday corn maze, duck racing, kids’ playground area, and an obstacle course. There are also pony rides and hayrides available. Their events calendar can be viewed here.
For food, there are a few options to choose from. A drive-thru farm store that has local baked goods, a new cafe with table service, as well as a store that sells donuts and beverages.
Reservations are required prior to your visit. To book your pick your own time slot, activity wristbands, and hayrides click here.
Elwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm
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Elwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm is located in Huntington, New York, and it is Long Island’s most western pumpkin farm. It is also one of the only farms that grow all of their own pumpkins. While visiting the farm, you are encouraged to pick the pumpkins straight off the vines, to experience how fresh they are. They are open from 3 to 5 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Besides pumpkin picking and Christmas tree cutting, you can also check out the kid-friendly corn maze or go on one of their hayrides around the farm, while learning about its history.
The website doesn’t offer much information about food on the farm, so try to pack some snacks just in case. Reservations prior to your visit are not offered, as tickets are to be purchased the day of.
Whether you decide to check out one or a few of these farms, there is definitely a little something for everyone. Before you head out, be sure to check each farm’s website for their COVID-19 related guidelines, closures, and capacities. Tag us (@nycplugged) if you make a visit! Plan a day out of it by checking out other local to-do’s that are in the area, and stay safe!
