5 Apple Picking Spots You Can Get To Without A Car!
When you think of fall you think apple picking, right? We know there are plenty of farmers markets in NYC but there is something about picking those granny smiths right off the tree that make your experience a little bit more memorable. And, guess what? There are plenty of orchards just a hop, skip and a train ride away. Below we’ve rounded up five of our favorite farms that are accessible via public transportation. Another bonus? You’ll never run into any traffic jams when you take the train! Happy picking!
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Located in Yorktown Heights, NY, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is now celebrating their 100th year of harvest! You’ll enjoy a hayride out to the orchard (yeehaw!), and along with collecting apples, you can also stock up on Halloween pumpkins. If you’re planning ahead, it’s worth noting that starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, you can even chop down your own Christmas tree! There is a corn maze and great treats too!
Cost: No admission cost, you are only charged for the apples you pick (which varies depending on type.) Credit cards are accepted.
How to get there: Take Metro-North to the Croton-Harmon or Peekskill stations, and then a taxi ride.
Maskers Orchard
Located in Warwick, NY, Maskers Orchard is known for their fresh crisp apples, country store filled with fall favorites like apple butter and homemade jams, wagon rides and baby farm animals. The weekends are filled with face painting and pony rides for the kids and free musical performances for the parents. While you are there, don’t forget to pick the best pumpkin to carve, get spooked in their Haunted House and lose yourself in the Apple Maze. If that isn’t enough to cram into one day, I don’t know what is!
Cost: No admission cost, and if you go midweek, you will get $2.00 off your bag of apples!
How to get there: Take the New Jersey Transit’s #196 or #197 bus from Port Authority to Willowbrook Station in Warwick. The orchard is 1/2 mile down the road, which you can either stroll or take a taxi.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Located in North Salem, NY, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard offers so much more than apples. During weekends in October, you can enjoy their fall festivals, which include pony rides, face painting, bouncy houses, pumpkin picking, and cider drinking.
Note: You will need to make a reservation, and each reservation only allows one car! There is a 2 hr time slot for each reservation.
How to get there: Take Metro-North to the Croton Falls station, and then a taxi ride.
The Fairmont – Upper East Side Apartments
Welcome home to the Fairmont - one of Glenwood's Upper East Side luxury apartment buildings. Drive up a circular driveway with fountains, landscaped entrance and gardens, and be greeted by 24-hour door service. Relax on a sun deck and enjoy upscale amenities. Learn more about available one and two bedroom luxury apartments today!Outhouse Orchards
Also located in North Salem, NY, Outhouse Orchards is a tried and true spot, dating back to the 1800’s. Along with apple picking, you can also enjoy corn mazes and hayrides. And word on the street is they have the best apple cider donuts this side of the Hudson!
How to get there: Take Metro-North to the Croton Falls station, and then a taxi ride.
Alstede Farms
If you’d rather head to New Jersey to pick some juices, we recommend checking out Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ. A bonus with this spot? You can take a free shuttle from the station to the farm! Along with apple picking, the extras here include pony rides, corn mazes, hayrides, and a bouncy house.
Cost: Varies based on day and time you go, a breakdown of fees can be found here. Credit cards are accepted.
How to get there: Take New Jersey Transit to the Gladstone station and then a taxi or FREE courtesy shuttle to the farm.
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Posted in manhattan living, Top Picks | Tagged Apple picking • fall activities
