Nothing says autumn quite like a crisp, juicy, delicious apple and there aren’t many better ways to celebrate the season than getting out in that crisp, autumn air to pick your own apples. Burlington County is a great place to take the family on an apple picking outing in the Garden State. Located in Southwestern New Jersey, Burlington County farms rank fourth in the state in production of apples. Here’s a guide to pick-your-own apple farms in Burlington County…
Johnson’s Corner Farm
Located in historic Medford, a pick-your-own trip to Johnson’s Corner Farm was voted “Best Fall Activity” by Philadelphia Magazine in 2007, and for good reason. In addition to pick-your-own activities, this Burlington County farm operates a bakery (their apple pie was voted “Best of the Best” in 2007 by South Jersey Magazine and their apple cider doughnuts are phenomenal) and farm kitchen and grill, gift shop, greenhouses and a garden center, animal barnyard, and the extremely popular Discovery Barnyard playground. Beginning September 12th, Fall Festival Weekends include live music, a cornstalk maze, a moon bounce, and pick-your-own apple and pumpkin hayrides. Be prepared for big crowds at the farm on these weekends. While you are there to pick apples, take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin as well (pumpkin picking begins on 9/12). Apple picking at Johnson’s Farm begins on August 29 and continues until October 11. Johnson’s Corner Farm grows seven apple varieties. Visit their website (www.johnsonsfarm.com) or call the farm (609-654-8643) for apple picking hours, directions to the farm, costs, and availability of apple varieties. Johnson’s Corner Farm is located at the corner of Church and Harford Roads in Medford, New Jersey.
For a more “low-key” apple picking trip, Strawberry Hill Farm in Chesterfield, New Jersey is a great choice. Second-generation farmers Ross and Tara Kiesling own and operate this northern Burlington County farm which is open for apple picking from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week between mid-August and late October (in addition to apples, the farm also offers pick-your-own peaches, nectarines, plums, and pears beginning in late July). The Kieslings prefer to keep things simple, so you won’t find corn mazes, hayrides or moon bounces here – just lots and lots of really yummy apples. Visitors to Strawberry Hill Farm will be delighted by the ease of apple picking here. The apple orchard is just a short walk from the parking area over well-maintained paths, and the trees yield plenty of apples within easy reach of even the smallest apple-pickers. The farm has wagons with baskets so you can easily transport your apples around the farm and back to the shed for payment after you’ve finished picking. Strawberry Hill Farm grows nine varieties of apples for your picking pleasure. Visit their website (www.strawberryhillfarm.org) or call (609-298-0823) for availability of apple varieties and directions to the farm. Strawberry Hill Farm is located at the corner of Waln Road and Ellisdale Road in Chesterfield, New Jersey.
Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm
A short ride from Trenton (the state capital) will bring you to the quaint farm town of Allentown, New Jersey. Here you will find Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm, another fantastic Burlington County destination for pick-your-own apples. The Russo family has been farming for over 85 years and four generations and an apple picking trip to this farm will surely leave you with a feeling for the family’s love of farming. The farm grows ten varieties of pick-your-own apples. Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm also operates a farm market where they sell a fine selection of other fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, apple cider, fall decorations, and more. Pick-your-own pumpkins are also available at this farm. For more information on apple picking hours, directions to the farm, apple varieties and other farm activities, visit the farm’s website (www.russosorchardlanefarm.com) or call (609-259-3684). Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm is located at 310 Extonville Road in Allentown, New Jersey.
Conte Farm is located in the heart of Burlington County farm country in Tabernacle, New Jersey. The farm grows eight varieties of pick-your-own apples. Conte’s also operates a farm market and bakery where fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, fall decorations, and delicious baked goods are available (including their delicious apple cider doughnuts). Pick-your-own apples are available from mid-September to mid-October (call the farm at 609-268-1010 for more precise dates, availability of specific varieties, and directions to the farm). Conte Farm is located at 299 Flyatt Road in Tabernacle, New Jersey. The big windmill in front of the farm will help you find it!
For more information on pick-your-own farms (including other farm crops available for pick-your own) in Burlington County, New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Pick-Your-Own Directory at www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/pyo.htm.
