The Best Places To Pick Your Own Apples In Americ
The best spots for apple picking this fall
That nip in the air? That means it's just about time to get picking—apple picking, that is. It's prime time for a pick-your-own afternoon at one of these gorgeous orchards. Just grab a Coca-Cola Life, a peck (remember, four pecks make a bushel) and start loading up on crisp, sweet fruit. How do you like them apples?
Scott Farm, Dummerston, VT: This gorgeous New England estate, once owned by Rudyard Kipling, produces upward of 90 varieties of "ecologically grown" heirloom apples, including rarely seen breeds such as the tart Belle de Boskoop (ideal for making strudels) and the sweet, fresh Hubbardston Nonesuch. Stop by the general store for cider, maple syrup, jellies, cutting boards and more.
Stone Ridge Orchard, Stone Ridge, NY: Nestled between the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains in the Hudson Valley, this 200-year-old orchard uses innovative growing techniques to produce an array of sustainably grown gourmet apples, including Ginger Golds, Macouns, Fujis and more.
Weston's Antique Apple Orchard, New Berlin, WI: The Dutch farmhouse on this farm, built in 1901, is a National Register rural landmark, so you know the property is going to be scenic. But Weston's isn't all about looks—the orchard grows more than 100 varieties of apples, including some extremely rare heirloom breeds like the Old Church and Lemonade.
Stribling Orchard, Markham, VA: Tucked into the Shenandoah Valley, this 200-year-old orchard offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, secluded picnic areas and quaint historical buildings to explore when you're not out picking Staymans, Yorks and Grimes Golden apples.
Draper Girls Country Farm, Mt. Hood Parkdale, OR: In addition to the pick-your-own apples, Draper Girls also has an apple cider mill and a veritable petting zoo's worth of adorable farm animals. The scenic Hood River Valley backdrop doesn't hurt either.
Stetson Creek Ranch, Angelus Oaks, CA: This working farm in the beautiful San Bernadino Mountains, clocking in at 5,700 feet above sea level, is one of few orchards in sunny Southern California. Its apples, including crisp McIntoshes and Rome apples for cooking, are all 100 percent organic.