All About Apples: Where to Pick ‘Em and How to Use ‘Em

If you love apple picking, you know there’s nothing like the crisp fall air combined with the sights, sounds and scents of your favorite orchard. You’re probably also well aware that a trip to the orchard often leaves you with more apples than you know what to do with.

We’ve gathered some of the best places to go apple picking near you, plus helpful recipes, so you can find your new favorite orchard and reap the rewards of your harvest to the fullest.

Where to Pick Apples in the Northeast

Apple Picking in Connecticut

Come for the superb pick-your-own fruits and produce, stay for the annual themed corn maze, horse-drawn hayrides and stocked farm marketplace for all the essentials. A visit to Lyman is one of our favorite fall activities.

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard, Shelton

Known for their dwarf apple trees that make for super easy picking for folks of all ages, Beardsley’s has been a fall staple since 1849. Between their 16 apple varieties and 13,000 trees, you’ll certainly have your pick!

Apple Picking in Maine

Treworgy Orchards, Levant

Who wouldn’t want to pick apples on 42 acres of scenic countryside? At Treworgy Orchards, you can. Since its inception in 1983, the pick-your-own experience has been the main focus, and that dedication makes their apples some of the best in the area.

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McDougal Orchards, Springvale

As a seventh generation family farm, McDougal Orchards specializes in growing only the highest-quality apples. That legacy paired with 346 acres and a beautiful historic home as the backdrop, apple picking here is an unmatched experience.

Apple Picking in Massachusetts

Honey Pot Hill Orchards, Stow

Boasting 25 varieties of apples (some of which even grow through November) your favorite is sure to be found at Honey Pot Hill Orchards.

Tougas Family Farm, Northborough

With just under two thousand reviews to their name, it’s clear that Tougas Family Farm is a steadfast frontrunner for apple picking in Massachusetts, and considering their beautiful grounds and quality of the apples they grow, we’d agree.

Apple Picking in New Hampshire

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Mack’s Apples, Londonderry

As the largest pick-your-own destination in New Hampshire, there’s certainly endless charm at Mack’s Apples, between the whimsical displays across the farm and the sheer enormity of their apple offerings.

Apple Picking in New York

Masker Orchards, Warwick

If you’re looking for family-friendly, look no further. Masker Orchards allows you to drive right up to the apple trees you want to pick from and have your own picnic among the groves. Doesn’t get more picturesque than that!

Apple Picking in Rhode Island

Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown

What began as a hobby farm and quickly turned into one of the most popular in the state, Sweet Berry Farm offers a plethora of beautiful pick-your-own offerings, including flowers.

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Barden Family Orchard, North Scituate

After growing fruit trees for over 90 years, it’s no surprise that the team at Barden Family Orchard are experts in their field. Enjoy a huge variety of apples to pick from surrounded by the peaceful surroundings of the western Rhode Island countryside.

Apple Picking in Vermont

Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne

At Shelburne Orchards, not only can you pick your own apples, you can also grab some pre-picked from their market or even buy your very own apple tree sapling right on the premises. Talk about a-peel-ing.

Make the Most of Your Apple Harvest

Now that you’ve gathered your goods, it’s time to enjoy! From sweet to savory, we searched the web to find a variety of fun, creative and versatile recipes to try, as well as a few standbys.

Preserving

Apples from the supermarket are alright, but they never taste as good as when they’re freshly picked from the tree. The good news is you can put that flavor into a jar and revisit it all year long. While apples are at their autumn best, cook up a big batch of applesauce or apple butter, then follow the instructions below to learn how to safely can and preserve it.

Make your jarred apple goods now and serve on Thanksgiving. To give as gifts for the holidays, customize with cute labels and dress up by placing a square of patterned fabric over the lid and fasten with a ribbon or twine.

• Apple Butter
• Homemade Applesauce
• Step-by-Step-Guide to Canning at Home

Drink Your Apples

Hot or cold, mulled or plain, apple cider is a seasonal staple. Here are a few more delicious and creative ways to drink cider this season other than straight from the glass. If you’re feeling a bit ambitious, you can even take a crack at making your own hard cider, which is easier than it sounds.

• Hot Mulled Apple Cider
• Shrunken Heads in Cider– a fun addition to any harvest party!
• Apple Cider Floats
• Hard Cider Kit From Brooklyn Brew Shop

Apples for Dinner (or Breakfast or Lunch)

From full meals to side dishes, sweeten up your next feast with everyone’s favorite fall flavor.

• Roasted Apple and Winter Squash Soup
• Warm Cinnamon Apples – goes great with pork or with breakfast.
• Savory Baked Apples
• Chicken Normandy (chicken with apples)
• Apple Chips – a naturally sweet snack or salad mix-in. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before baking for extra flavor.

Check out our slideshow to find out which apples are best for whatever you’re making.

More Than Apple Pie

When it comes to desserts, apple pie is king. But because you probably already have a go-to apple pie recipe (even if it’s driving to the nearest grocery store or bakery to get one), we’ve provided an assortment of other apple indulgences. Deep-fried, cinnamon sugar-coated apple fries, anyone?

• Maple-Apple-Upside Down Cake
• Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
• Apple Fries With Vanilla Whipped Cream
• Caramel Apple Pops
• Easy Apple Crisp

And since you likely picked up a jug of cider while you were at the orchard, we couldn’t complete this list without a recipe for everyone’s favorite, apple cider doughnuts!

Check out our shopping list below and make sure you have everything you need to start your apple adventure.

Which orchard are you heading to this apple-picking season? What’s your favorite apple recipe? Tell us in the comments below. 

For more fall fun, check out AAA.com/FallFest.

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