Where to pick your own apples this autumn: Top 10 orchards in the nation
The United States' first apple orchard was planted in 1625 near Boston's Beacon Hill. Today, there are more than 20,000 growers producing apples across all 50 states, according to the U.S. Apple Association. That's 255 million bushels of apples each year!
To help with the harvest, these 10 apple orchards — voted by our readers as the best in the country — open their gates for visitors to come and pick their own fruit, often with added autumn entertainment.
No. 10: All Seasons Orchard - Woodstock, Illinois
https://allseasonsorchard.com/apple-orchard/
A favorite for Chicagoland residents, All Seasons Orchard is home to more than 15,000 apple trees, serving as the perfect destination for a crisp Illinois autumn day. Apple picking reigns supreme around here, but it's far from the only activity available for visitors, with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and massive barnyard filled with attractions all found just a few steps away from each other.
No. 9: Huber\'s Orchard and Winery - Borden, Indiana
Huber’s Orchard invites their guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, hand-picking each apple they take home. Located about 30 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, in Borden, Indiana, Huber’s is famous for its fall season and delicious apples. Beginning in mid-August, guests can ride a “U-Pick” wagon to the orchard and choose from multiple apple varieties.
No. 8: Crane Orchards - Fennville, Michigan
https://www.craneorchards.com/
The tiny city of Fennville, Michigan has served as home base for Crane Orchards since the 19th century, with operations dating back to the 1880s. Now on their sixth generation of farmers, the property earns abundant local acclaim, thanks to their on-site restaurant and pie shop. The fall season brings the opportunity for apple picking alongside corn mazes, hayrides, and a kids' cow train.
No. 7: Spicer Orchards - Fenton, Michigan
http://www.spicerorchards.com/
At Spicer Orchards, wagons take visitors into the orchards to pick apples and berries. The fall season also means hot apple cider and cider doughnuts. A Harvest Festival in mid-September features a craft fair and antique tractors.
No. 6: Julian Farm and Orchard - Santa Ysabel, California
https://www.julianfarmandorchard.com/
Home to a rock-climbing wall, picnic areas, and a petting zoo packed full of friendly farm animals, the 25-acre Julian Farm and Orchard is one of San Diego County's hottest spots for year-round agrotourism. While daffodils and berries are the main focus during spring and summer, autumn offers ample opportunity for both apple and pumpkin picking, with no shortage of food vendors and lawn games to enjoy as well.
No. 5: Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards - LaFayette, New York
This family-owned orchard has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911 to plant apples on a hillside along Route 20. The rest, as they say, is history. Gala, McIntosh, Ginger Gold, and Paula Red are just a few of the varieties offered from late August through late October.
No. 4: Sky Top Orchard - Flat Rock, North Carolina
Less than an hour south of Asheville, North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard offers its guests the chance to celebrate a nostalgic fall on the mountain. The cool summer nights and warm days create perfect conditions for growing over 22 varieties of apples, with the u-pick season lasting from July through the end of October. Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are just a few available varieties.
No. 3: Mercier Orchards - Blue Ridge, Georgia
Started in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards has been a family farm ever since. Showcasing several varieties of apples, the U-Pick Apple Event is the most popular occasion of the season, which runs from early August to late October. A cafe, farm market, cidery, and winery offer more to see and taste.
No. 2: Milburn Orchards - Elkton, Maryland
https://www.milburnorchards.com/
Milburn Orchards, a family-run farm, is proudly run by the fourth generation. A wagon ride into the orchard starts an apple-picking day where you can choose from different varieties, like Orange Honey, Crimson Crisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji. Group apple picking events are offered on the weekends in the fall and are perfect for a large outing with colleagues or friends.
No. 1: Libby & Son U-Picks - Limerick, Maine
https://www.libbysonupicks.com/
Apple picking season at Libby & Son U-Picks in Maine extends from mid-August through the end of October, with varieties like Paula Red, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and Empire on offer. On select days, guests enjoy live music that can be heard throughout the orchard.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: 10 best apple orchards in the US for going apple picking
