It's one of the most wonderful times of the year... apple picking season! Pick your own has already begun at some farms in Connecticut and will continue through October.
Just remember to check before heading out to see if the farm you're planning to visit requires a reservation and to check on the harvest schedule... especially if there is a particular apple you'd like to pick!
To make things as easy as possible, scroll down for a list of pick your own apple orchards nearby!
Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard
278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110 in the White Hills section of Shelton, CT
(203) 926-1098
Bishop's Orchards
1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT
(203) 458-PICK - daily updates
Blue Jay Orchards
125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, CT
(203) 748-0119
Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Road, Southbury, CT
Lyman Orchards
32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT
(860) 295-3886 - 24-hour hotline
March Farm
160 Munger Lane, Bethlehem, CT
(203) 266-7721
Rogers Orchards
2876 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke, Southington, CT
(203) 879-1206
336 Long Bottom Rd, Southington, CT
(860) 229-4240
Silverman's Farm
451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT
(203) 261-3306
Know Before You Go
- Call ahead to check on conditions and the types of apples available for picking.
- Some orchards require reservations, check to see if this is necessary at the farm you choose, before you go!
- Dress appropriately for the outdoors and for potentially changing weather conditions. Terrain in orchards is usually grassy and bumpy with hills to climb/come down.
- If you want to bring your dog, check ahead of time. Some orchards do not allow pets.
- Don't forget to bring your camera!
- Definitely bring snacks... many of the orchards are a bit of a drive from Stamford.
How To Pick The Best Apples
- Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first.
- Once they're picked, apples stop ripening.
- To picking apples directly from a tree, roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist.
- Don't throw apples into your basket or bag after picking. Handle them gently to prevent bruising and spoiling.
- Don't wash apples until right before using them to keep from spoiling.
- Keep apples cool after they're picked to increase their shelf life.
Apple Recipe Ideas
Looking for something to do with all of those apples you are going to pick? Here are a few great ones! We also love this recipe for Chicken Salad with Apples & Almonds.
Apple Festivals This Season
St. Peter’s Grace Apple Festival
Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8
175 Old Tannery Road, Monroe, CT
West Haven Apple Festival
Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 22
First Congregational Church of West Haven
Brown’s Harvest Annual Apple Festival
Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22
1911 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor, CT
HV Apple Festival
Saturday, September 23 & Sunday, September 24
Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Apple Festival – Vendor Fair
Saturday, September 28
179 Prospect Drive, Stratford, CT
Southington Apple Harvest Festival
Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13
Southington Town Green
South Windsor Apple Fest
Saturday, October 5
75 Brookfield Street, South Windsor, CT
Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival
Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20
Riverfront Park Glastonbury, CT
Mystic Apple Festival
Saturday, October 19
27 Coogan Blvd , Mystic, CT
