Where to pick apples in Connecticut

 

Apple picking is a time honored tradition in Connecticut, and for good reason! The state has the perfect climate and soil to grow delicious apples. There are dozens of varieties of apples for picking and it make the perfect fall outing for couples or families. It is a great way to spend a fall weekend or afternoon.

 

Bishops Orchard in Guilford, CT

Bishops Orchard in Guilford, CT offers apple picking 7 days a week through October 28th. You’ll also find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, petting zoo and more!

This Award-winning orchard with delicious apples grown without pesticides in Guilford Connecticut. Fun activities include a hay bale maze for little ones and rows upon rows of pumpkins.

Bishops has some of the apple picking in CT as they have over a dozen varieties of apples. The apple orchards are spread out depending on variety and are easy to walk to.

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT

This is one of the most scenic spots in Connecticut because it’s tucked away off a winding country road just minutes from historical downtown Middlefield. All you can see are beautiful trees in splendid fall foliage!

It offers apple picking 7 days a week from September 16th through October 28th for guests who want to make their own fall memories with family or friends!

Lyman Orchards also features an interactive hay maze with a brand new design for each season. The hay maze is a great challenge for all ages, and kids have a great activity sheet that helps them through the maze.

There are also picnic tables, so take your lunch with you or buy some fresh-pressed cider on the way out and enjoy it all while sitting under large shade trees.

Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel is a market where you can buy fresh apples, apple cider, and the best apple cider donuts in Connecticut!

What better way to spend an autumn afternoon?

 

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard in Shelton, CT

Beardsley’s offers 12 varieties of apples for harvesting as well as a variety of cider donuts!

As you enjoy the beautiful scenery at Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard in Shelton, CT with your family or friends, be sure to bring some fresh-pressed cider on the way out and enjoy it all while sitting under large shade trees.

You can also make your own hard cider by appointment at Beardsley’s Cider Mill.

 

Silverman’s Farm in Easton CT

Silverman’s Farm in Easton CT has been around for 100 years and is a great place to visit if you are in the mood for an apple picking adventure.

Silverman’s offers over 20 varieties of apples and welcomes everyone from families with children young and old to corporate outings looking for a fun team-building experience.

Along with their pick your own apples at Silverman’s Farm there are also hayrides, picnic areas, petting and feeding animals and delicious baked apple goods.

For those who would rather purchase their pre-picked apples then they offer all sorts of sizes that will fit any need or desire. Whether it be just one or 100 pounds of them – Silvermans has you covered.

Rogers Orchard in Plantsville, CT

Rogers Orchard in Plantsville, CT is another great place for apple picking in Connecticut.

Rogers Orchard offers pick your own apples with over 15 varieties of apples there is sure to be an apple that will suit any taste preference – think Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Golden Supreme and more!

Rogers farm also sells fresh cider doughnuts fritters while their baked goods are made with locally sourced ingredients so you know they’re always going to be delicious.

 

 

Holmberg Orchards in Newington, CT

Holmberg Orchards in Newington, CT has more than just apples!

Holmberg like most apple orchards in CT also have berry picking, pumpkins and more. Check what they are picking before you go.

Holmberg goes beyond the typical varieties and also has a lavender field! If you go in late June and July the smell is spectacular! You can cut your own to use in baking and potpourri.

Holmberg Orchards is famous for their delicious muffins, so make sure to grab some when you visit!

Holmberg also has their own winery and is famous for their hard cider throughout Connecticut.

 

 

Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm in Sharon CT

Ellsworth Hill is a family owned and operated farm in Sharon CT. They provide apples, pumpkins, raspberries and more.

Their apple varieties are McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious but they also have pears! And if you’re not looking for fruit when you visit Ellsworth Hill then check out their fresh produce stand to find the perfect pumpkin or squash to decorate your home with this fall.

Ellsworth Hill has been around since 1852 so they know what it takes to grow some of the best fruits around! Make sure you stop by on weekends during peak season (the second week in October through November) as they are open from 11 am – dark seven days a week.

Plus they offer a nice corn maze that is perfect for families as it isn’t too difficult.

While this orchard is a little farther afield than most of the central CT apple orchards it is worth visiting in the fall for the beautiful New England fall foliage! Plus you can combine it with a trip to the Berkshires.

 

Is there any other apple picking in CT?

While the large orchards I mentioned above tend to get the most visitors as they offer amazing views, extra activities like hay rides, mazes and fairs that doesn’t mean they are the best or the only options.

Almost every town in CT has its own pick your own at small family owned farms. To find one near you check out this list.

This allows you to enjoy a leisurely day on the farm, visit with some animals and pick your own apples without the crowds.

These orchards are great for small kids who have limited attention and can’t walk long distances.

 

What is the Best orchard for Apple Picking in CT?

That’s an impossible question so I don’t know why I asked it.:)

We have done them all after 20+ years living in CT, and they all have awesome picking, but we go back year after year to Lyman Orchards. The views are so amazing and they have a huge assortment of apple varieties as well as my very favorite apple cider donuts!

 

Tips for Picking the Best Apples

When you are apple picking this year, it’s important to know how to pick the best ones. Here are some helpful tips:

-Pick an apple off of the tree at chest height

-Feel the weight of the fruit in your hand before you buy them (a heavy one will be filled with crunchy goodness)

-Look for shiny skin that doesn’t have any blemishes

-Make sure the apple is ripe (should be soft or just starting to feel a little crispy)

-Check for even color tone and make sure there aren’t bruises or signs of insect issues.

-You can find some gems at the tops of the trees if you can reach them.

-Gently place your apples in your bag or basket to prevent damage.

I hope this inspires you to pick your own apples this fall and be part of a New England tradition that continues to be part of celebrating fall.

 

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