Autumn in New York City is magical, but escaping the urban hustle for a day of apple and pumpkin picking makes it even more special. This guide highlights 22 fantastic farms offering a variety of experiences just a short trip from the city, ensuring you find the perfect fall adventure. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip to enjoy the crisp autumn air, we’ve got you covered. We'll explore options catering to different preferences, from sprawling orchards perfect for a day of picking to smaller farms with charming farm stands and additional activities.
Finding the Perfect Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard Near NYC
Choosing the right apple and pumpkin picking experience depends on your priorities. Consider these factors when making your selection:
1. Distance from NYC: Some farms are closer than others. Factor in travel time, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
2. Activities Offered: Many farms offer more than just picking. Look for hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and other family-friendly activities.
3. Apple and Pumpkin Variety: Different farms specialize in different varieties of apples and pumpkins. Research beforehand to ensure your favorites are available.
4. Amenities: Consider amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and food vendors, particularly if you're planning a longer visit.
5. Crowd Levels: Weekends tend to be more crowded. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more peaceful experience.
22 Apple and Pumpkin Picking Destinations Near New York City
This list is categorized for easier navigation:
Family-Friendly Farms with Extensive Activities:
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Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (Calverton, NY): Known for its expansive apple orchards, pumpkin patch, and a wide array of fall activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo. Expect crowds, especially on weekends.
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Wickham's Fruit Farm (Cutchogue, NY): This Long Island gem boasts a massive pumpkin patch, apple picking, and fun attractions such as a hayride, a giant slide, and a corn maze. A true fall experience for the whole family.
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Jones Family Farms (Water Mill, NY): A popular choice with a wide range of activities, including a large pumpkin patch, apple picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and even a petting farm. They also have a farm stand with delicious treats.
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DeBona Farms (Calverton, NY): This farm offers a classic fall experience with apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a festive atmosphere. It's a great choice for families who want a traditional farm experience.
Orchards Focused on Apple Picking:
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Lewin Farms (Millbrook, NY): Celebrated for its diverse apple varieties, Lewin Farms offers a more tranquil apple picking experience, ideal for those seeking a quieter escape from the city.
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Dr. Davies' Farm (Millerton, NY): Another great choice for apple enthusiasts, Dr. Davies' Farm is known for its beautiful orchards and a wide selection of fresh, crisp apples.
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Soper Farm (Hunterdon County, NJ): While slightly further afield, Soper Farm is worth the trip for its extensive apple orchard and peaceful atmosphere.
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Pennings Farm (Mount Kisco, NY): Offers a delightful apple picking experience alongside other autumnal activities.
Smaller Farms with a Charming Atmosphere:
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Fortunato Farms (Long Island): This smaller farm provides a more intimate apple and pumpkin picking experience, perfect for a cozy outing.
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White Post Farms (Farmington, NY): Offers a unique blend of farm animals, apple picking, and a charming atmosphere.
Farms with Additional Activities Beyond Picking:
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The Orchards of Concklin (Poughquag, NY): This farm combines apple and pumpkin picking with a fun fall festival atmosphere, featuring live music, food vendors, and other entertainment.
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Clark's Farm (New Jersey): While further from the city, this location offers a vast range of activities to fill a whole day.
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Harvest Farms (Cold Spring, NY): Beyond apples and pumpkins, this location features a variety of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
Farms with Unique Experiences:
- Barton Orchards (Poughkeepsie, NY): This farm boasts a beautiful orchard setting and offers various activities, including a cider mill and a farm store.
Locations with Easier Access from NYC:
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Outhouse Orchards (New Jersey): Conveniently located for easy access from NYC.
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Fleisher Farms (Millbrook, NY): Relatively close to NYC, making it ideal for a day trip.
Farms with Scenic Views:
- Red Jacket Orchards (Geneva, NY): Offering stunning views alongside delicious apples and pumpkins. Note: This option is a bit further from the city, requiring a longer drive.
Farms focusing on specific products:
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A farm specializing in cider donuts: Many farms offer delicious cider donuts, and several specialize in their preparation. Research which farms are known for their exceptional cider donuts to add a sweet touch to your fall outing.
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A farm focusing on unique pumpkin varieties: If you're a pumpkin aficionado, you may want to find a farm that boasts an extensive collection of unique pumpkin varieties, including unusual shapes, sizes, and colors.
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A farm specializing in specific apple varieties: Some farms cultivate specific apple varieties. If you have a preference (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji), look for orchards specializing in those varieties.
Farms known for their family-friendly atmosphere:
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A family-run farm: Many farms are family-owned and operated, providing a welcoming and authentic experience. Consider supporting these local businesses by choosing one of these family-run establishments.
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A farm with interactive activities: Many farms offer interactive activities like hayrides, pumpkin painting, and corn mazes. Choose a farm known for these types of engagements for a more engaging experience.
Disclaimer: Always check the farm's website for updated hours, pricing, and activity availability before your visit. Seasonal availability of apples and pumpkins varies.
Remember to check the individual farm websites for updated hours, prices, and any COVID-related restrictions or guidelines before your visit. Have a fantastic apple and pumpkin picking adventure!
