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Photo: Courtesy of Flickr.com
Hay rides, pumpkin carving and apple picking are all fun fall traditions that aren’t usually available in the city. Not to fear, though. If you’re willing to take a short drive, this good old fashioned fun is still possible.
With this list of orchards near Manhattan, you can partake in numerous family activities and buy a variety of farm-grown foods. At many of these farms, you have the option of picking some of the food yourself! Don’t let the city life keep you from enjoying classic country fun.
1. Greig Farm, Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571
If you’re looking for a farm that offers pick-your-own food, Greig Farm has plenty of fruit options. Not only do they have apple orchards and pumpkin patches, the usual fall fare, but they also have berry picking. Each month has their own picking schedule, with August being blueberry and blackberry season, September being apples and raspberries; and October being apples and pumpkins. They have other picking options for the summer months, including asparagus, snap peas, and strawberries. The farm also features a large gardening shop full of plants and tools.
2. Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570
Barton Orchards is a very family-friendly farm. Kids can check out the fun park with kiddy karts, bouncy ponies, inflatables and much more. They also have activities for the entire family with farm animals, a shooting gallery (with toy guns), and gemstone mining. If you’re here for the fresh produce, however, Barton has plenty to offer. They have a large variety of picking options including pumpkins, many different types of apples, sweet corn, peaches, tomatoes, grapes and berries. The orchards offer tours for schools and parties as well.
3. Silverman’s Farm, 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612
This farm is perfect for the kids; featuring a petting zoo with llamas, buffalo, deer, exotic birds and more. They also have hayrides that tour the orchards and a Down Home Frolic live music show. You’re also invited to go pick your own produce, including peaches, raspberries, blueberries, apples and pumpkins. If you can guess your pumpkin’s weight within two ounces, the pumpkin is free! They give away thousands of free pumpkins every year. The farm has been in the Silverman family since its inception in the early 1920’s.
4. Wightman’s Farms, 1111 Mt Kemble Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Wightman’s Farms has been in the Wightman family for generations, with Albert Wightman founding the farm in 1922. Since then the farm has continued to be a big part of the community. The farm store sells all types of fresh foods including veggies, fruits, dairy, baked goods, ciders and honey. They also sell a variety of flowers, and even Christmas trees! They have orchards for picking your own strawberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins. There is a pumpkin slingshot, and if you hit the target, you win a large pumpkin!
5. Hurds Family Farm, 2187 State Route 32 Modena, NY 12548
The Hurds Family Farm lives up to its name with its large selection of family activities. Apple and pumpkin picking is just the beginning. They also let you cut your own bouquet of flowers and pick vegetables for a salad to be prepared. Kids will enjoy pedal karts, giant slides, the cow train and farm animals. The family can also rent paddle boats or mine for precious stones and fossils. They also offer group reservations for parties and field trips for students.
From great food to good ol’ fashioned fun, you can find it all if you’re willing to take the trip!
-by Laura Seaman