Apple Picking Across New York

You may not be able to tell by the weather yet, but we’re officially in autumn. Pumpkin ales, pumpkin lattes and even, inexplicably, pumpkin M&M’s are now on store shelves. And America’s favorite fruit, the apple, is now in season. One of the great autumn activities is visiting the local apple orchard to pick some Red Delicious, Pink Lady and Braeburn while enjoying a hot cider and donuts. If you live in the city, however, you can’t exactly get to the nearest orchard via subway. Instead, hop on a New York charter bus and make a visit to one of these local orchards.

Masker Orchards: Located in Warwick, just 55 miles northwest of Manhattan, Masker Orchards has 200 acres of trees to wander through, featuring all kinds of apple varieties for you to pick yourself. The kids will love the pony rides and haystack maze and, like any good orchard, there’ll be fresh donuts and apple pie waiting for you.

Stuart’s Farm: Head north to Granite Springs to find this historic Westchester farm, family owned since 1828. Aside from all the apples, you’ll also find pumpkins on the vine and delicious fresh corn.

Silverman’s Farm: Located in Easton, Connecticut, just outside of Bridgeport, Silverman’s Farm has been an orchard and cider mill since the 1920s. Today, it’s also popular for the petting zoo filled with buffalo, llamas, alpacas and exotic birds, and a gourmet market with pies of all kinds as well as local jams, honeys and other sweets. On the right day, you can even catch some live folk music among the corn stalks.