Finding a place to go apple picking near NYC is practically a yearly rite of passage for many of us who live in the city. Folks have different reasons for going: some of us think it’s a cute thing to do on a date; some folks look at it as a great way to spend an afternoon with the family; and others see it as something quirky and fun to do with friends. If you’re a first timer or if you’re kind of over the orchard you usually go to, you’re probably wondering which apple orchard outside the Big Apple you should check out next.
Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Road
North Salem, NY
(914) 277-3188
Located in the North Salem area of Westchester, Outhouse Orchards will provide you with an excellent way to spend a lovely fall afternoon. In addition to a wide variety of apples, you can also pick up other fresh produce such as pumpkins, corn, and greens. Purchase a $25 bag, and fill it up with as many apples as you can. When you’re done, take a hay ride through the property and enjoy the sort of autumn views that are so easily missed in the middle of the city. If you’re going to be taking the train to get there, carve out about one hour and twenty minutes travel time each way from Grand Central to Metro North’s Croton Falls station. If you’ve got a car or plan to rent one, assume one hour and ten minutes each way. If you drive, parking will cost you $5 for the day. Oh, there’s apparently a rule that says you can’t leave Outhouse Orchards without picking up a dozen of their scrumptious cider donuts. Apparently, it’s a mistake you only make once, and they alone are worth the trip.
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road
Princeton, NJ
(609) 924-2310
Terhune Orchards is hugely popular with visitors from all over the tri-state area. Princeton residents use it year round as their go-to spot for fresh produce, while out-of-towners are drawn to the farm for both its produce and its homey, friendly vibe. The farm’s real draw are its animals, meant for the kiddos but drawing in even the most sullen adults with their unbearable levels of cuteness. You can even feed the critters with feed you buy at the farm. The orchard is really popular and worth renting a car to get to. The trip will take you about an hour and a half from the city.
Dubois Farms
209 Perkinsville Road
Highland, NY
(845) 795-4037
If you’re looking for an orchard that’s truly easy to get to (a simple ride on Metro North to the Poughkeepsie train station), is made up of mostly flat terrain (making it easy to traverse for people with creaky bones or baby strollers), and is run by a guy who saved the land from being taken over by developers, you’ll adore Dubois Farms. When it comes to places to go apple picking near NYC, this is a can’t-miss. Tons of apples, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, and of course pumpkins are ripe for the picking from September through October. You can also purchase homemade items like jams, jellies, apple dumplings, mustard, honey, maple syrup, peanut butter . . . oh, and there are hay rides, farm animals, and face painting. In other words, Dubois Farms offers a fully immersive fall experience for city dwellers in search of a seasonal fix.
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