Orchards feature a variety of fall activities for families to enjoy.
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (September 1, 2017) – The Hudson Valley is known for its tasty apples, and this season has yielded a bumper crop. The apples are ripe for the picking in September, and apple growers are opening their orchards to crowds looking to pick their own. Located just 50 miles from Manhattan, a day of apple picking in Orange County offers the ideal family getaway. There are more than 25 varieties of apples grown on over 1,000 acres, and the activities offered are just as vast.
“Biting into a crunchy apple brings you the taste of crisp fall days and brilliant autumn leaves,” said Orange County Tourism Director Susan Hawvermale. “Our orchards are heavy with apples, and there are fun activities for the whole family.”
In the heart of Orange County’s apple picking country, the 3-day Sugar Loaf Fall Festival draws visitors from near and far. This year’s festival will be held on Columbus Day Weekend, October 7, 8, and 9. The event features food, craft vendors, live music, and a beer garden.
Popular pick-your-own orchards include:
Pennings Orchard: 169 State Route 94 South, Warwick. Pick your own apples and pumpkins daily, September through October. Activities include farm market, beer garden, pumpkin fields, hayrides, farm animals, kiddie maze and more. www.PenningsOrchard.com
Soons Orchard: 23 Soons Circle (just off Route 17M) New Hampton. 50+ varieties of home grown apples, peaches, nectarines, apple cider and vegetables. Enjoy homemade pies, cookies, and donuts. Fall weekends include hayrides. www.SoonsOrchards.com
Apple Ridge Orchards: 101 Jessup Road, Warwick. Many varieties to pick while enjoying breathtaking scenery. Tractor-pulled hay wagon rides, pet and feed friendly farm animals, corn maze, and famous observation hives on site. www.AppleRidgeOrchards.com
Apple Dave’s: 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick. Free wagon rides and puppet show. Winery, picnic area, farm animals, herb and rose gardens. Relax by the ponds, or sample the latest creations of the Distillery and Applewood Winery. www.AppleDavesOrchards.com
Overlook Farm Market: 5417 Route 9W, Newburgh. Fall weekends feature hay maze, petting zoo and fishing at the pond. Bakery and deli on site. 4 miles north of I-84. Promises a “no-razz-a-ma-tazz” experience to enjoy nature without the crowds. www.OverlookFarmMarket.com
Masker Orchards: 45 Ball Road, Warwick. Drive right to the tree and bring your picnic gear for an idyllic day in the country. Live music, pony rides, country store. For the kids, there are barnyard baby animals, pony rides, and wagon rides. www.Maskers.com
Stay With Us
There is also comfortable and convenient lodging, including the new Sleep Inn in Middletown, available for those looking to enjoy a weekend in apple country. Check out all our properties at www.orangetourism.org.
Be sure to visit Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY. It’s a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences available to visitors.
Also visit Orange County Tourism’s new website: www.orangetourism.org.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
