New England Apple Orchard Guide

NE Orchards - Apple Growers - Apple Farms by Region

At the apple orchard, you can enjoy a day filled with activities for the whole family. Many apple orchards are family-owned with a strong sense of tradition, which makes them a great place to spend a wholesome day.

Most apple orchards now offer pick-your-own apples for certain varieties. The most popular pick-your-own varieties are McIntosh, Cortland, Granny Smiths, Gala, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Empire, and Rome. Other varieties of apples can usually be found at the farm stand along with a variety of apple products, cider, jams, pies, honey, maple syrup, vegetables, pumpkins, flowers, local crafts, and other fruits that are in season. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit an orchard, you may also be able to enjoy pick-your-own peaches, blueberries, or strawberries.

In addition to the family fun that you will experience when picking your own apples, many apple orchards now offer additional activities. Some activities offered at various orchards include weekend festivals, hayrides, playgrounds and petting zoos. If you visit an orchard that crafts its own cider, you may have the opportunity to witness an apple-pressing demonstration. During a visit to an apple orchard on a warm day, you may want to enjoy a light picnic lunch. Depending on the orchard, they may offer meals on-site, or you may need to pack your own. Most orchards will have a nice picnic area with majestic views, where you can relax while you eat. After your picnic, a tasty ice cream treat to help keep everyone cool maybe offered at the farm stand.

Orchard owners are very proud of their harvests and their orchards. If you are interested in how apple orchards operate, some orchards will offer guided tours; however, these usually need to be scheduled in advance. To find the closest apple orchard in your area, visit our listings for Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Once you select your apple-picking destination, it is always a good idea to call ahead and confirm hours and activities.

After you return home from a fun-filled day at the orchard, be sure you get the most out of your apples. Keep in mind that apples continue to ripen after they have been picked. Store the apples in a cool place to retard the ripening process, and never store your apples at room temperature, as this can ruin their flavor. If you plan to use the apples for baking, visit New England Recipes for great apple recipes and cooking ideas. The best apples for baking are; Baldwin, Cortland, Hampshire, Kearsarge, McIntosh, Rome, Delicious, and Granny Smith. However, experimenting will keep things exciting. Everyone has different tastes, so you may just create a family favorite that will last for generations.

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