Connecticut is a beautiful state that is known for its incredible universities, stunning fall foliage, and its many innovations, inventions, and works of art.
However, something that shouldn’t be overlooked when we think about Connecticut is the beautiful apple orchards that are dotted across the state.
There are plenty of orchards to choose from, however, we have put together a list of the best apple picking orchards that are worth the trip.
There are literally hundreds of apple picking orchards that you can choose from in the state. However, it can be a little bit overwhelming to try and pick one for your trip.
Below are some of our favorite orchards that you can visit near Connecticut.
The first orchard on the list is Beadsley’s Cider Mill and orchard. This cider mill has been operating since 1849.
Set in the beautiful countryside of Shelton, it began life as a dairy farm until a bus crash in the 1970s caused it to burn down.
Since then, the orchards have been revived, resulting in over 10,000 apple trees. There are multiple varieties of apples that are grown in the orchard and are available to be picked throughout the fall season.
Located in the charming town of Washington Depot are the stunning Averill Farm Orchards. If you are looking for the perfect, cozy fall aesthetics this is the place for you.
The setting is so beautiful that it even inspired the setting of Gilmore Girls.
This orchard is on a tenth-generation farm that has been operating since the mid-1700s. If you want to experience a true, vintage, historic apple picking experience, this is the perfect orchard.
The beauty of the apples isn’t overshadowed by too many extra attractions.
Another orchard that has a long history is Belltown Hill Orchards. Founded in 1904 by the Preli family, this stunning orchard has been passed down through the generations ensuring that it was kept in the family even today.
The apple picking season at Belltown Hill Orchards begins around mid-august, this is when the earliest apple varieties will be available to pick.
You can pick apples at the orchard through late November, this will mostly be reserved for the latest apples to ripen. For the most variety, it is best to visit during the middle of the season.
If you are looking for an orchard that has enough to see and do to fill an entire day, Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market and Winery is the perfect orchard for you.
As the name suggests, there is a winery and a farm market available alongside the orchard, but that isn’t the only secret this wonderful orchard is keeping.
The fruit that can be picked at Bishop’s extends beyond just apples to pears, pumpkins, and even raspberries. All the fruits are available to be picked between August and November, although opening hours are weather dependent.
Located in Easton, Silverman’s Farm is another beautiful orchard that has plenty to offer besides apples. With that being said, the apples really are the stars of the show here.
The produce is always fresh, crisp, and juicy. This is a great palace to stop during a road trip to get some healthy snacks.
However, if you want to spend longer at the farm, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
There is a petting zoo on site as well as farm animals, hayrides, and a refreshment stand. You can easily spend an entire day here.
A beautiful orchard located just outside Danbury, Connecticut is Blue Jay Orchards. This orchard is the staple of the small Bethel community.
It is another family-owned orchard that has been in business for longer than anyone living can remember.
Despite the humble, family roots of this orchard, there is so much to keep the whole family entertained all day. The apple picking is the undisputed star of the orchard.
However, there are hayrides and an amazing beehive that offers education about bees and their role in our world.
If you can’t get enough of the adorable family-owned orchards that are scattered across Connecticut, Blue Hills Orchards is another location for your list.
Blue Hills Orchard has been in operation since 1904 and is currently being run by the sixth generation of the Henry family.
The season for picking your own fruit, including apples, begins in mid-August and is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
The orchard provides picking containers for all guests and you can choose to pick from a range of fresh fruits. Despite the 300 acres of lush farmland, picnics are not allowed on the grounds.
Another orchard that is steeped in history is Buell’s Orchard. This orchard has been a family-run business since 1889 and is only in its fourth generation.
Apple picking at this orchard begins later than a lot of other orchards, not opening until the start of September. Visitors can pick their own apples on Saturdays and Sundays.
The pick-your-own season at Buell’s Orchard only stretches until late October. The limited picking season is to ensure that visitors get the best pick of the season and each apple you pick will be perfectly ripe, juicy, and sweet.
Dondero Orchards is located in South Glastonbury and is over a century old. There is so much more to this beautiful orchard than just apple picking.
Locals enjoy spending time here picking fresh apples for their homes, it can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
There are also regular craft fairs that are held at Dondero Orchards and baked goods are almost always on offer. The apple picking season begins in July and stretches to October.
This makes it one of the earliest picking seasons in the state.
If the name alone isn’t enough to sell you on Easy Pickin’s Orchard, the stunning red apples that adored the orchard should.
Not only does this orchard boast some of the most beautiful apples in the state, but the story is enough to win over the heart of any American.
Easy Pickin’s Orchard had humble beginnings, starting with only 25 trees. It has since blossomed into multiple fields lined with rows of burgeoning apple trees.
A proper American success story. You can visit the orchard for apple picking from early September to late October which is quite a short season.
Another orchard with an incredible name is Horse Listener’s Orchard. This is another orchard that has quite a short picking season so you will need to be in state at the right time of the year.
The season begins in late September and ends in late October.
While the orchard is open to visitors, it also offers train rides and hosts special events that center around various fall themes such as Halloween.
Johnny Appleseed’s Farm is one of the newest orchards in the state. It was only built in 1977, but it soon established itself as one of the best apple picking orchards in the state.
One of the best things about this orchard is that it features dwarf apple trees that are the perfect height for easy picking.
Generally, the picking season begins in early August at Johnny Appleseed’s Farm, however, this is dependent on the summer weather and the progress of the crop.
The season runs through the end of October. You can also pick pumpkins from late September to late October. It is recommended that you call ahead to check picking times.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of beautiful orchards to choose from when visiting Connecticut. The orchards mentioned in this list all provide amazing harvests for you to explore and pick from.
There are also plenty of extra activities to keep you busy all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Make A Reservation?
The short answer to this question is that it depends. Some orchards will require that you phone ahead of time to ensure a specific picking time, while others are happy for visitors to just turn up.
Whether or not an orchard requires guests to phone ahead generally depends on the size of the orchard. However, most orchards will state what their requirements are on their website.
It is always a good idea to check the website before setting off on your trip
When Is The Best Time To Go Apple Picking In Connecticut?
As you will have noticed in this list, the picking season in Connecticut is quite spread out. Some orchards begin as early as July and stretch until late November.
However, others are only open between September and October.
While it is possible to go apple picking at any point between these months, to get the widest variety of apples at the ripest, visiting between September and October is a good idea.
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