The weather is starting to cool off. Trees are beginning to change colors. Night time is arriving earlier. Yes, it’s sad to see summer end, but the arrival of fall also brings in another season: apple picking season. Apple picking is a great for people of all ages – it’s simple, cheap, and fun for the whole family. In addition to the apples and the scenery, farms usually have plenty of additional features to check out (e.g. animals, hayrides, jams, syrups, etc.).There’s an abundance of beautiful farms and orchards in Massachusetts – it’d be a mistake to miss out on such a simple, serene and timeless activity.
Complete list of orchards: http://www.allaboutapples.com/orchard/ma03.htm
Russel Orchards – 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA
Description: The Russell Orchards property has a long history as a working farm. As the third family that has owned it, we, the Russell family, are honored to continue its long tradition. The Essex County Greenbelt Association holds an agricultural restriction on Russell Orchards and consequently it will never be developed. The store is housed in a beautiful 18th century barn, with the original barn boards and few renovations.
We carry a wide assortment of jams and jellies, maple syrup, our own honey, several varieties of gourmet teas and coffees, old fashioned penny candy, Burt’s Bees products, and so much more.
From our winery, we have 21 varieties of wine that are always available for tasting, and we carry a number of wine-related products as well. Watch Cider being pressed on Saturdays in the fall and sit by the fire at our field stone fireplace when the temperatures fall. There is no place quite like Russell Orchards. Come and see for yourself. Call ahead for conditions and hours. Containers provided for pick your own. Groups welcome
Long Hill Orchard – 520 Main Street, West Newbury, MA
Description: Long Hill Orchard and Farm has been in operation since 1896. We are enthusiastically starting the 2009 season. We grow produce and fruit for our farm stand including apples, peaches and pears. There are also many other great items available in our farm stand such as, local dairy products (eggs, butter, milk), honey, maple syrup, crafts, baked goods, etc. You can also enjoy a tasty treat from our ice cream stand (opens in May). We grow chemical and pesticide free produce in exchange for your support of our sustainable growing methods. The harvest season will run for approximately 20 distribution weeks, from June to October. If you are interested feel free to call our farm stand (978-363-2170) and leave your contact information (name, number, email address) or visit our website
Honey Pot Hill Orchards – 144 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA
Description: Apple picking daily from noon to 5 p.m. beginning Labor Day through Columbus Day. Hayrides only on weekends, noon-4 p.m. Visit our farm animals and have a picnic or visit our stand for cider and donuts.
Cider Hill Farm – 45 Fern Ave., Amesbury, MA
Description: Scenic farm, PYO fruits, beautiful walking and picnic areas w/ fall weekend hayrides, farm animal viewing and hay barn play area for kids, large outdoor corn field & hay bale maze, country store, greenhouse and view of packing and cider operation. Winner of the best cider in the state by Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources’ cider contest. Over 60 varieties of apples!
Marino Lookout Farm – 89 Pleasant Street, South Natick, MA
Description: Marino Lookout Farm is recognized as the oldest continuously working farm in the country; it was first deeded in the late 1600’s. The land has been farmed ever since, and its orchards have been a popular destination for autumn apple pickers for well over a century.
Image: Flickr, Canong2fan
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