Apple picking with your family is a brilliant American pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You can even make a day of it at certain orchards that allow you to pick your own apples.
Whether you are looking for an orchard that offers plenty of activities alongside apple picking or you want a quick road trip stop-off, there is an orchard for you near Amherst in Massachusetts.
If you are looking to indulge in some apple picking with your friends or family during your trip to Massachusetts, here are some of the best places to visit near Amherst.
If you are visiting Massachusetts between July and October, you are in the perfect window to indulge in some apple picking, one of the best places to do that is at Buczala Farm near Amherst.
This is a farm that has been around for a long time and produces a wide range of high-quality apples.
The farm opens its gates for visitors to pick their own apples during the picking season. It is always a good idea to phone ahead to double-check the opening times with this orchard.
If you are looking for an apple picking location that is steeped in history, Atkins Farms is the place for you. This farm was established in 1962 and has prided itself on the quality of apples it produces.
The farm and its retail building were supposed to be opened in 1961, however, the building was put on hold because the crop of apples froze that year and was not usable.
With a better crop the next year and in subsequent years, the farm has built a reputation for producing beautiful, sweet apples that can be picked by the public.
This is a great place to spend a day out with the family with plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. There is also a beautiful bakery on site to refuel after.
Another farm that has a beautiful history is Small Ones Farm. This is the perfect place to visit with your whole family.
The farm is particularly engineered for young children and educates them on the wonders of being on a farm and the importance of growing food.
This is a wonderfully wholesome farm that can be both educational and fun for the whole family.
The farm also works closely with local organizations and schools to help spread awareness and education about sustainable farming practices to help our future generations.
For a truly authentic apple picking experience, you have to head to Quonquont Farm near Amherst. The setting of this farm is one of the most beautiful on the list. In fact, it is so beautiful that it is often used as a venue for weddings.
Because the farm and orchard are sometimes used for weddings, it is best to call ahead to make sure that you can access the orchard on the day.
The apple picking season at Quonquont Farm begins in late August and stretches to late October. You can also pick other fruit at different times of the year here.
At Dickinson Farm and Greenhouse, there is a beautiful pick-your-own apple barn and bake shop. This is the perfect way to while away a few hours during late summer or early fall.
The pick-your-own area is open on Saturdays and Sundays between July and October, although you should check opening times before you leave to avoid disappointment.
The last wagon can leave the barn at 4:30 pm to be back in at 5 pm, so make sure you get there early enough to make the most of it. You can also pick up some wonderful, baked treats from the bake shop while you are there.
If you are looking for a fruit farm that prides itself on using sustainable farming techniques, then Clarkdale Fruit Farms could be the perfect place for you to go apple picking.
This farm is a fourth-generation fruit farm that can be found in the stunning hills of Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Clarkdale Fruit Farms boast over 100 different varieties of fruits and vegetables on their farm. During the picking season for each fruit, you can go and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and pick some fruit.
For apples in particular, this season generally occurs between July and October.
If you are looking for a pick-your-own farm that offers multiple types of fruit throughout the year, Park Hill Orchard is for you.
The farm boasts over 95 varieties of fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, cherries, pears, and apples. The beautiful apples in the orchard are set up for Pick-Your-Own harvesting during picking season.
The farm also sells them at their farmstand on-site, and at several farmer’s markets. This is perfect for anyone who is short on time during their trip but still wants to enjoy the fresh, sweet apples from the orchard.
Phoenix Fruit Farm prides itself as a farm that produces fruit with a conscience. They are committed to following sustainable farming practices and helping to preserve the environment for future generations.
On top of that, they provide a beautiful orchard for apple picking during the summer and fall months.
It is important to check opening times with the farm before you travel to avoid disappointment. Sometimes, inclement weather can affect the orchard’s ability to be opened safely.
The picking season can also be cut short if there is an increase in picking early on in the season.
For a farm that is completely focused on Pick-your-own fruit, Olesiuk Farm is a great choice. It is a family-run farm that has been producing delicious fruit since 1925.
The range of fruit and vegetables that the farm produces is impressive and all of it can be picked by visitors.
The farm is open for picking between July and November. However, if you are specifically interested in picking apples, then you will want to visit between August and October for the best choice of crops.
It is a good idea to check the farm’s Facebook page to ensure that they are open when you intend to visit.
Another farm that has been around for decades is Brookfield Farm. This beautiful community farm was established in 1986 and has been providing fresh fruit and vegetables ever since.
They also have livestock on the farm which is great for keeping children entertained all day. You can visit the pigs and even bring them compost scraps to feed them.
The Pick-your-own area of the farm is open during daylight hours, 7 days a week during the picking season. You can check their website for any weather conditions or other circumstances that might force the farm to close for a day.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of beautiful orchards near Amherst, Massachusetts where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables.
The apples that are grown in this area are beautiful, large, and sweet. Perfect for a healthy road trip snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Rules At Apple Picking Orchards?
There are various rules that you have to abide by when visiting a pick-your-own orchard or farm. Each farm will have its own set of rules for the orchards, however, there are some that are fairly universal.
One of the most important rules that almost every orchard has is to avoid snacking on the produce as you wander around the fields.
This can have a significant impact on the farm’s revenue across the course of a season and can hinder the pick-your-own fields going forward.
Another common rule is that you must use the sacks or wagons provided by the farm or orchard in order to pick their fruit.
If you are cynical, this might seem like a way for a farm to get more money out of you, however, it simply makes it easier for the cashier to accurately weigh your produce so you aren’t over or undercharged.
Finally, this isn’t so much of a rule but a helpful tip. Most pick-your-own farms still operate on a cash-only basis.
There are plenty of farms that are beginning to take card payments but there is never a guarantee.
It is best to check with the farm before visiting or make sure that you have enough cash on your first.
Are Dogs Allowed At Apple Picking Orchards?
This is another answer that really depends on the orchard that you are visiting. The majority of orchards do not allow dogs in the orchard itself.
However, there are plenty of farms that allow them on the premises and not in the picking field. It is always best to contact the farm ahead of time to make sure whether you can bring your dog or not.
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