Why not pick apples right off the branch this Halloween? With many orchards and wineries to choose from, the East Coast offers numerous apple-picking opportunities for families. Many of the orchards also host their own festivals and offer fresh, homemade baked goods. Here are a few apple-picking destinations to consider along the Eastern seaboard:
Apple Picking Season on the East Coast
Russell Orchards
Ipswich, Massachusetts
- Apple picking season: September through October
- Apple varieties: 10, which can include Pristine and Vista Belle
- How to get there: Drive 42 minutes northeast from Boston Logan International Airport
After picking from ten different varieties of apples, stop by the Russell Orchards store to buy the famous cider donuts and a variety of treats made with fruits from the orchards. Yankee Magazine named the orchard the Best Kid-Friendly Farm Stand in 2013, and the farm winery's Pink Lady Apple Wine received the gold medal at the Eastern States Exposition wine competition. Russell Orchards is located about an hour north of Boston.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Bolton, Massachusetts
- Apple picking season: August through October (depending on weather)
- Apple varieties: 18, including Golden Delicious, Gala and Liberty
- How to get there: Drive 45 minutes west from Boston Logan International Airport
Nashoba Valley Winery is much more than a typical apple orchard. In addition to apple picking, the winery features 41 varieties of wine, a brewery and a range of spirits distilled in Nashoba Valley. Families can enjoy a scenic picnic lunch outside or a nice dinner in an intimate rustic farmhouse at J’s Restaurant. In addition, the neighboring Schartner Farms has a corn maze, hayrides and farm animals. The Nashoba Valley Winery is about an hour west of Boston.
Linvilla Orchards
Media, Pennsylvania
- Apple picking season: late July through mid-November
- Apple varieties: 28 including Gold Rush, Pink Lady and Stayman Winesap
- How to get there: Drive 20 minutes west of Philadelphia International Airport
With apple picking, hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides, face painting and a market, the Linvilla Orchards offer fun for the whole family. From September 14 through November 10, visitors can view 100 tons of pumpkins on display for Pumpkinland. Larger-than-life figures and scarecrows illustrate the legends of harvest season and local history. Additional events happen throughout the year, so check the calendar on the Linvilla Orchards website before your visit.
Hollin Farms
Delaplane, Virginia
- Apple picking season: September through October
- Apple varieties: More than 30 including Fireside, Autumn Gala and Fuji
- How to get there: Drive 64 minutes west of Ronald Reagan National Airport
Situated in northern Virginia, Hollin Farms is a one-stop shop for fall produce, including apples, collards, turnips, lettuce, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. The whole family, including the dog, can enjoy the 10-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze and beautiful scenic views. Pick your own apples and fall greens, or dig for peanuts and potatoes.
Scott Farm
Dummerston, Vermont
- Apple picking season: begins in mid August
- Apple varieties: 120 including Cox’s Orange Pippin and Wolf River
- How to get there: Drive 142 minutes west from Boston Logan International Airport
Located on 571 acres, Scott Farm is full of breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley. In addition to apple picking, see the impressive estate built on the farm in 1892 by Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. Today, Kipling's Naulakha House and Carriage House are working rentals, so visitors can stay overnight. During October, activities at the farm include lessons on how to make hard cider and an apple pie workshop.