Fall is here and with that comes not only the crisp air and beautiful foliage, but also the end-of-the-season harvest. The Hudson Valley is home to some of the best apple orchards in the country, and has no shortage of farms with pumpkin patches. To experience the bounty in a more interactive way, we can pick out our favorite apple varieties and pumpkin shapes at many of our local farms. What better way to enjoy a glorious fall day? Here is a list of where you can go for apples and pumpkins, and even homemade pies and jams, hayrides, cider tastings, and more
the apple bin farm market
The family-owned and run Apple Bin Farm Market offers homegrown seasonal fruits and produce, including farm fresh apples, pumpkins, and pear and apple cider, in addition to fresh-baked pies and so much more! 810 Broadway (Route 9W), Ulster Park. 845-339-7229. theapplebinfarmmarket.com
kelder’s farm
Pick your own apples and pumpkins at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson. Choose from over nine varieties of apples, and over a dozen varieties of pumpkins. Apple picking available from August through November. And if picking pumpkins, you can also enjoy a lovely hayride to the pumpkin patch! 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson. 845-626-7137. keldersfarm.com.
saunderskill farms
PEnjoy horse-drawn hayrides, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and a free corn maze at Saunderskill Farms in Accord. Be sure to stop into the market on your way out for farm-grown produce and some of the tastiest baked goods around. Pick-your-own closes one hour before the market. 5100 Route 209, Accord. 845-626-2676. saunderskill.com.
locust grove fruit farm
This charming U-pick farm offers apples, pumpkins, and flowers. They also have cider donuts, a corn maze, and barn market as well. Open 10am-5pm on weekends from September 8 through the first week of November (including Columbus Day). Located in a bucolic setting in the beautiful Milton-on-Hudson. 199 North Road, Milton (across from Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa). 845-795-5194. locustgrovefruitfarm.com.
prospect hill orchards
Pick your own apples, Bosc and Asian pears, winter squash, pumpkins, and gourds at Prospect Hill Orchards. Over a dozen apple varieties to choose from! Enjoy a tractor-pulled hayride that takes you around the entire orchard, stopping by the pumpkin patches and picnic area. During festival weekends, get involved in pressing cider at the old-fashioned hand press and enjoy a tasty drink for your labors. 73 Clarks Lane, Milton. 845-795-2383. prospecthillorchards.com.
twin star orchards
“Ugly apples taste better” is the motto at Twin Star Orchards. You cannot find better tasting apples at any supermarket. Come pick your own and then enjoy some of the best wood-fired pizzas and local beef burgers around, along with a free tasting of their Brooklyn Cider House hard ciders. 155 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz. 845-633-8657. twinstarorchards.com.
wallkill view farm
Fall family fun abounds at Wallkill View Farm. Pick your own pumpkins, enjoy a free hayride, and make your way through the corn maze. Stop into the market for locally grown apples, homegrown veggies, and, of course, delectable baked goods and ciders. 15 Route 299 West, New Paltz. 845-255-8050. wallkillviewfarmmarket.com.
wright’s farm
Choose from nearly twenty varieties of apples at this family-owned and run pick-your-own orchard. Pick-your-own apples begins September 7 and runs through the end of October. You can also pick your own pumpkins here and peruse the roadside market, which includes a huge selection of homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, and more. 699 Route 208, Gardiner. 845-255-5300. eatapples.com.
