While growing up in Orange County, New York, one of my favorite family activities was going to the area farms to pick our own fruits and vegetables. It was a tradition that I continued with my children when they were little. There are a lot of pick-your-own farms in the region. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the best ones:
1. Slate Hill Orchards
Slate Hill Orchards is located on Route 6 in Slate Hill. It is one of my favorite orchards and deserves a spot at the very top of my list. As soon as you drive up to the place, the scent of apples hits your nose and tugs at your stomach. In addition to being able to pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, the orchard staff sells fresh pressed apple cider, apple butter and the most amazing apple pies and cider donuts. It opens year-round and hours of operation vary.
2. Ochs Orchard
Ochs Orchard is located on Ochs Lane in Warwick. There are several things that make it special. You can pick-your-own fruits, flowers and vegetables. There is a working bee hive and petting zoo onsite as well. I use to love going there to do my grocery shopping in the summer. They sell farm fresh eggs, produce, fruits, butter, preserves and more. I adored the pick-your-own strawberries, honey and fruit jams too. It is open year-round.
3. Pennings Orchard and Farm Market
Pennings Orchard and Farm Market is located off Route 94 and the Warwick Turnpike in Warwick. In my opinion, it is a wonderful place for families. In addition to picking your own fruits, there is a petting zoo onsite. Two other great features are a “field-to-table” style restaurant and a homemade ice cream shop. It tends to be open year-round.
4. Soons Orchard
Soons Orchard is located on Soons Circle in New Hampton. It is a very family-friendly place that offers both apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. When my children were little, it was one of their most favorite pick-your-own apple orchards because they were able to reach the branches of the dwarf trees onsite with little to no difficulty. They also enjoyed the hay rides. The store on premise is open year-round and the staff sells homemade baked goods onsite. I’d recommend trying their pumpkin cider spice cake. It was always a big hit at our house.
5. Hodgson Farms
Hodgson Farms is located on Albany Post Road in Walden. It is another one of our family’s favorite pick-your-own spots. While there, you can pick seasonal fruits, grab a flat of flowers for the garden and take free classes on herb cultivation. The facility also tends to host family-friendly events throughout the year. It is traditionally open year-round.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys the great outdoors with her family. She also spent some of her early years working in Orange County’s tourism industry.
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