8 U-pick farms in New England
Nothing quite says fall like spending your day in an apple orchard. Whether you’re looking for the juiciest apple, prettiest pumpkin, or just an excuse to celebrate the season, here’s a list of eight local orchards where New Englanders can pick their own.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm, South Natick
Established more than three centuries ago, Belkin Family Lookout Farm has a little something for everyone. Not only can you pick your own apples and pumpkins, but there are farm animals, play areas, and train rides to boot. Weekends feature a barbecue snack bar, face painting, hayrides, and live entertainment.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 89 Pleasant St. South in South Natick. Admission $9 on weekdays, $15 weekends ($13 for children under 12). Kids 2 and under are free.
Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton
Set on 150 acres of farmland, Bolton Spring Farm is a country oasis just a 20-mile drive from Boston. Pick your own apples and vegetables, then head on over to the bakery for apple-spiced goodies and more. When you’re finished, you can visit the farm store for housemade jams, pumpkins, and everything you need for fall.
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 159 Maine St. (Route 117) in Bolton. Call 978-779-2898 for rates.
Ingaldsby Farm, Boxford
Ingaldsby Farm offers more than eight pick-your-own crops seasonally — and apples are just one of the bunch. Some others to look out for are corn, pumpkins, and squash. What’s more, you can decorate your yard with their beautiful fall flowers, which come complete in a gorgeous fall pot.
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 14 Washington St. in Boxford. Call 978-352-2813 for rates.
www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=1358
Boston Hill Farm, North Andover
Is there any better combination than farm-fresh apples and cider? Stop by Boston Hill Farm and you’ll have your pick of both. It features a bakery, ice cream parlor, and petting zoo for an outing the whole family can enjoy.
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 1370 Turnpike St. in North Andover. Call 978-681-8556 for rates.
Applecrest Farm Orchards, Hampton Falls, NH
Take a respite from the city at Applecrest Farm Orchards, where growing fruits and vegetables is a fourth-generation affair. One of the oldest and largest apple orchards in New Hampshire, the farm features more than 40 varieties of apples, berries, and pumpkins for your very own picking delight.
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 133 Exeter Rd. in Hampton Falls, N.H. Call 603-926-3721 for rates.
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery, Guilford, CT
Get lost at Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market and Winery in Guilford, Conn., which features its very own corn and hay maze. When you’re finished, reward yourself with a fine glass of vino from the award-winning winery next door. And, if you’re still feeling hungry, there’s a bakery and farm market to explore.
Farm Market open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1355 Boston Post Rd. in Guilford, Conn. Call 203-453-2338 for seasonal apple picking hours and rates.
Mack’s Apples, Londonderry, NH
Come to Londonderry, N.H., for Mack’s pick-your-own adventure that includes yummy apples and all kinds of local goods. For those feeling festive, there’s even a pumpkin patch on site. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can end your day with an stroll through the New England’s countryside — many pack a picnic to enjoy.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 230 Mammoth Rd. in Londonderry, N.H. Call 603-434-7619 for rates.
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, CT
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Middlefield, Conn.’s Lyman Orchards, a New England staple known for its delicious apple pie. While you’re munching, you can check out the orchard’s 45-hole golf course — the only one of its kind around.
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 32 Reeds Gap Rd. in Middlefield, Conn. Call 860-349-1793 for rates. www.lymanorchards.com
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Additional reporting by Callie Ahlgrim
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