Apple picking fun in Upstate New York is a family tradition for many residents in New York and other neighboring state. The combination of sparkling cool weather, beautiful autumn foliage and luscious fall fruit is usually enough to get families up and moving in the direction of some of these New York orchards. Each orchard offers a pick your own experience often with other added harvest type experiences that can make for a full day of apple picking fun in Upstate New York.
Williamson, New York may not jump off the map the way nearby Rochester does but if you are looking for the an orchard in the center of upstate New York ‘s apple country, Williamson with its Lagoner Farms is not a bad place to start. New Yorkers who live in the immediately surrounding area will recognize Lagoner Farms as a place where you can pick out quality produce throughout the summer. But when autumn approaches Lagoner Farm also becomes a perfect place for apple picking fun in upstate New York . As the owners of Lagoner Farms will tell you “Fall is the pinnacle of our seasons on the farm”.
Fall at Lagoner Farm is the time for harvesting pumpkins, gourds and squash but it is also time to welcome folks who are seeking the adventure of picking their own apples. Autumn months see the area behind the Lagoner Farms Market converted into “Pumpkintown”. Here’s a place where kids can really get out into the sunshine and cool air and enjoy themselves. They can check out the resident “pumpkin people” , go off for a short ride on the Cider Hill Express, wander through the unique apple core maze or try out the farm’s apple sling shot. Of course the highlight of day will be apple picking but there’s no reason not to have some added fun, before or after you picking, at “Pumpkintown.
When it is time for apple picking the Lagoner Farms provides its visitors with a wagon ride that will take you out to apple picking territory. Pick your own apples are available from early September to late October. There are plenty of fully fruited trees that offer picking at child appropriate heights so no one gets left out of the fun. For more information about prices or farm hours contact http://www.lagonerfarms.com
In Rochester, New York look out for Green Acre Farm, but only if you want to visit an orchard made up of 10,000 trees. Green Acre is a family farm that has been in business since the 1970’s. Green Acres welcomes you to wander the grounds and enjoy your own brand of apple picking fun in upstate New York. Even if you have very young children Green Acre Farm can be a great spot for a pick your own adventure as all of the trees are of a dwarfed variety allowing ease of picking for everyone.
Green Acre Farm is open each day from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and can provide a great destination for those who have a day off during the week. The autumn colors are great and so is that fresh fruit experience waiting for you at Green Acre Farm. If you want to make a real family adventure out of your trip to Green Acre Farm you may want to wait until the weekend when you can hook on to a hayride or let your kids play in the corn maze. Stop by Green Acre Farm on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. You can contact Green Acre Farm at http://www.greenacreupick.com D
Don’t be misled by the name, Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport, NY has more to offer visitors than just its delicious selection of seasonal berries. To begin with it has a wonderfully colorful history that traces back more than 200 years to 1804 when the farm got started. In all some seven generations of Brown family members have worked this farm and provided produce for area consumers. Today brothers Robert Ii and Eric Brown divide the considerable work that needs to be done for the successful operation of a farm and a business.
When you visit Brown’s Berry Patch near Lake Ontario in Autumn you will see that this operation includes the raising and harvesting of more than just berries. Specifically at Brown’s Berry Patch you can find apple picking fun in upstate New York. From late August through October you can contact Brown’s Berry Patch to see what varieties of apples are ripe for picking. You will find quite a selection including Macs, Golden, Red Delicious, Cortland, Empire and many other favorites. Each year actual picking dates vary according to the weather so you are wise to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Apple Picking at Brown’s Berry Patch can turn in to a real family adventure. In the 9 acre orchard there are dwarf trees that allow all family members to pick ripe fruit without climbing or having to go up on someone’s shoulders. You can bring your own basket or purchase a container from the Patch. Either before or after apple picking you can also take check out the rest of the property at Brown’s. At Brown’s Berry Patch you can make purchases at the farm’s market, browse through the country gift shop, visit the deli, bakery or grill and sample fresh pies and ice cream. Kids will also enjoy the chance to visit the Barnyard Adventure play area that holds friendly animals kids will want to visit.
Brown’s Berry Patch isn’t just a local favorite. It has been the recipient of a number of quality awards.Most recently in 2008 it was named the Genesee Valley Parent Magazine Favorite Pick Your Own Fruit Farm. To your kids it may be just a really fun place to visit but for adults sometimes its nice to know you are going to a place that others recommend so highly. For hours and other information visit http://www.brownsberrypatch.com
