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As you may have noticed during last weekend’s trip to the farmers’ market, apples are suddenly everywhere. Red ones, green ones, in between ones—the greatest of fall fruits wherever you look. And the varieties are seemingly endless, with poetic—and (golden) delicious—names like Northern Spy and Autumn Gala. It’s amazing when you think about how good the apples grown right here in the Empire (not coincidentally, also the name of a great apple) State really are.
So why not go check out some local orchards and make a day of it? There’s really nothing better than eating an apple you picked with your own two hands. It’s a great autumnal tradition, along with hayrides and foliage. The nostalgic charm factor of apple picking is hard to beat. Grab your kids or an OKCupid date, reserve a Zipcar and go!
Check out these apple orchards just outside the city
Dr. Davies Farm
306 Route 304, Congers, NY 10920
drdaviesfarm.com
Just across the river from Croton and a little more than an hour from the city, this could be a half-day trip. Keep going for about 45 minutes to Storm King Arts Center and check out the dramatic sculpture in the park that doubles as a walkable nature preserve. You already have a snack.
Wright’s Farm
699 NY-208, Gardiner, NY 12525
eatapples.com
Wright’s is up near New Paltz, so it’s a slightly longer trip out of the city. But if you feel like taking a drive, it’s a little under two hours of autumnal glory. Pair this one with a hike in the glorious Mohonk Mountain Preserve or, if you are feeling Sorta Indoorsy, and brave enough for some serious outlet shopping, swing by Woodybury Commons.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
wilkensfarm.com
Just an hour’s drive up the Taconic, spend a pleasant afternoon and get home by dinner.
Stuart’s Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527
stuartsfarm.com
Go for the apple picking, stay for the Hudson Valley attractions. Need some hike ideas? Head up to Garrison or check out Breakneck Ridge.
Outhouse Orchard
139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
outhouseorchardsny.com
Up in Northern Westchester, Outhouse Orchard wins on name alone. Also, there’s a corn maze. Keep going and check out Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a 4,315-acre park with miles of nature trails.
For more ideas and tips (including a recipe for Turmeric Pickled Apples from Dig Inn chef Matt Weingarten), check out the rest of this week’s newsletter.