family fun
Let’s Go Apple Picking! These are the top spots to pick your own apples in our area. By Alison Leighton
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hen 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 activities offered at each place, such as petting zoos and corn mazes. 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 24
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 the website for the pickyour-own schedule.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com
September 2021 | rocklandparent.com
914-485-1210 Hours: Pick-your-own apples available by reservation. Apple picking season begins in September, exact hours are TBD. Farm store: Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm Cost: $10 parking, $25 for a peck size bag. Reservations required online; sign-up mid- to end of August. Pick-your-own apples are available September-October. And that’s just the start of the fun at this farm! You can buy pasture-raised, hormone-free organic meats
