10 Massachusetts Apple Orchards to Visit This Fall
Autumn is a magical time of year, with crisp, cool weather drawing us out of the house to enjoy everything nature has to offer. There are countless ways to take advantage of the season, but nothing beats a visit to one of these scenic, inviting and bountiful Massachusetts apple orchards scattered throughout the state.
See more: What’s Growing? Massachusetts Produce Calendar
1. Carlson Orchards
When Carlson Orchards was established in 1936 by Walter and Eleanor Carlson, it was a lively farm bursting with chickens, cattle, potatoes and apples. The family chose to specialize in fruit in the 1960s, focusing on apple trees in particular, and have been developing a name and reputation for their products ever since. Now, their 100-acre farm grows more than 30,000 bushels of apples a year, in addition to blueberries, raspberries, sweet cherries and 5,000 baskets of peaches.
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2. Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a beautiful and historic farm that also started with more all-purpose production. But over the years, the owners decided to dedicate their 186 acres to apples, peaches, blueberries and a few other specialty crops. Today, this fourth-generation farm offers pick-your-own apples as well as fun-filled hayrides, winding mazes, farm animal encounters and more. Don’t forget to drop by their farm store on your way out for baked goods and other tasty treats.
See more: 10 Fun Facts About Apples
3. Bartlett’s Orchard
Four generations have cheerfully shouldered the family business at Bartlett’s Orchard, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Bartlett’s is one of the smaller orchards on the list, but don’t let the acreage fool you. The family manages to produce an average crop of around 11,000 bushels of apples each year. From Labor Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, you can pick from 13 varieties of apple trees and stock up on cider donuts, apple muffins and more from their farm market store.
4. Smolak Farms
September is prime time for apple picking at Smolak Farms in North Andover. Once a dairy farm, this flourishing land is now home to orchards and gardens, a bakery and farmstand, a bustling CSA, and a much-loved location for weddings, tours, festivals and private events. Their antique apple orchard, bursting with varieties that are no longer grown for commercial harvest, is well worth the trip.
5. Tougas Family Farm
Established as a family farm in 1981, Tougas Family Farm is home to sprawling peach and apple orchards on more than 50 acres in Northborough. You can also find a lively apple stand, a barnyard, a playground and kitchen, and a number of other crops such as strawberries and cherries. When it comes to apple picking, you’ll have your choice among more than 30 different varieties, many of which you can’t find in commercial supermarkets anymore. Check their apple ripening schedule before arriving in case you’re eager for a specific variety.
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6. Cider Hill Farm
Farm, family and fun is the motto at Cider Hill Farm, and it won’t take long for you to understand why. Nestled on a beautiful property with 145 acres, this family farm is more than 40 years in the making. Choose pick-your-own tickets based on the number of people in your party and the quantity of apples you want to take home, and go to town! When you’re done, feel free to peruse their farm store, food truck, picnic areas and barnyard.
7. Barker’s Farm
Apple picking is calling when September rolls around at Barker’s Farm in North Andover. The farm is one of the oldest continuously operating family farms in the area, and the quality of their produce and farm experience certainly reflect such an impressive accolade. In fact, that may be reason enough to add this stop to your bucket list. The farm has been operational since 1642, which makes them close to 400 years old.
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8. Parlee Farms
When you imagine what a thriving apple orchard must look like, Parlee Farms is probably close to what comes to mind. With breathtaking scenery and a bucolic landscape, you’ll find yourself dragging your feet when the time comes to leave. Perhaps one of the most appealing (and unique) aspects of their farm is that the orchards primarily comprise dwarf apple trees. Small in stature, these are the perfect size for children while still producing large and delicious apples. Could it get more charming than that?
See more: 14 Apple Desserts to Bake This Fall
9. Dowse Orchards
If you want to continue in the trend of historic appeal, consider Dowse Orchards. This 200-year-old farm is a Massachusetts Century Farm with a prosperous operation producing everything from apples and flowers to pumpkins and Christmas trees. They even have their own line of greenhouse crops, a roadside farm stand and a long list of family-friendly activities to check out throughout the year. With more than 20 varieties of apples to choose from, including the beloved McIntosh and Cortland varieties, you’re in for a real treat when you spend the day here.
10. Brooksby Farm
Spring at Brooksby Farm brings greenhouse flowers and vegetable starts, but fall brings beautiful days spent picking apples and filling your belly with decadent farm store treats. While you’ll want to spend a good deal of your visit admiring the scenery and orchards, you have to make time to try their famous apple cider donuts, too. You might even want to indulge in a tall glass of apple cider or purchase a few bottles of honey made from the bees that pollinate the farm’s own orchards.