We tend to head back to the same orchard year after year, and while there’s something to be said for nostalgia, we thought we’d share a round-up of apple orchards to visit this fall just in case you’re in the mood to mix things up (and hey, you may even find a new favorite or two!). As for us, we figure we might as well spread the love and pick some at every orchard (and sample the donuts while we’re at it)!
Hicks Orchard | Granville, NY
Hicks is where we grew up picking (and devouring donuts), so this one is nostalgic for us. It’s become a bit of a year round destination for us too, with maple glazed cider donuts in the spring, blueberries in the summer, and delicious Slyboro cider tastings any time. We love the atmosphere here, always making ourselves comfortable on the porch with our cider, cider donuts, and a view of their red barns. And of course, no trip to Hicks is complete without feeding our pals, the goats.
McWhorters Orchard | Argyle, NY
As soon as we saw the Adirondack chairs with a view, we were hooked! Well, that and the adorable red barn, the u-pick pumpkin field with horses grazing just beyond, and the delicious apples, cider, and donuts. Did we mention the view? With lots of friendly faces (both human and animal!), we love the atmosphere at McWhorters and Tom is already itching to go back for more cider :)
Apple Hill Orchards | Whitehall, NY
Apple Hill is a good old fashioned apple orchard. You won’t find cider donuts or wagon rides here, but that’s a big part of the draw! We loved walking the rows of trees amidst the peace and quiet of the wind rustling through the branches and the occasional tractor coming by with a load of apples, a smile, and a wave. And if you’re feeling like a bit of a stroll, the view from the top of the hill is a beauty!
Mad Tom Orchard | East Dorset, VT
A bit more of a drive from Glens Falls (just over an hour), Mad Tom Orchard is a hidden gem in nearby East Dorset, VT. Here you’ll find a peaceful orchard, mountain views, an adorable red house with apple shutters, and little red wagons to pull the kiddos (or your bushels of apples!). Our pup Max’s smile pretty much says it all. Bonus: the most delicious donuts and cider to enjoy on your way home (or on a picnic table on the Dorset Town Green!).
Saratoga Apple | Schuylerville, NY
Like many of you, we were introduced to Saratoga Apple at the Glens Falls Farmers Market! They’ve always got a fantastic selection on hand, which inspired our drive out to their orchard and farmstand just outside of Saratoga in Schuylerville. A huge orchard, a farmstand filled with a great assortment of fruits and veggies, cider donuts, and bonus: hard cider (which is so good, by the way).
Happy picking! And if you have a local favorite, we’d love to hear!
P.S. Check out more from our Road Trip series here.