Family-friendly Guide to Apple Picking on the North Fork
(Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
And, just like that, the harbinger of the fall season is officially upon us: u-pick apples. This hands-on autumnal experience packs in fun for the whole family. Spots to apple pick on the North Fork are plentiful, but here are our nine top selects and why you’ll want to visit with your petite crew. Happy picking, people!
Harbes Orchard in Riverhead 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 Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., withvaried pricing. Current apple varieties ripe for picking include Ultima Gala, Zestar, Blondee, and Sansa.
Harbes Farms Jamesport is also open for the season on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with apple (and pumpkin!) picking, corn mazes, hay rides, music, food, and more. Pricing and infohere.
Helen’s Flower Farm in Aquebogue is our pick for an off-the-beaten-path u-pick. This farm is currently offering Honey Crisp, Gala, and Zestar apples that are ripe for picking, as well as summer sweet yellow peaches. Don’t miss out on the farm stand’s delectable home-baked goods, cute seasonal decor, and great little playground for the kids. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow along here for u-pick availability updates.
Windy Acres Orchard and Farm is open for apple picking and more! The Calverton farm is currently offering Autumn Crisp, Macintosh “Ruby”, Zestar, Sansa, Gala “Buckeye”, Gala “Gale”, and Gala “Pacific” varieties, with more varieties on the way. The farm, open through October, is also known for its children’s play area and family-friendly fun. Windy Acres is open for picking daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and admission varies by day, with costs slightly higher on weekends. Check the orchard’s Facebook page for availability details and more, and swing by their 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.
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 U-pick is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays. Check their Instagram page for up-to-date info and seasonal offerings.
Breeze Hill Farm opens for apple picking on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The orchard plans to be open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless private events are booked. The orchard will then close at 1 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, then sit by the fire pit while your crew plays nearby. Follow @themarketatbreezehillfarm on Instagram for complete details, variety availability, and more.
Lewin Farms is open for apple picking and so much more! With plentiful pick-your-own fruit and vegetable 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. While you’re there, nosh on roasted corn and potatoes at the farm stand and meander through the corn maze. Checktheir website for more info.
Woodside Orchard features two locations: one behind their Aquebogue tasting room, and a larger, more remote orchard in Jamesport on Manor Lane, which is typically open on weekends and holiday Mondays. Visit woodsideorchards.com for updates and announcements on their opening dates.