Fuji. Braeburn. McIntosh. Macoun. All are delicious
varieties of the ever-humble apple, now ripening across the
orchards of New York, America's second-largest apple-producing state, second only to Washington. And while New Netherlands governor Peter Stuyvesant supposedly grew Manhattan's first apple tree on what is now Third Avenue and Thirteenth Street, most New Yorkers get their fill from the hundreds of varieties now grown upstate. Since many of those orchards have "pick-your-own" days, they are among New York's perfect day trip destinations.
For many of New York State's family-owned farms, the apple harvest began in August and will continue through November, but October is the best month to escape the confines of Manhattan to explore the nearly 52,000 acres of upstate apple orchards, many of them located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Gorgeous autumnal hues in red, gold, and rich brown sets the stage for what can only be described as a perfect oasis of color. As fresh cool breezes brush your back, climb to pick your favorite varieties, fresh off trees now heavy with the sweetest-tasting fruit you can imagine.
There are plenty of
websites to help you plan your trip, but highlighted below are six of the Hudson Valley's most desirable and family-friendly orchards, each reachable by car or train on the
Hudson Valley Metro North line from
Grand Central Terminal. (With all those apples, you might want to try some of the following
recipes!)
Cedar Heights Orchards, 7 Crosby Road, Rhinebeck, N.Y.
This is the only pick-your-own apple orchard in Rhinebeck, but it is also among its most beautiful. Gorgeous vistas surround more than 150 acres of sloping hills and mountain views, which makes for the perfect picnic spot.
Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
Founded in 1914 by then Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr. and passed to his son, recently retired Manhattan district attorney Robert Morgenthau, Fishkill Farms boasts more than 270 acres. Fresh fruits, eggs, and vegetables, as well as weekend hayrides and barbecues delight one and all.
Mead Orchards, 15 Scism Road, Tivoli Village, N.Y.
Recently chosen as one of New York's orchards to participate in the Geneva/Cornell University Apple Breeding Program, Mead Orchards produces a variety of fruits ready for picking. They also offer apple
cider, pumpkins, and some unique Caribbean crops grown by two longtime employees from Jamaica.
Montgomery Place Orchards, Routes 9G/199, Red Hook, N.Y.
Montgomery Place Orchards participates in Open Farm Days (first Saturday of each month) where the public can sample a variety of heirloom apple varieties, included the Esopus Spitzenburg, remembered for being Thomas Jefferson's favorite. Also check out their homegrown vegetables, homemade specialty cheeses, and artisanal pastas from other local farmers.
Rose Hill Orchards, Route 9, Red Hook, N.Y.
Come and visit the Fraleigh Family who has run Rose Hill Orchards for more than six generations. This is a terrific pick-your-own spot where you can choose your own apples, raspberries, pumpkins, and peaches. Homemade pies and preserves are also for sale and make great holiday gifts.
Wilklow Orchards, 342 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland, N.Y.
The entire farm and orchards are available to the public where they can pick their own apples and pumpkins. Hayrides and a petting zoo are offered to the little ones and you can stock up on hot apple cider and cider donuts when they aren't looking.
Whether heading out for your own private adventure or trekking with your family in tow, little else is as bucolic as spending the day absorbed in nature and returning home with a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Before you know it, you'll be starting a family tradition.
Photo Credit: mcmrbt/Flickr CC
