Where to pick apples
They're waiting for you.
We're right in the middle of prime apple picking season in upstate New York. So we've pulled together a map/listing of places in the Capital Region where you can pick your own.
Of course, apple picking isn't just about apples -- it's also about cider donuts (of course). So we've also noted which orchards are selling those, plus a few other bits of helpful information.
Is there a place you like to go that's not listed? Please share in the comments on this post. We'll add it.
photo: Flickr user Random Tree
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Comments
Lindsey's Idyllwood Orchard
267 Sugar Hill Road
Rexford NY, 12148
Phone (518) 371-5785
I've been going there since I was 3 years old
... said colleen on Sep 13, 2011 at 12:15 PM | link
Great idea! If anyone has any tips on specifically which ones to go to for fewer kids, and shorter lines to better tasting hot-cider + fresh donuts, I'm all ears!
... said Sean LeWest on Sep 13, 2011 at 12:18 PM | link
Unfortunately, "donut robot" set my expectations really high. Though I'm sure it makes delicious donuts!
... said B on Sep 13, 2011 at 12:25 PM | link
Thank you so much for this post! Its perfect timing! Is the type of apple listed what they are picking currently, or just a list of what they have throughout each season.? I am on a search for honeycrisps but I didnt know if it was to early for them. Thanks!
... said Emma on Sep 13, 2011 at 2:07 PM | link
@Emma: A little bit of both. If you want to be sure they'll have the variety you want, give the orchard a call. They'll be happy to tell you what's available.
@B: A donut robot does set the imagination running...
... said Greg on Sep 13, 2011 at 2:19 PM | link
@Emma - Indian Ladder Farm had honeycrisps this past weekend. However, they were only available at the farm stand, not as pick-your-own.
... said abby on Sep 13, 2011 at 3:08 PM | link
Golden Harvest Farms
3074 US Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184
(518) 261-1625
Apples, farm produce, donuts ... and hooch!
... said Tess on Sep 13, 2011 at 4:14 PM | link
@ Sean: If you're trying to avoid kids, don't go to Indian Ladder or Love (although both are great & yummy & awesome for families).
Although... Love is a lot less crowded than IL, has a Mexican cafe & posters of their daughter who was on the cover of Maxim. I'm not sure why I mentioned that last part except I find it charming and comically juxtaposed in their otherwise quaint general store.
Golden Harvest has a pretty cool distillery & less touristy vibe than some of these other places, their parking lot & family-friendly offerings are small. I wandered in one slow weekday & the owner gave me, myself & I a tour, samples (!!) & chitchat. Maybe it's because I grew up w/ this stuff, very literally on the other side of their orchard, but I also think they have the best donuts & cider, hot & cold.
... said Sally on Sep 13, 2011 at 4:59 PM | link
I'm on a search for pick your own macoun apples....
... said Olivia on Sep 14, 2011 at 3:03 PM | link
Olivia, Saratoga Apple's website (saratogaapple.com) says they have Macouns in late September, so they should be about ready, and I don't think they restrict their pick-your-own business to any specific varieties. Not 100% on that, though.
... said Heath on Sep 14, 2011 at 3:53 PM | link
@Sally Sorry to disagree with you but I think Golden Harvest is the BIGGEST tourist trap I've ever seen. People get bussed up from the city and they fly that big hot air balloon shaped like an apple to draw people in. Any farm stand that sells apples all year round (meaning they're selling previously frozen apples which always taste icky) is not going to have top notch produce even in season. I grew up in that area and that place is only for the tourists and the oblivious, I do NOT recommend it!!!! If you think its less touristy, give it a few weeks and revisit during peak apple season.
Go a little further into Columbia County and you'll find some great Mom and Pop apple orchards with plenty of PYO, pies, and donuts without all the gimmicks
... said HM on Sep 18, 2011 at 12:39 PM | link
I cannot recommend Hick's enough. It's the oldest PYO in New York State and it's absolutely beautiful. Truly picturesque. It's small and I admit that I have yet to PYO apple there (but I did do blue berries and cherries, which were quite yummy). However, they have a hard cider mill and the cider is delicious! And inexpensive. It was a great date place.
... said Ski on Sep 18, 2011 at 2:07 PM | link