Let’s Go Apple Picking!

These are the top spots to pick your own apples in our area.

By Alison Leighton

When September rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking season! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples! I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these farms and orchards. Your family will have a blast picking fresh fruit and checking out the various activities offered at each place!

A few things to keep in mind: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability and COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).

ROCKLAND COUNTY

Orchards of Concklin

2 S. Mountain Road (off Route 45), Pomona (for GPS use 1010 Route 45, Pomona) • orchardsofconcklin.com • 845-354-0369

Hours: Pick-your-own apples projected to start Sept. 11; store: daily, 9am-5pm

Cost: half-peck bag is $13 per person

Not only are you able to come enjoy apple picking, but the orchard also has a farm stand featuring fresh-pressed apple cider and a delicious bakery filled with pies, cookies, and cakes. Retail Store is fully open and curbside pickup is still available. Nursery and Garden Center open daily, 9am-5pm. Check website for schedule.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards

130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem • harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com • 914-485-1210

Hours: Pick-your-own apples available by reservation. Apple picking season begins in September, exact date and hours are TBD. Farm store: Monday-Sunday, 9am5pm (April-December)

Cost: $10 parking, $25 for a peck size bag. Reservations required online.

Pick-your-own apples are available in September and October. And that’s just the start of the fun! You can also buy pasture-raised, hormone-free organic meats and local dairy at the farm store, as well as local maple syrup, seasonal flowers, and veggies. It hosts entertaining seasonal events as well, including a Fall Festival every weekend from Labor Day to Halloween and Hardscrabble Cider Live Music and Pizza nights.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm

1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights • wilkensfarm.com • 914-245-5111

Hours: Farm is open Wednesday-Monday late August through mid-December; pick-your-own is available daily, 10am- 4:30pm when fruit is in season. Apple picking is anticipated to start in early September; check website for updates.

Cost: Prices were not announced as of press time; check website for updates. Note: You will have to pay for a minimum quantity based on your party size to enter the orchard (a 1-peck bag for 2 adults, and a ½-bushel bag for 3-4 adults).

Here you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own options, including apples in September. Just make sure to call before visiting to confirm the availability of fruit. Picking poles are available to rent to help you reach for the higher apples (there is a rental fee). You can take a hay wagon to that week’s picking orchard, which your children will love! (Note: The wagon ride may not be available due to COVID-19.) Plus, the the Farm Market, Country Market, and Bakery are open daily, 10am-5pm. You can take home freshly baked pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and other treats. And your kids will have a blast in the corn maze.

Outhouse Orchards

139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem • outhouseorchardsny.com • 914-277-3188

Hours: PYO hours and reservations not available at time of writing. Reservations will be available on the website.

Cost: Pre-pay $30 for a small bag (15lbs) or $45 for a large bag (25lbs).

Take in the beautiful fall foliage as you stroll through these orchards. September and October will be full of apples for picking— and there are pole pickers to borrow for the hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget to visit the corn maze (tickets are $10; free for children younger than 5 with adult). With the beautiful views surrounding the farm, you’ll love taking the hayride with breathtaking views of the orchards and the surrounding Hudson Valley. And your family will love the farm stand, which sells doughnuts, pies, and more.

LONG ISLAND

Lewin Farms

812 Sound Ave., Calverton Apple Orchard: Fresh Pond Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of farm stand • lewinfarm.com • 631-929-4327

Hours: Farm stand: Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm; u-pick fields: daily, 9am4:30pm; call for u-pick availability

Cost: Call for u-pick prices. U-pick is cash only; there is an ATM at the farm stand.

Apple picking is slated to begin in late August/early September. Call daily for U-pick hours, which are weather permitting. The farm provides containers, but you are welcome to bring your own. There is a large variety of you-pick fruits and veggies, depending on the season; find the schedule online. Plus, the whole family will enjoy exploring the corn maze! Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand, which sells ice cream made with the farms own fruit!

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ

Demarest Farms

244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale • demarestfarms.com • 201-666-0472

Hours: PYO apples begins Sept. 4; Thursday-Monday, 8am-5pm

Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes free parking and entrance to orchard; $14 for a bag (approximately 10-12 lbs.)

This farm has it all—pick your own fruit of all varieties, plus a petting zoo, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider, flowers, and fresh produce. All pick-your-own activities require advanced, online reservations this year (this allows the farm to manage proper social distancing and COVID-19 regulations). Visits will be limited to your reservation time frame. Arrive promptly at your scheduled time; late arrivals must still leave at the end of the reservation time.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester • alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189

Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-7pm; PYO: daily, 9am-6pm

Cost: $14.99-$59.99. Pre-purchased tickets required.

The farm has more than 50 apple varieties, which allows apple picking season to start earlier here than most farms—you can already find some varieties available and more will be ready later in the season. Call in advance or visit the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are available. Check out the corn maze (opening late summer), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail (included with cost of PYO). Kids will love the pony rides and the wagon ride, and you’ll want to come back for the farm’s live music events. And before you leave, indulge in the treats found at the Farm Store. Check out all the fun events and family activities the farm offers, including visits with its farm animals, by visiting the website. Oh, and if you’re coming from out of town, it offers a free shuttle service between the Gladstone Train Station and Alstede Farms on weekends and holidays (reservations required).

Alison Leighton is a freelance writer and marketing specialist and is the founder of Social Parent NYC—@SocialParentNYC on Facebook and Instagram—which hosts events for parents and their babies/toddlers. She lives in Westchester County with her husband and son and spends a lot of time reading Corduroy and wondering why Play-Doh smells so good.