Apple picking season is starting. Here are 10 great orchards to visit in RI
For a taste of fall, there's nothing quite like the crispness of biting into an apple while standing in the orchard.
Being a New England state, Rhode Island has no shortage of apple orchards to visit. And most of them have farmstands where you can also pick up some cider doughnuts or another baked good. Some of them have extras like petting zoos or pick-your-own flowers.
If you're trying to decide where to go, here's a quick guide to Rhode Island's apple orchards.
Barden Family Orchard
Where to go: 56 Elmdale Road, North Scituate
What to know: Picking is generally open from Sept. 1 to early November or the first hard freeze. During the season, Barden is open daily for picking. They have more than 25 varieties, including some heirloom options. People can pick from ½ bushel, 1 peck, ½ peck and ¼ peck bags, or wander the orchards for a fee.
Dame Farm & Orchard
Where to go: 91B Brown Ave., Johnston
What to know: This family-run orchard has more than 10 varieties of apples to pick, plus fields of flowers and a farm stand. They run wagon rides during the fall. One thing to note: they are not open on Sundays.
Jaswell's Farm
Where to go: 50 Swan Road, Smithfield
What to know: Located in Smithfield’s “Apple Valley,” Jaswell’s has been part of fall traditions since 1899. They offer pick-your-own apples in addition to what you can find at their market and bakery. The orchard was ranked seventh best in the nation by USA Today in 2021.
Narrow Lane Orchard
Where to go: 213 Narrow Lane, North Kingstown
What to know: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this orchard has apples, peaches, nectarines, blackberries, blueberries and even kiwi berries depending on the season. With 13 varieties of apples, they start picking in mid-August and go through October. In addition, there’s a mile-long nature trail where rumor has it you might see Sasquatch.
Old Stone Orchard
Where to go: 33 Coldbrook Road, Little Compton
What to know: In this high-density orchard, the apple trees are planted close together, making the picking easy. There are 13 varieties of apples, five varieties of pumpkins and three varieties of pears to pick from. Be sure to visit with the farm animals while you’re there. The orchard is typically open from September to mid-November.
Phantom Farms
Where to go: 2920 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland
What to know: At this traditional family farm, pick-your-own apples is such a tradition that fans have been stalking their Instagram account waiting for the announcement that the orchards are ready. Be sure to make a stop at the café while you’re there.
Pippin Orchard
Where to go: 751 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston
What to know: This 17-acre orchard has beautifully maintained grounds, with the grass and trees trimmed weekly. They have eight types of apples, and unlike most orchards, the trees are mixed and aren’t marked, so you can either enjoy the mix or pay careful attention to what you’re picking. They offer one bag size and don’t charge per person. While there, get a cider doughnut or a baked good.
Sunset Orchard Farm
Where to go: 244 Gleaner Chapel Road, North Scituate
What to know: Opening for the season in early September and stretching into November if weather allows for it, Sunset Orchard grows 25 varieties of apples, including some antique ones. A little later in the season, they start pressing apple cider on-site. There’s also a bakery.
Steere Orchard
Where to go: 150 Austin Ave., Smithfield
What to know: One of the best tips for this orchard is to call ahead because picking times change (the number is (401) 949-1456 ). Once there, they have a dozen varieties in their orchard, which is open from the end of August into October. In their stand, you can also peaches, jams, jellies and other goodies.
Sweet Berry Farm
Where to go: 915 Mitchell's Lane, Middletown
What to know: There’s almost always something to pick at Sweet Berry Farm, and apple picking typically starts in late August and continues through mid-October. There are also flowers and pumpkins to pick if you want to mix it up. The market and café is a great spot to grab a bite, or even get one of the prepared meals to make dinner easy.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Where to go apple picking in RI: A guide to 10 great orchards to visit
