apple picking?

[sarahmck]

Hello again ladies, sorry to intrude,

Which is the best place for going apple picking these days? I'd like to take DD (3.5) while we're in town and pick up a few pumpkins at the same time.

Thanks!

[DaughterOfKali]

What state are you looking for?

[hikingmommy]

Where are you going to be and when? There are several places to pick apples on the North Shore. It's a little early for most of the apples and definitely early for pumpkins. Some farms actually ship in pumpkins and lay them out on their "pumpkin patch" (I saw this at Russell Orchards in Ipswich), so call and confirm if they grow their own if that's important to you. Also, call the orchard and see which trees are open that day. Some only allow limited choices on weekdays (again, Russell). All that said, these are the ones I know a bit about:

Russell - on the road to Crane Beach. Very nice farmstand w/ their own cider donuts, cider, and wines. I think they have a playground and a petting zoo.

Connor's Farm - in Danvers. Smaller, a nice sandbox for kids to play in, lots of different types of apples in a small area, but they aren't labeled, so you have to try them all and see what you like.

There's one in Peabody that I know a lot of people like. I can't think of the name, but I'm sure someone else will provide it or a search would easily find it. I've heard they're very generous w/ their pesticide sprays, though.

Cider Hill - in Amesbury. IPM so they use less spray than most. Lots of different types of apples. I've had their fruit but never been there.

There's a certified organic orchard in Harvard that someone here recommended. They have a website so I'm sure you can easily find it.

Enjoy!

[sarahmck]

What state are you looking for?

Whoops, dopey me. Forgot that this sub-forum covers a large area. I'll be in Providence, so somewhere not too too far would be nice. Within an hour, say?

[plantmama]

I can tell you that I DON'T recommend Dane Farm for apples. I got the feeling it was just covered in pesticides. And the apples were insanely huge! They have a great farm stand though.
I've heard Pippin Orchard is nice. We always go in New Hampshire or Vermont but might check out Pippin or another one. If so I'll check back in.

[veganf]

Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton, MA is about as close as you can come to organic in New England. They practice "extreme IPM (integrated pest management)". They are located NW of Boston outside 495.

Honeypot Hill Orchards is a lot of fun--they have a huge hedge maze. They're in Stow, MA

Berlin Orchards is convenient off 495. Big country store too. Berlin, MA

This website is for finding orchards in MA: http://www.pickyourown.org/mass.htm
I'm sure you could find something close to you.

[DaughterOfKali]

http://www.pickyourown.org/RI.htm#listings

You may have to scroll down.

[medicmama]

We like clearview farms in Sterling,MA.

[peacepiece]

We picked peaches at Barden orchards( 934-1413) in N. Scituate, RI. They also have apples and use an Eco-friendly pest management system. The orchard is beautiful!! Very natural uncultivated. We'll be going back soon.
As far as pumpkins, Jaswell's farm in Smithfield, RI(231-9043) is great. They have apples also but I don't think they are "organic" if you care about that.
HAVE FUN!! I LOVE the fall in RI!!!

[RachelGS]

So glad to hear that there's a safer option with regard to pesticides! My kids love apple picking, but the pesticide thing has me ducking the chance to go.

[canndw]

Palzzi's orchard in Killingly CT is very nice. We make the long drive up there from southern rhode island every year because it's friendly and has a large variety of apples

[Azreial]

Honeypot Hill Orchards is a lot of fun--they have a huge hedge maze. They're in Stow, MA

:thumb We love Honeypot Hill