As summer ends and fall’s cool air moves in, the colors of red, orange, and yellow come to life on Long Island, New York. This time of year, apple picking on Long Island is a beloved tradition that both locals and tourists enjoy. Long Island’s beautiful fields and family-friendly farms make it the perfect place to go apple picking for a memorable day. In this piece, we’ll talk about the best places on Long Island to pick apples and give you all the information you need to plan a fun trip with your family.
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The Rich Tradition of Apple Picking Long Island
Since the 1960s, people on Long Island have been going apple picking in the fall. The rich earth and mild weather make the area a good place for apple orchards. Since colonial times, apple orchards have been an important part of rural life on Long Island. They have also contributed to the island’s long agricultural past.
Many of these orchard owners have been teaching their skills and information to new generations for well over a hundred years. Apple picking Long Island does more than just fill a craving for fresh fruit. It also brings neighbors closer together and makes people proud of the agricultural history of the area. When families go to the farms, they see for themselves how much work and care it takes to grow these tasty treats.
Why would you go to Long Island instead of somewhere else to pick apples?
Lots of Different Apples
Long Island has a lot of different kinds of apple trees, so there’s something for everyone. You can fill your basket to the top with all kinds of apples, from the sweet and crisp Gala to the sour and tangy Granny Smith. Each apple orchard has its own variety of apples, each with its own set of qualities that make picking apples both fun and informative.
Apple picking Long Island gives you a huge range of tastes and feelings, showing once again that variety is the spice of life. Some orchards even sell rare and heirloom apple varieties that you might not be able to find at a normal grocery store.
A place that’s good for families
Unlike commercial apple fields, farms on Long Island are quiet and good for kids. Spend time with your friends and family at an apple farm and enjoy the fresh air and seasonal fruits. Staff at these farms are known to go out of their way to make sure guests of all ages have a good time by setting up fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Kids can have fun and learn something by going apple picking.
It’s a great way to learn about the different kinds of apples, how farms work, and why it’s important to buy food that’s grown close to home. Children can remember picking apples from trees for the rest of their lives and learn to appreciate nature more by doing this easy task.
Lovely Scenery
Apple picking in Long Island’s orchards is not only fun and satisfying, but it also takes place in some of the most beautiful places on the island. Your trip to go apple picking will be even more fun because the North Fork and the Hamptons offer a peaceful break from the busy city. As you walk through the fields in the fall, you’ll see a rainbow of colors. The beautiful scenery makes for great picture opportunities, so you can remember special times with your loved ones forever. In orchards, there are often places where you can bring a ready-made food and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Best Places for Apple Picking Long Island
There are lot of Apple Orchards in Long Island. But all of them are not perfect for U-Pick Apple. So, here we sort out the best farms.
Harbes Family Farm
Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck is a top choice for apple picking Long Island because of its beautiful setting. Since 1978, the same family has been running Harbes Farm, which is a famous place for both locals and tourists. People can spend a day having fun and relaxing while getting the ripest apples, like Honeycrisp and McIntosh, from a large selection. Harbes isn’t just an apple orchard in the fall. You can also pick pumpkins there, and there’s a cute farm market with treats like freshly baked pies and apple cider doughnuts.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue is one of the oldest and most loved farms on Long Island. This farm has been open since 1661, and its 300 acres make it one of the biggest orchards in the area. There are many different kinds of apples, from Empire to Cortland, and it’s fun to pick apples the old-fashioned way. The farm has more than just apples. It also has hayrides pulled by horses and a market with homemade jams, pies, and other treats.
Lewin Farms
If you’re looking for a place to pick your own organic apples, Lewin Farms in Calverton has a lot of them. This farm is run by a nice family, and it’s a great place for kids to spend a day having fun and learning. Since its start in 1982, Lewin Farms has been committed to farming ways that are good for the environment and good for customers. People who come can also pick their own pumpkins and veggies and eat homemade ice cream.
Seven Ponds Orchard
Seven Ponds Orchard is a hidden gem in Water Mill. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and wide range of apple choices. There are more than 20 different kinds of apples to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are Fuji, Jonagold, and Pink Lady. This orchard is great for families and people who love apples because of its beautiful setting and nice staff.
Woodside Orchards
Woodside Orchards is a famous place to pick apples and try cider. It has several locations on Long Island, including Jamesport, Aquebogue, and Calverton. Make sure to try one of their hard ciders, which are made by hand from the freshest apples grown in their farms. It’s a great place to pick apples and spend a relaxed day outside because it’s quiet and has beautiful orchards.
Milk Pail U-Pick Farm
The Milk Pail U-Pick Farm is in Water Mill and is a lovely place to pick apples with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. There are rows of small apple trees on the farm, which makes it easy for people of all ages to pick apples. There are many different kinds of apples, like the classic Red Delicious and Golden Delicious, as well as more unusual ones like Stayman Winesap and Braeburn.
Hank’s Pumpkintown
Even though Hank’s Pumpkintown in Water Mill is best known for its pumpkin patch, it is also a great place to pick apples in the fall. The farm has beautiful orchards full of ripe apples that are ready to be picked. Before going to the fields, visitors can take a hayride through the beautiful scenery. Hank’s Pumpkintown is a great place for a full day of fall fun with the whole family because it has more than just apple picking.
The Milk Farm
The Milk Farm is in Melville, and it’s a great place for families and friends to go apple picking. During apple season, there are many different kinds of apples, so you can plan multiple trips to try out different tastes. The farm also has seasonal activities and events, like corn mazes and hayrides, that add to the fun of picking apples.
Tips for a Successful Apple Picking Experience
Please read the following tips to make an unforgettable experience of Apple picking Long Island.
Timing Matters
Plan your trip between the end of August and the beginning of October, when apple-picking is at its peak, to have the best time. It’s a great time for a picnic because apples taste their best and the weather is perfect.
Check with your favorite orchard for the most up-to-date information, since the peak season may start a little earlier or later each year based on the weather.
Dress Appropriately
When picking apples, it’s common to have to walk on rough ground. Dress and wear shoes that can handle this. Please remember to bring sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun. If you plan to go in the early fall, bring clothes because it can be cool in the mornings but warm up in the afternoons. Apples and other items might also be easier to carry in a light backpack.
Follow Orchard Rules
Always follow the rules and laws of the orchard. Most farms have rules so that everyone stays safe and the trees are taken care of. Closely watch children and make sure they only pick the apples that can be picked. Some farms have bags or baskets for picking apples. Be sure to use them so you don’t hurt the trees or throw away apples. Also, if you have questions or need help, you should always ask the farm staff.
Conclusion
Apple picking Long Island is more than just a seasonal activity; it’s a beloved practice that brings families and friends together. Long Island is the perfect place for a memorable fall trip because it has many different kinds of apples, beautiful scenery, and farms that are helpful to families. So, put it on your calendar, get your friends and family together, and go apple picking in the beautiful scenery of Long Island.
No matter if you go to Harbes Family Farm, Wickham’s Fruit Farm, or Lewin Farms, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime while enjoying the fall. On Long Island’s charming orchards, you can enjoy the ritual, breathe in the fresh air, and savor the delicious taste of apples that have just been picked. Have fun getting apples!
