It’s that time of year again, where the days start to grow shorter, the weather gets crisp and leaves begin to change color around us. Fall is officially upon us once more! This year, we’re giving you the perfect seasonal round-up, featuring the top locations for all the apple and pumpkin picking to make heart (and stomachs) content.
Read on to find out what other fun activities and treats you can take part in and enjoy with friends and family this season!
Apple Ridge Orchards
Location: Warwick, NY; 1 hour 15-minute drive from Midtown
Apple Ridge Orchards is the perfect location to go apple-picking and pumpkin-picking all on the same farm.
To-Do: After you’re finished selecting your very own seasonal produce, this spot has a ton more to do throughout the season. Guests have the option to take hayrides throughout the farm, make their way through their corn maze, and make new friends at the petting zoo. As it nears Halloween, Apple Ridge Orchards also hosts spooky-themed movie nights.
To Eat: Don’t forget to stop by their farm stand to try out their freshly baked apple cider donuts and pies!
When to Visit: Fridays-Sundays 9am-6pm
F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm
Location: Melville, NY; 45-minute drive from Midtown
This farm is known for its jammed packed weekends of fun
To-Do: Other than picking that perfect pumpkin, you can look forward to their annual Fall Festival which happens this season through October 31st. You can look forward to hayrides, playground activities, mini-golf, and tons of photo ops. Other activities outside of the festival include a corn maze, petting zoo, and pony rides.
To Eat: A delicious farm stand is onsite to indulge in once your day is over. You can enjoy fresh pies, cider, and candied apples.
When to Visit: Mondays- Fridays 12-5pm, Weekends 10am-5pm
Bishop’s Orchards
Location: Guilford, CT; 1 hour 45-minute drive from Midtown
This family-owned farm celebrates 150 years this year!
To-Do: Dust off your baskets and muster up the strength to pick your own apples and pumpkins amongst their apple orchards and pumpkin crops.
To Eat: After you finish up, head on over to the farmer’s market to curb your sweet tooth in the bakery section. In need of a glass of wine too? Add a tasting and tour to the agenda while you visit. A new bottle of wine goes great with fresh produce!
When to Visit: Daily 10am-5pm
Outhouse Orchards
Location: North Salem, NY; 1 hour drive from Midtown
Take the scenic route to visit this family-owned orchard and farm
To-Do: You can pick your own apples on their orchards. You might even spot a few pears and peaches depending on when you go. Their pumpkin patch is also The farm also boasts a corn maze and hayrides around the farm and its various areas. Be sure to book a reservation beforehand if you plan on picking apples.
To Eat: Nothing says fall in NY State like a warm apple donut, fresh apple cider, and homemade pies. Enjoy all of these products made fresh throughout the fall in their barn and farm stand.
When to Visit: Daily, 9am-5pm
Alstede Farms
Location: Chester, NJ; 1 hour drive from Midtown
Not only can you pick your own apples and pumpkins, but there are a ton of other produce to choose from throughout the year!
To-Do: Other than live entertainment and Harvest Moon Hayrides in October, you can explore mazes and trails that you can do with the whole crew. These include the classic corn maze as well as a sunflower and evergreen tree maze. Can’t forget the pony and wagon rides for the kiddos.
To Eat: Since you’ve probably worked up an appetite from picking out the perfect pumpkin for carving, head over to the cider house and ice cream stand for a few sweet treats.
When to Visit: Daily 9am-6pm
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
Location: North Salem, NY; 1-hour drive from Midtown
This farm & orchard carries out seasonal events all year long
To-Do: Before visiting this awesome farm to go apple picking (weekends only) make sure to reserve an admission ticket a week in advance! This holiday season the farm will also host the LUMAGICA light show, a festive display of animal structures and sculptures adorned in LED lights, kicking off November 26th.
To Eat: Their bakery offers famous apple cider donuts (every day!), fruit pies, and specialty pastries.
When to Visit: Daily 9am-6pm
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Location: Yorktown Heights, NY; 1 hour drive from Midtown
This farm features selections of apples, peaches, pumpkins, and Christmas trees!
To-Do: You can pick your own apples and pumpkin patch. Once you’re done, you can try your hand at their massive corn maze.
To Eat: Head over to their bakery or apple farm market for pressed apple cider, freshly baked pies, or their famous apple cider donuts. They also have a vineyard with wine tastings on the weekends.
When to Visit: Wednesdays- Mondays, 10am-5pm
Secor Farms
Location: Mahwah, NJ; 40 min drive from Midtown
This farm offers locally grown produce, dairy products, seasonal decorations, and more.
To-Do: You can take a scenic hayride, which is $5 a person to the other side of the farm to make it through their corn maze and pick your own pumpkin patch. Hayrides run Mid-September to the end of October. Don’t miss the petting zoo as well!
To Eat: Their farm market carries a variety of New York State apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, and homemade apple cider donuts.
When to Visit: Daily, 9am-5:30pm
Hank’s Pumpkintown
Location: Water Mill, NY; 1.5 hour drive from Midtown
This farm features over 30 acres of attractions and activities.
To-Do: This spot is mega family-friendly thanks to the huge Maze Park. Take the kids on a day trip here to tackle one of the three corn mazes, play on the slides, and even take part in their very own gem mining experience. We think it’s safe to say that not too many farms have all three attractions in one spot.
To Eat: Their market features fresh-baked pies, pumpkin and apple cider donuts, hand-dipped candy & caramel apples, and other treats!
When to Visit: Daily 9:30am-5:45pm, Apple Picking and Maze Park Saturdays and Sundays only
Demarest Farms
Location: Hillsdale, NJ; 40-minute drive from Midtown
Get ready to find a large pumpkin to make into this years’ jack-o-lantern!
To-Do: Get your spook on with Halloween festivities at this top spot. Not only is there a Halloween-themed light-show to stay for after your daily farm activities, but there is also a haunted hayride and abandon graveyard that you’ll be able to tour. Grab a buddy in case you get scared easily! Of course don’t miss out on the pick your own apples, pumpkins, and petting zoo.
To Eat: Their farm market offers their famous fresh apple cider donuts, pies, and many other delicious baked goods!
When to Visit: Sunday-Thursday 7am-9pm Friday and Saturday 7am-9:30pm
Dr. Davies Farm
Location: Congers, NY; 1 hour drive from Midtown
Love to mix it up? This farm features over 4,000 trees and 20 different varieties of apples on over 55 acres.
To-Do: After you’re done picking your share of apples for the season, you can take advantage of their other farm activities like the always fun hayrides and finding your way through the corn maze.
To Eat: Be sure to stock up on their fresh Dr. Davies apple pies (weekends only) and warm apple cider donuts.
When to Visit: Daily, 10am-4pm
