Long Island is home to some of the best orchards around, perfect for collecting apples and cooking up some of your favorite recipes, plus the kids’ will love it!
Let’s take a look at some of the best apple picking experiences in Long Island.
Woodside Orchards has been around since 1982 and is owned by Robert Gammon. The family has plenty of experience when it comes to providing customers with quality apples.
The orchard offers a wide variety of apple varieties, from classic favorites like Red Delicious and Golden Delicious to more exotic options like Honeycrisp and Pink Lady.
You can pick as many apples as you want plus, there are pre-picked apples available if you don’t want to do any picking yourself, but where’s the fun in that?
Not only do they sell delicious apples, but they also use the apples to make cider, both traditional and fruit varieties. They offer a tasting menu where you can try the drinks and maybe take home a bottle of your favorite.
They are also pet friendly, so bring along your pooch for the fun, what’s not to love!
Next up is Lewin Farms, located in Calverton. This family-run farm boasts over 30 varieties of apples to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect pick for your needs.
The orchard also offers a wide variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables, plus homemade cider and pies.
Lewin Farms is open seven days a week during apple season (August through October).
Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable about their products, and they offer free samples, so you can make sure you’ve selected the right type of apple before making your purchase.
There are plenty of activities available here that will keep everyone entertained all day long, including a corn maze, perfect to wear out little legs whilst having lots of fun!
In addition to the above, if you visit around Xmas time you can pick a real tree home-grown on the premises. A great way to get you into the Xmas spirit!
Continuing our journey through Long Island’s best apple-picking spots, we come to Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue.
This well-known farm offers an array of different varieties to pick from, and has been a favorite location for apple-picking fans for years.
The 300 hundred acres of land has been farmed since way back in 1661, so it’s seen 100s of years of fruit growing making it an integral part of the local area.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is especially great for families and large groups, as there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the day. The farm also offers:
Freshly pressed cider available onsite.
U-pick apples or purchase pre-picked bags.
Delicious donuts and baked goods in the farm stand.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is a great choice for anyone looking to spend a day outdoors picking apples and enjoying all the other fun activities the farm has to offer.
With its wide selection of tasty apples and other attractions, it’s no wonder why this spot is so beloved by locals!
The Milk Pail Farm Stand in Water Mill is one of the best places for apple picking in Long Island. It’s nestled in the countryside with sprawling fields, so you get a great view of the surrounding landscape.
The farm stand offers both pre-picked and pick-your-own apples, so you can choose which type of experience you’d prefer.
They grow 20 different varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, Macintosh and Red Delicious.
So there are plenty of options. Entrance is free for up to 6 people, and the apples are reasonably priced. They also offer farm wagon tours, a great hit for the kids!
The farm also offers fresh baked pies, jams, preserves and other treats that are made from their own apples. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and they’ll even give you advice on how to pick the best apples!
You can also find seasonal fruits like peaches and pears here as well. The Milk Pail Farm Stand is a great destination for a family outing or day trip.
Whether you’re looking to pick your own apples or just enjoy the views of this picturesque location, it’s certain to be an enjoyable experience for all ages!
Harbes Family Farm and Apple Orchard is a great place for apple picking in Long Island.
Located in Mattituck, it offers the best of both worlds; fresh local produce and a fun family outing. Here’s what you can expect:
A huge selection of apples, ranging from Honeycrisp to Golden Delicious
U-pick pumpkins, gourds, and squash.
Activities for all ages including musical hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, apple blasters, slides, mazes, pig races and playgrounds.
A country store stocked with baked goods, jams and jellies, and seasonal merchandise.
The café serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes perfect for a day of apple picking with the family. The farm also has a cute family of baby animals, a sure way to entertain the kids!
Hank’s PumpkinTown is a great place to pick apples in Long Island. It has been family-owned by Hank and Lynne Kraskewski since the 1970s. The farm offers a variety of apple varieties, from Suncrisp to Snow Sweet.
Their farm is set in 30 acres and includes a giant corn maze, great for the kids to enjoy, as well as tractor rides, jump pads, duck races, pedal carts, dairy barn playground and more!
They are also known for their delicious toffee apples, donuts, and apple cider which you can find on site at the market. Perfect if you have a sweet tooth!
Seven Ponds Orchard is an ideal spot for apple picking in Long Island. Located in Water Mill, the orchard opens up for U-Pick apples in late August, giving you a head start on all your fall recipes.
The on-site farmer’s market has plenty of fresh produce and homemade products to try out too! They also have a selection of farm toys for children to try providing a perfect photo opportunity.
For more information about Seven Ponds Orchard, make sure to check their Facebook page, as they don’t have a website.
Prices vary according to what activities you’d like to participate in, so it’s best to call ahead before visiting.
Keep in mind that this popular orchard closes down after Thanksgiving Day, so make sure you visit them while you can!
Best Time To Go Apple Picking On Long Island
Generally, the best time to go apple picking is at the end of summer and beginning of fall. Apples are typically ripe for picking in early September through mid-October.
The particular type of apple you’re looking for may affect when you should head out – some varieties ripen earlier or later than others.
For instance, if you’re interested in Honeycrisp apples, it’s best to wait until late September as they ripen at that time. Similarly, if you want tart Granny Smith apples, they tend to be ready by early October.
On the other hand, Red Delicious apples can be picked from early August through late October. Knowing these specific dates will help ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and fruitful!
Apple Picking Tips & Fun Facts
Apple picking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some delicious fruit. Before you go, there are a few tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
First, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can handle a bit of dirt.
You’ll also want to bring along some water and snacks, so you’re not tempted to overindulge in apples!! Secondly, be sure to read up on what type of apples are in season at the orchard you plan on visiting.
Lastly, it’s important to keep an eye out for insects and other wildlife while you’re picking apples.
It can be difficult to spot them in the tall grasses or trees, but keeping an eye out will help protect yourself and the fruit.
There are over 2500 different varieties of apples grown in the US alone with a staggering 75,000 worldwide and each apple tree can produce up to between 100–150 apples annually if it is properly cared for and harvested correctly, so there’s definitely plenty to go around.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best apple picking spots in Long Island, there are plenty of options.
From farms with a great selection of apple varieties to orchards that offer both pick-your-own and pre-picked fruits, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
Whether you want to try local heirloom apples or just pick (see also: 10 Best Apple Picking In Maryland To Try Today)up some fresh produce for the week, these farms can provide the perfect place!
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.
I wanted to create an online space where others could sample some of my favorite recipes, and share in my passion for home-grown produce.
Whether you are looking for vegan recipes, easy recipes, healthy recipes or your favorite yummy snacks to brighten your day, I can help you out here at LocallyGrownGardens.com
