Family-friendly North Fork Guide to Apple Picking
Photo Credit: Petite North Fork
And, just like that, the harbinger of the fall season is officially upon us — u-pick apples.
Love or loathe it, there’s no denying that this autumnal experience packs in fun for the whole family.
Spots to apple pick on the North Fork are plentiful, but here are our top selects and why you’ll want to visit with your petite crew. Happy picking, people!
Breeze Hill Farm is now open for apple picking. This picturesque orchard is open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. After wandering through 30 acres of apples and picking the perfect peck, head into the market for the farm’s own apple cider and doughnuts and sit by the firepit. Follow @themarketatbreezehillfarm on Instagram for complete details, variety availability, and more.
Windy Acres Orchard and Farm is also open for apple picking and more! The Calverton farm currently features Sansa, Zestar, and Gala Apple varieties, as well as Macintosh varieties and Autumn Crisp ready to be picked, with more varieties on the way, plus three varieties of nectarines. The farm, which will be open through October, is also known for its children’s play area and family-friendly fun. Windy Acres is currently open for picking daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the admission price varies depending on the day, with costs slightly higher on weekends. Check the orchard’s Facebook page for availability details and more, and swing by their newly renovated and opened concession barn featuring Hampton Coffee to fuel your u-pick session.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is now open for apple picking on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., closed Sundays. This historic Cutchogue farm is known for its excellent produce, rustic setting, freshly baked goods, and house-made apple cider. Visit wickhamsfruitfarm.com for the complete U-pick schedule and variety availability.
Woodside Orchard features two locations: one behind their Aquebogue tasting room, which opens for picking on Friday, Sept. 19, and will offer picking on weekdays only, and a larger, more remote orchard in Jamesport on Manor Lane that opens for picking on Saturday, Sept. 20, and will be open weekends and holiday Mondays. The cost is $23/peck. Visit woodsideorchards.com for updates.
Harbes Orchard is celebrating its 15th season. This Riverhead orchard is your one-stop shop for all things apples and fun this season — from apple picking, to corn mazes, to live music (weekends), to food and treats. This orchard is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with varied pricing.
Harbes Farms Jamesport is also open for the season on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with apple (and pumpkin!) picking, corn mazes, hay rides, music, food, and more. Pricing and info here.
Schmitt’s Farm is open for apple picking. This sweet farm on Sound Avenue in Riverhead features a u-pick apple orchard, corn maze, and more. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and closes on Sundays at 4 p.m. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date info and seasonal offerings.
Lewin Farms is open for apple picking and more! With plentiful pick-your-own offerings, this Calverton farm is a well-loved spot. You-pick is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Gala, Honeycrisp, and some Macoun are currently ripe for picking, with many more varieties to come. While you’re there, nosh on roasted corn and potatoes at the farm stand and meander through the corn maze. Check their website for more info.