The air is crisp in the mornings. The kids are back in school. And the apples are ripe in the orchard.
Apple picking is a longstanding New England tradition and a great way to enjoy the fall season. We’ve gone ahead and gathered up five different orchards you can visit to fill your bag with some fresh, crisp apples.
Most of them have farmstands where you can also pick up some cider doughnuts or another baked good. Some of them have extras like hayrides or pick-your-own flowers.
If you’re trying to decide where to go, here’s a quick guide to Eastern Connecticut’s apple orchards.
Buell’s Orchard in Eastford
It’s apple and pumpkin picking season at Buell’s Orchard. This five-generation family farm currently has MacIntosh and Honey Crisp apples ready for picking and other varieties to follow. Buell’s is gearing up for its 44th annual Harvest Festival on Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 12 and 14), which will feature live music, apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, barbecue and more.
Buell’s Orchard is located at 108 Crystal Pond Road, Eastford. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Hall Homestead Farm in Plainfield
With a motto of “Sample the past, enjoy the present,” Hall Homestead Farm is a great stop for all of your apple picking needs. There is an abundant crop of sustainably grown apples and picking should last until mid-October. At $10 for a peck bag (the same price it’s been for the last 10 years), these are some of the most affordable apples you can pick.
Hall Homestead is located at 154-156 Plainfield Pike Road, Plainfield, and open Monday to Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.
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Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry
Holmberg Orchards is a great place for apple picking and more. Be sure to stop in the Farm Market for 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables, baked goods and gourmet foods. A Facebook post announced that their cider is now available. In addition, there are apple cider donuts, slushies, hard cider and wine.
Holmberg Orchards is located at 1990 CT-12, Gales Ferry. Apple picking is available Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lapsley Orchard in Pomfret Center
While apple picking season is in full swing, Lapsley Orchard still has plenty of peaches left from the summer harvest. In addition to 24 varieties of apples, Lapsley Orchard also has fresh vegetables and offers apple cider donuts, wagon rides and food trucks on the weekends in September.
Lapsley Orchard is located at 403 Orchard Hill Road, Pomfret Center, and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Scott’s Yankee Farmer in East Lyme
Scott’s Yankee Farmer is another great stop for fall-time apple picking. Bring your kids and check out the Wild West Corn Maze as well, and grab some donuts while you enjoy a wagon ride from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. Check out their Facebook page for some great apple recipes.
Scott’s Yankee Farmer is located at 436 Boston Post Road. Picking is available on Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Best apple-picking orchards in New London, Windham counties, Conn.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
