Cooler temps and sweater weather mean it's time for one of fall's sweetest traditions: apple picking. Much like summer’s juiciest fruits—strawberries, cherries and blueberries—apples are best enjoyed when picked straight from the tree. Luckily, there are loads of orchards and farms that offer apple picking near NYC.
Take an autumn adventure to Upstate New York, Connecticut or New Jersey to fill a whole bushel with your hand-picked haul. You'll score plenty of fruit for snacking and baking, but these apples are only half the fun. Many farms also feature hayrides, corn mazes, farm-fresh treats like hot cider doughnuts and even petting zoos. There's enough entertainment to make it a fall family outing.
Apples are usually ready to pick in late August or early September, but be sure to check crop availability before you go. Unfortunately, unusually cold temperatures in April—known to insiders as "the freeze"—have caused many of these orchards to lose their crop entirely. While some were left with no apples to offer, and therefore are not on our list this year, others were able to salvage small amounts. Still, with the limited availabilities, it's best to call ahead before heading out to one of these Tri-State Area favorites.
If you can't get your hands on some apples, many of these farms also have pumpkin patches later in the season for all your Halloween needs.
