There is no better time to go apple picking than the fall. It’s when the apples are most fresh, and it will really get you into the spirit of the season.
Apple picking is a great way to spend some fun, and quality time with your family, and it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age!
If you are in the Boston area, then you will be happy to know that there are plenty of apple-picking spots for you to venture to. We have put together a list of 10 of the absolutely best apple-picking spots for you to check out.
These locations are really easy to get to, and they will provide you and your family with so many fun and amazing memories, so let’s take a look at them now!
The first apple-picking location for you to check out is none other than Parlee Farms. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Boston and it’s definitely worth the trip.
The farm is home to over 20 acres of juicy and delicious apples, so you will be spoilt for choice when you arrive. Some of the apples you can pick here include Honeycrisp, Macoun, Gala, Morning Mist Fuji, Snowsweet, and more!
Parlee Farms is also great because it is home to some of the best apple cider donuts you will ever taste. When you finish picking, head over to the farmstand to watch the donuts being made and then have some for yourself.
You can find Parlee Farms at Parlee Farms, 95 Farwell Rd, Tyngsborough, MA 01879.
Located in Stow, Honey Pot Hill is about a 50-minute drive away from Boston. The farm covers 186 acres and to get to the apple orchard, you will be taken out by the on-site tractor-drawn hayride.
There are plenty of apple varieties available at Honey Pot Hill, some of which include Macs, Paula Reds, Spartans, Winesaps, and more.
Once you have finished picking for the day, don’t forget to check out the farm store, which is home to so much amazing produce, some of which include warm cider donuts, homemade jams, and other baked goods.
Honey Pot Hill is home to plenty of other attractions as well. You can go and see the farm animals, and try your luck in the hedge maze, and there is also a cider tent for the adults to enjoy.
You can find Honey Pot Hill at 16 Boon Rd, Stow, MA 01775.
Boston Hill Farm can be found in North Andover, which is about half an hour’s drive from Boston.
It is a family-run farm that has been maintained by the same family for over twelve generations, and it is the perfect place to visit if you want an authentic New England apple-picking experience.
The apple-picking season usually starts in early September at Boston Hill Farm and you can pick lots of delicious varieties here. Some varieties available include Ginger Golds and Paula Reds.
Once you have finished picking apples, you will be able to check out the farmstand which sells delicious homemade apple cider and donuts, as well as some other fantastic baked goods.
Boston Hill Farm is also dog-friendly, so you can take your furry friend with you on your day out!
You can find Boston Hill Farm at 1370 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA 01845.
Located in Sherborn, Dowse Orchards has been growing fruit and vegetables for over 200 years. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Boston, and it’s definitely worth the trip if you get the chance.
Their apple-picking season usually starts in early September, and the orchard is home to many delicious apples, some of which include Macouns, Cortlands, and Macs.
You will also find pumpkins at Dowse Orchards, as well as hay bales, corn stalks, and hardy mums.
While you are at Dowse Orchards, don’t forget to check out their farm stand and cider mill and make sure you have a taste of the cider while you are there!
You can find Dowse Orchards at 30 Rockwood St, Sherborn, MA 01770.
Found about 50 minutes away from Boston in Harvard, Carlson Orchards has been around since the 1930s. It is a well-established farm and orchard and is highly respected within its community.
You will find plenty of apples to pick and enjoy at Carlson Orchards, some of which include Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.
Once you have finished apple picking at Carlson Orchards, there are plenty of other things for you to check out. Make sure you stop by The Cider Barn to try some fresh and delicious homemade cider!
You can find Carlson Orchards at 115 Oak Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451.
Found in North Andover, Smolak Farms is a 40-minute drive away from Boston. They have some of the most popular apple tours in the whole state, which take you on a wagon ride through the beautiful fall orchards.
The tour guide will even explain how the apple growing process grows, as well as the different types of apples you can pick and the proper way to pick them.
Smolak Farms gives you a fun and informative introduction to apple picking, so you can go off and do it yourself with a better understanding of it.
On top of this, the farm is home to numerous activities, such as a playground, face painting, carnival games, cow train rides, and an animal petting area. You can easily spend the whole day at Smolak Farms and it makes for the perfect day out!
You can find Smolak Farms at 315 S Bradford St, North Andover, MA 01845.
Located in Stow and about an hour’s drive from Boston, Shelburne Farm is home to many different kinds of apples for you to pick and it’s a great place to spend the day.
Along with their heirloom apples that are harder to find in other places, Shelburne Farm has other varieties of apples for you to choose from, such as Opalescent, Pink Pearl, Esopus Spitzenburg, and Sheepnose.
Once you have finished apple picking, the farm is home to lots of other activities and attractions to keep you occupied for longer.
On certain days, they hold live music events and the farm’s onsite kitchen serves lots of delicious, fresh treats, such as hot cider donuts. They also host a food truck fare, so check the website for the dates!
You can find Shelburne Farm at 106 W Acton Rd, Stow, MA 01775.
Also located in Stow, Carver Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm that is full of fruit for you to pick for yourself daily.
Apple picking season runs from September through to the end of October, so check the website for more accurate dates when you plan on visiting.
Along with apple picking, Carver Hill Orchard is also home to a fantastic country store that is full of fresh and homemade produce for you to purchase.
Some of the things you can get from the store include cider donuts, eggs, jams and jellies, as well as plenty of other homemade treats.
The orchard is also picnic-friendly, and they actively encourage visitors to find a spot to relax and enjoy food in.
You can find Carver Hill Orchard at 101 Brookside Ave, Stow, MA 01775.
The Orchard at Connemara House is about half an hour away from Boston and it is located in Topsfield. This orchard is incredibly picturesque and it covers over 13 acres.
This is one of the quietest locations on this list, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to steer clear of crowds.
There are over 10 varieties of apples for you to choose from at The Orchard, some of which include Cortlands and Baldwins. There are also peaches and pears that you can pick during the fall!
You can find The Orchard at 252 Rowley Bridge Rd, Topsfield.
Found about an hour away from Boston in the town of Ipswich is another picturesque location that is worth visiting in the fall.
It is at this orchard that you will find some of the most beloved variations of apples in the whole state, some of which include McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, and Crispin. On-site, kids can also go and see the farm animals, while adults have the opportunity to visit the winery!
You can find Russell Orchards at 147 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.
Conclusion
There are plenty of apple-picking spots close to Boston, and the 10 we have listed here are easily the best! They have plenty of other activities besides just apple picking, which makes the drive worth it.
When the fall rolls around, hit up some of these locations for yourself and see which ones you enjoy the most. You will definitely visit again once you have been there for the first time and your whole family will love the locations too!
Hi, my name is Amelia Haslehurt and I am a food blogger. As you can guess, I am passionate about what I eat, but what is most important to me when reviewing is high quality, fresh, organic, delicious ingredients.
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