1. Johnson Locust Farm
This small farm in Jobstown New Jersey is about 1.5 hours from the city. It spans over 300 acres and offers all of the fun fall festivities such as apple, pumpkin and sunflower picking. The orchard was on the smaller side, but the farm has a small family run feel which I loved. It also has a cute store front and a small petting zoo. I would definitely visit this farm again.
1 hour 30 minutes from NYC
2. Twin Star Orchards
This is the place to go!
Although this Orchard doesn't harvest Fuji Apples (my fave), it still remains one of my favorites. If your goal is to get out of the city to have fun, relaxing day upstate, head here. This place allows you to apple pick and chill. Twin Star Orchards does not charge an entrance fee. You pay based on the size of your apple bag. The prices were very reasonable in comparison to other Orchards.
Before, after or during, you have the luxury of enjoying wood-fired pizzas, burgers, beers, wine and fresh made Cider Donuts. DO NOT forget the donuts, they were the best part of the entire day. The orchard offered multiple picnic tables and space to spread out. Twin Star is perfect for large groups or families looking to hang on the property for the day, added plus dogs are welcome.
Although this Orchard doesn't harvest Fuji Apples (my fave), it still remains one of my favorites. If your goal is to get out of the city to have fun, relaxing day upstate, head here. This place allows you to apple pick and chill. Twin Star Orchards does not charge an entrance fee. You pay based on the size of your apple bag. The prices were very reasonable in comparison to other Orchards.
Before, after or during, you have the luxury of enjoying wood-fired pizzas, burgers, beers, wine and fresh made Cider Donuts. DO NOT forget the donuts, they were the best part of the entire day. The orchard offered multiple picnic tables and space to spread out. Twin Star is perfect for large groups or families looking to hang on the property for the day, added plus dogs are welcome.
1.5 Hours from NYC
3. Alstede Farms
This farm is about a 50 minute car ride from Manhattan, unfortunately, not accessible by public transport.
By far one of the biggest farms I have visited — almost 600 acres! Alstede is open daily for U-Pick Apples. Of all the orchards I have visited, their trees are more mature than the rest and they have a large variety to pick from. In addition to apples they have a corn maze, pony rides, hayrides and a bounce house. If you go early enough in the season, you are also able to pick your own vegetables in the back of the property. Head to Alstede if you have little ones or just want the full blown Apple Orchard experience.
By far one of the biggest farms I have visited — almost 600 acres! Alstede is open daily for U-Pick Apples. Of all the orchards I have visited, their trees are more mature than the rest and they have a large variety to pick from. In addition to apples they have a corn maze, pony rides, hayrides and a bounce house. If you go early enough in the season, you are also able to pick your own vegetables in the back of the property. Head to Alstede if you have little ones or just want the full blown Apple Orchard experience.
50 minutes from NYC
4. Sun High Orchards
Another small New Jersey orchard. The trees weren't very mature, but we chose this orchard, because they were the only one that had Fuji's available for picking. One thing I did love about this Orchard was that you could park the car, check out the animals, grab some apples and pick up some mums without having to trek through the hills of the farm farm.
60 minutes from NYC
5. Stone Ridge Orchard
Stone Ridge has been on my list for a while now, however I was unimpressed with the actual Orchard. They only had two varieties when we went which was a huge disappointment. This orchard is on the smaller size, but it does offer cider flights, coal fired pizza and homemade ice cream which was an added bonus!
2 hours from NYC