30 September, 2021
Oct 2nd, 2021 – New England Apple Picking!
8 of the best local orchards to enjoy apple picking and fall fun
Why these locations need to be on everyone’s ‘fall in Massachusetts’ bucket list
Stepfanie Romine,
for North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Is there anything more quintessentially fall than apple picking at an orchard in Massachusetts? While the state has plenty of family-friendly fun to offer year-round, autumn is a season when it truly shines. The changing leaves, the sweet apples and all the scenic drives are easy to love. Start planning your next day trip now with this round-up of the best spots for apple picking and other classic fall activities.
- Carlson Orchards
Get a taste of old New England at Carlson Orchards, known for their delicious, high-quality cider. They’ve been growing apples, summer peaches and other produce for decades on 100 acres in Harvard. Today, they boast more than a dozen different apple varieties.
You can pick your own or stock up in their store, which also sells jams, honey and savory items. One fun bonus is grown-ups can sample five different hard ciders, or buy some to take home.
Carlson Orchards
115 Oak Hill Rd.
Harvard, MA 01451
978-456-3916
- Davis Farmland
Come for the pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Stay for the fun discoveries on the farm. From the kid-friendly Animal Showcase of endangered livestock breeds to the Adventure Land play space, Davis Farmland is a place where little ones will beg to come back. Once everyone has worked up an appetite, check out their dining options. Davis BBQ, open year-round, features a BBQ menu with local favorites.
Davis Farmland
145 Redstone Hill Rd.
Sterling, MA 01564
978-422-6666
- Sholan Farms
You can pick your own apples within the 20 acres of apple orchard at Sholan Farms. They also have several miles of trails meandering through scenic meadows and forest. Keep an eye out for beavers, herons and bobolinks, among other wildlife.
Bring your binoculars, since it’s a bird-watcher’s paradise. On their website, you’ll find a handy list of dozens of species which have been spotted on their land.
Sholan Farms
1125 Pleasant St.
Leominster, MA 01453
978-840-3276
- Hollis Hills Farm
Head to Hollis Hills Farm for an afternoon of apple picking — or one of their special events, including live music and movie nights. Stick around when hunger hits and try the menu at the HHF Restaurant, featuring a huge variety of family favorites. Don’t miss the build your own mac n’ cheese. During maple season, you can also stop by the sugar house for more sweet treats and activities.
Hollis Hills Farm
340 Marshall Rd.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-696-3130
- Meadowbrook Orchards
Apple picking is just the beginning at Meadowbrook Orchards. They have a bakery serving up homemade pies, including several varieties made with their own apples, and other baked goods, such as yummy sticky buns and soft dinner rolls. There’s also a restaurant with quite the reputation for breakfast.
The orchard’s store sells fresh, seasonal flowers and produce grown on the farm, as well prepared, heat-and-serve entrees, frozen baked goods and jams.
Meadowbrook Orchards
209 Chace Hill Rd.
Sterling, MA 01564
978-365-7617
- Red Apple Farm
With a brew barn and cidery in addition to pick your own fruit and pumpkins, Red Apple Farm offers plenty to see and do from morning until night. In collaboration with their neighbors, they serve beers from Moon Hill Brewing Co. and their farm-made cider, as well as a recently revamped BBQ menu. There’s also local music and kid-friendly offerings for food and drinks.
Be sure to leave room for dessert because you’ll want to try one of their award-winning cider doughnuts and homemade fudge.
Red Apple Farm
455 Highland Ave.
Phillipston, MA 01331
800-628-4851
- Brookfield Orchards
Soak up the fall foliage on the scenic drive to Brookfield Orchards, where you can spend a day out in the fresh air picking your own apples and shopping in the country store. Known for their holiday pies and fudge, they also make fresh pastries and apple dumplings every week. Buy a few extra for the drive home.
Check out their events calendar for cultural offerings, such as craft fairs and local author festivals.
Brookfield Orchards
12 Lincoln Rd.
North Brookfield, MA 01535
508-867-6858
- Bolton Orchards
Bolton Orchards started out as a dairy farm in the late 1800s. Today, this charming farm stand is known for growing a wide variety of apples during fall (there are more than 20 kinds!), as well as a selection of peaches and plums during summer on their 250 acres. Plus, they offer fresh apple cider, baked goods and a fully stocked deli.
Enjoy locally roasted coffee at the Red Barn Coffee Café, paired with a fresh cider donut any day of the week. Even in fall, they serve up ice cream if the craving strikes.
Bolton Orchards
125 Still River Rd.
Bolton, MA 01740
978-779-2733
https://www.boltonorchards.co/
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