Nothing says fall like apple picking as the leaves turn orange and the temperature cools. With autumn eagerly approaching, now’s the perfect time to plan a visit to one of the many festive orchards nearby. Here’s a look at what some of the best farms in Westchester are offering this fall season!
In Northern Westchester, the most popular farms include Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, Stuart’s Farm, Salinger’s Orchard, and Outhouse Orchards. My personal favorite is Stuart’s Farm, where I’ve picked apples with my family for the past few years and personally tasted their to-die-for apple cider donut!
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard’s apple picking hours will remain the same as their summer season, every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.! Stop by their market to buy their iconic apple crisp mix, which you can bake at home. And of course, tune into some music, food, and a hayride while you’re there! This year, Harvest Moon is thrilled to announce a Halloween trail they’ve been dreaming up for years. According to them, “this immersive, after-dark experience winds just over half a mile through the farm with larger-than-life scenes, forest magic, and just the right touch of spooky fun for all ages.” If they have caught your eye, check out:
harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com for more information.
At Stuart’s Farm, apple picking begins in early September and runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November. They offer a wide variety of apples, with over 20 to choose from; the picking period varies per type of apple. For the full experience, hop on Stuart’s Farm hayrides, which are offered on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, check out:
stuartsfarm.com
If you aren’t in the mood to pick your own apples but rather have them perfectly curated for your unique baking ideas, Salinger’s Orchard is the place for you. At Salinger’s Orchard, due to the hilly and expansive terrain, a skilled team picks & sorts the apples to be bought for eating, baking, and cider making! Be sure to stop by their market to check out some handmade items and support small businesses in the Hudson Valley. In the fall, they will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. More details on Salinger’s Orchard are available at: salingersorchards.com
At Outhouse Orchard, the season begins in early September and runs through the end of October. Hours for the upcoming fall season are not yet available. However, for the best times to pick your favorite type of apple, check their website for ripening trends. At Outhouse Orchard, you can even pick pears and peaches! Outhouse has a variety of offerings lined up for the fall, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, a hay maze, and even a bouncy house for the young ones. If you have a few hours to spare, take their gorgeous hayride voyage and explore the vast farmland at Outhouse Orchards. Learn more about Outhouse at: outhouseorchardsny.com
Whether you’re looking to wander through orchards, taste some freshly baked goods, or simply enjoy the crisp autumn air, these local farms offer a perfect day trip. Grab your sweater, gather your friends or family, and make the most of this fall with a fun apple picking day!
