Cooler temperatures mean sweater weather, big cups of hot cocoa, back-to-school, and of course APPLE SEASON!
Check out WestportMoms list of the best family friendly recommendations in CT and two in New York in case you want a convenient place to meet out of town friends!
In addition to apple picking, many of these wonderful farms also offer things like petting zoos, photo op areas, cider mills, corn mazes, hayrides and even pumpkin patches later in the season.
*Apple varieties vary depending on the month, so be sure to call ahead to confirm what fruits each farm currently has to offer.
Averill Farm
A tenth generation family farm on a gorgeous hilltop offering fall fruits: apples & pears, along with goodies from many area farms as well, including ice cream, squash, and pumpkins. Open 9:30-5:30 every day
Address: 250 Calhoun Street, Washington Depot, CT 06794 – Approx. 1 hour from Westport
Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
Their farm store is OPEN every day from 10am-5:30pm. They have lots of fresh peaches, nectarines, and apples available, as well as apple cider, pies, donuts, cookies, honey, and MORE! They do accept debit/credit cards inside the farm store (except American Express).
Address: 278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110 in the White Hills section of Shelton, CT 06484 – Approx. 30 minutes from Westport
Belinsky Farm
On their small, yet beautiful farm, they have a wide assortment of products. They especially pride ourselves on our Christmas Trees! Open from 9am- 5pm on weekends; call for weekday hours.
Address: 124 Moose Hill Road, Oxford, CT. – Approx 35 min from Westport
Bishops Orchard
Bishop’s Orchards is an agricultural operation in Guilford, Connecticut, that serves as a farm, retail market, tourist attraction and winery. Bishop’s Orchards began operating as a family farm in 1871. Open 10am-5pm everyday
Address: 1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437 – Approx 50 minutes from Westport
Blue Jay Orchards
Blue Jay Orchards is a picturesque 140 acre farm nestled in the quaint New England town of Bethel, Connecticut. It is one of the very few remaining commercial orchards in Fairfield County. They offer apple picking, a pumpkin patch and wagon rides. Open Monday-Friday from 11am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Address: 125 Plumtrees Rd. Bethel CT, 06801 – Approx 30 minutes from Westport
Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm
Located in the scenic Litchfield Hills, this family-owned and operated farm lets you pick your own strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plum, sweet corn, pears, apples, pumpkins and gourds. They also have hay rides, an amazing corn maze and a vintage train set for the kiddies to play with. Open Monday-Sunday from 9am-5:30pm.
Address: 461 Cornwall Bridge Rd. Rte.4, Sharon CT – Approx 1 hour 20 minutes from Westport
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (NY)
This orchard is situated on 200 plus acres located in the Croton Falls section of North Salem. Attractions include barnyard animals, a greenhouse, apple picking, hay rides, a small shop that stocks mostly vintage and antique kitchen items, and an overflowing farm stand of myriad produce, much of it grown on the property: apples, plums, peaches, squash, tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, and more. There’s also honey, maple syrup, fudge, preserves, and baked goods–the warm doughnuts and cider are a store favorite. Open Monday-Friday 9am- 6pm and Saturday and Sunday by reservation.
Address: 130 Hardscrabble Rd, Croton Falls, NY – Approx 45 minutes from Westport
Horse Listeners Orchard
Horse Listener’s Orchard is a beautiful 153 Acre Orchard with apples, peaches, tomatoes, vegetables and blueberries asking to be picked and bought. As well as Pony rides on weekends, special tours and festivals throughout the season. We have a store filled with candy, seeds, flowers, mustards, syrups, jams, jellies, “high” pies, wool blankets made from our very own sheep and fresh eggs from the chickens we keep. Open 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 317 Bebbington Rd, Ashford, CT – Approx 1 hour 45 minutes from Westport
Jones Family Farm
Established in 1848, this 400-acre farm offers pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries and pumpkins with hay ride, as well as Christmas trees and a farm winery with Tasting Room. Pumpkin season is located at Pumpkinseed Hill at 120 Beardsley Road in Shelton. The farm’s preview weekend is the last weekend in September and the season runs daily through Halloween. Open from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: 120 Beardsley Road Shelton, CT 06484 – Approx. 30 minutes from Westport
Lyman Orchards
Established in 1741, the farm is located on 1,100 acres in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. You’ll find apples, pears, pumpkins and more. The Apple Barrel offers fresh baked pies, apple cider donuts, muffins, cookies, breads, pastries and more desserts. Apple barrel is open 9am-6pm daily.
Address: 32 Reeds Cap Rd. Middlefield, CT 06455 –Approx. 1 hour from Westport
March Farm
March Farm is a fourth generation family farm destination offering seasonal Pick Your Own apples & pumpkins along with family friendly activities. The Farm Store & Bakery is stocked with farm grown produce, regional food specialties and fresh baked goods – everything you need to compliment your next meal or desert. Enjoy family friendly activities including: (Hill Top Corn Maze, Pond Side Animal Yard, Hayloft Playscape & Pavillion) Open Everyday 10am – 6pm
Address: 160 Munger Lane Bethlehem, CT 06751 – Approx. 1 hour from Westport
Outhouse Orchards (NY)
Their one of a kind farm is a must see during the Fall season. Take a trip up to scenic Croton Falls and walk through their Apple orchard as the leaves change color around you. Their farm stand is currently open until ThanksGiving specializing in apples, produce from their gardens (especially leafy greens), local honey and maple syrup. They also offer hay rides and have an awesome corn maze. Open daily 9am-5pm
Address: 139 Hardscrabble Road , North Salem, NY 10560 – Approx. 45 minutes from Westport
Rogers Orchards
Established in 1809, Rogers Orchards represents eight generations of family fruit growing in Southington, CT. A bicentennial farm, Rogers Orchards is a Connecticut landmark and a proud testament to Connecticut’s farming heritage. Their stores feature some of the best fruit our region has to offer, as well as seasonal CT grown vegetables, including vine-ripened tomatoes and sweet corn. Apple picking season has begun and continues until mid-October. Pick Your Own Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm
Address: Sunnymount Salesroom, 2876 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke, Southington, CT OR Home Farm Salesroom, 336 Long Bottom Road, Southington, CT – Approx. 1 hour from Westport
Scotts Orchard & Nursery
Almost fifty acres of apples and pears are ripening in the Glastonbury sun. Scott’s Orchard is located on Glastonbury’s famous “Apple Hill,” a prime location on New London Turnpike. Besides the pretty fruit trees, nice views from miles around can be seen from the orchard. Open daily – Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 8am-5pm
Address: 1838 New London Tpk. Glastonbury, CT 06033 – Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Westport
Silverman’s Farm
Go enjoy their five-acre Animal Farm, visit our Country Market and pick your own fruit and berries from late June – September/October. Conditions change daily, so please call before coming for picking conditions!
APPLES – now picking, though kinds change daily! Currently available at their farm market – daily-fresh baked pies, cider donuts and baked goods, local honey, syrups and more! Animal farm will be open daily till Christmas (weather permitting) Open daily 9am-5pm.
Address: 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612 – Approx 15 min from Westport
Address: 250 Calhoun Street, Washington Depot, CT 06794 – Approx. 1 hour from Westport