Our take: To truly savor fall in this corner of the Nutmeg State, apple picking is a must. Beyond just an Instagrammable seasonal pastime, it’s a celebration of our local harvest. Whether you’re filling a basket for that homemade pie or you’re in search of a favorite variety to enjoy on its own, the greater Fairfield County area offers an abundance of orchards with apples ripe for the picking.
From family traditions to spontaneous fall adventures, here’s your guide to the best orchards in and around Fairfield County where you can enjoy this quintessential autumn activity.
Apple Picking In Fairfield County:
1. Silverman’s Farm
Easton, CT
Silverman’s Farm is a fall institution in Fairfield County, and perhaps the one cause of traffic all year in the otherwise sleepy town of Easton. Not only does Silverman’s boast a variety of apple types (more than 20), but they also offer scenic views, homemade cider donuts, a pumpkin patch (starting at the end of September), an on-site petting zoo, and tractor rides.
Silverman’s is often packed on the weekends in September and October, so be prepared for a crowd (or better yet, try to sneak in during the week, when you’ll practically have the orchards to yourself).
2. Blue Jay Orchards
Bethel, CT
This picturesque orchard is a family favorite. Spanning over 140 acres, Blue Jay Orchards promises a bountiful selection of apples and, after mid-September, a pumpkin patch, too. The farm shop also sells delicious pies, cider doughnuts, and honey made right from their beehives.
3. Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
Shelton, CT
At Beardsley’s, the apple-picking experience is complemented by their on-site cider mill. Once you’ve filled your basket with your favorite apple varieties, you can enjoy some of the freshest apple cider around. Don’t forget to try their renowned cider doughnuts!
Apple Picking Nearby
4. Bishop’s Orchards
Guilford, CT
A bit of a drive from Fairfield County, but definitely worth the visit. Bishop’s Orchards boasts a vast variety of apple types and a market filled with fresh produce, baked goods, and wines. Their apple cider and cider doughnuts are some of the best in Connecticut.
5. Lyman Orchards
Middlefield, CT
Lyman Orchards, which has been in operation since the 1700s, is one of the largest Pick-Your-Own apple spots in Connecticut. It’s about an hour from lower Fairfield County, but there’s enough to see and do at Lyman Orchards that it’s easy to make your trek a day trip. In addition to the 27 varieties of apples available for picking, the farm offers its Apple Barrel Farm Market, pumpkin picking, a seasonal creamery, and a pub and grill on-site.
6. Drazen Orchards
Cheshire, CT
Drazen Orchards offers a range of pick-your-own apples during the season, including popular varietals like Honeycrisp, Cortland, and Macoun. The farm also has pick-your-own pears and pumpkins, honey from its on-site hives, and a farm stand with baked goods, ice cream, fruit and vegetables.
7. March Farm
Bethlehem, CT
March Farm is a worthwhile destination for all things fall fun, including PYO apples, a corn maze, and wagon rides. On weekends, the farm also hosts food tents and offers canned beer, wine and cocktails.
8. Belltown Hill Orchards
Glastonbury, CT
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, this fourth-generation family farm offer a range of U-pick apples and pumpkins, a quaint farmers market, and hot apple fritters that are not to be missed.
Tips for a Successful Apple Picking Trip:
Check Before You Go: Always check the orchard’s website or call ahead to ensure that they’re open for apple picking. Different apple varieties ripen at different times, so this will also give you an idea of what’s available.
Dress Appropriately: Remember, you’ll be on a farm. Wear comfortable shoes (preferably closed-toed) and bring along a hat or sunglasses. Some orchards can get muddy, so be prepared.
Storage: If you plan to pick a lot of apples, consider bringing storage boxes or containers to prevent them from bruising.
Follow Orchard Rules: Each orchard will have its guidelines about where to pick, how to pick, and any areas that are off-limits (often, orchards pick 1-2 varieties at a time, based on ripeness).