Bet you Can’t Stay Just One Day! Visit Farm Stores and More For Memorable Days of Family Fun
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (September 3, 2021) – The cooler, crisp air on its way means apple-picking season is coming to Orange County, N.Y.! Join visitors from all over the northeast who flock to the county’s family-run orchards for a day of fun in a spectacular setting just an hour north of New York City. Harvest Cortlands, Macouns, Golden Delicious and so many other varieties of apples that the region’s bounty offers throughout the season.
Orchards are opening for apple picking the last week in August or early September. Check individual orchards’ websites for information.
“There’s no substitute for fruit you pick yourself,” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & film. “You’ll taste the difference whether you take a bite out of them as is, simmer them into applesauce or bake them into pies.”
A day in an Orange County orchard means more than harvesting fall’s favorite fruit. Petting zoos, hayrides, entertainment, restaurants and farm stores stuffed with local produce, baked goodies and more – including the classic apple cider donuts – await visitors in a spectacular setting.
Check individual “u-pick” farms in Orange County, N.Y. for what they offer. They include:
Apple Dave’s Orchards, 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick; Harvest apples from among their many varieties, then relax at a picnic table and enjoy live music from the popular group Flipside featuring Barry Wiesenfeld and John Foley. Stroll walking trails among wildlife and meet the free-range chickens! On weekends, bring your appetite for a wide variety of foods, plus ice cream. The large, attractive farm store offers old fashioned, fresh-pressed apple cider, gifts, pure honey, pumpkins, jams, jellies, herbs, vinegars and local seasonal produce. Visit the distillery to enjoy sumptuous cocktails and fantastic local beers while enjoying breathtaking scenery. During apple season, be sure to try their famous freshly made donuts. Visit https://www.appledavesorchards.com.
Lawrence Farms Orchards, 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh. Even with more than 15 varieties growing in the orchards, apples are just one of the many fruits and vegetables that families can self-harvest throughout the season. Check the website for a list of which crops grow month-to-month. When picking is done, children can romp in the miniature New England-style play village with picnic tables. At the concession stand, choose from apple cider doughnuts, pies, cookies, chicken tenders, hot dogs, paninis and much more. Birthday packages are available. http://lawrencefarmsorchards.org.
Ochs Orchard, 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick: Apples are just one of many fruits and vegetables you can pick yourself at Ochs Orchard. Consult its Facebook page and apple-picking chart to learn the character of each variety and when they are ripe. When you’re finished picking, try an ice cream cone or refreshing milk shake with flavors made from the farm’s own berries and fruits. Visit their farm animals and stop in the farm market, open every day, for their own in-season fresh fruit and vegetables plus other local vegetables, jams, jellies, butters, pure maple syrup, honey, their own apple cider, farm-fresh local eggs and much more. More at https://www.ochsorchard.net.
Pennings Orchard and Farm Market, 169 Route 94, Warwick: More than 20 varieties of apples, plus peaches, grow on the 50 acres of orchards. When your finished picking, relax in the Beer Garden or visit the cidery for hard ciders and fresh ciders made from apples right from the orchard. For kids, there’s a petting zoo and play area. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the Harvest Grill. Try the ice cream stand with its newly expanded menu. The farm market is open year-round. More at https://penningsfarmmarket.com.
Soons Orchards, 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton: More than 50 varieties of apples grow at the Soons Orchards. At the farm market, you’ll find a country store with real apple cider, homegrown and local fruits and vegetables, delicious homemade pies and a bounty of special treats including their own apple cider doughnuts, homemade fudge, homemade prepared foods and apple sauce, fresh-ground nut butters, jams and jellies, maple syrup, honey and more. Next to the farm stand is the Orchard Hill Cider Mill Tap Room, offering meals and snacks, hand-crafted cocktails and a finely curated selection of New York State wines, beers and spirits, plus, of course, their own Orchard Hill homegrown and homemade hard ciders. More at https://www.soonsorchards.com.
Masker Orchards, 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY: Pack your picnic gear; at Masker, you can drive right up to the tree or your choice and spread out for an idyllic day in the country. Wander through the 200-acre orchard, picking apples and breathing the crisp fall air while making memories to cherish with family and friends. The views of the entire valley are breathtaking. On weekends and holidays, pick up whole apple pies and apple cider donuts at Grandma’s Apple Pie and Donut Shop. More at https://www.maskers.com.
There are plenty more orchards to explore, all listed on the Orange County Tourism website. Visit www.OrangeTourism.org for a full list of lodging, activities, and attractions. Groups are encouraged to call ahead for special arrangements. Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY – https://www.facebook.com/orangetourism provides a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences available to visitors.
Contact individual orchards or check their websites for up-to-date COVID-19 precautions being taken.
About Orange County Tourism & Film
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. Additionally, a fun, free, 56-page travel guide is available for digital download at https://orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.
