2022 Guide to Pick-Your-Own Connecticut Apples

At this time of year, when Connecticut’s leaves start to change colors, eventually rivaling those of a Turkish carpet, there are few pleasures keener than to drive along the back roads of our state to an apple orchard. To choose local fruit, often varieties that are otherwise hard to find, for oneself is a seasonal occasion worth seeking out, worth savoring, worth creating a special picnic for (think rustic breads, local cheeses, and local hard cider if the orchard allows it). If you’re lucky, all of this is set off by sweetly chilly temperatures and a sky of platinum blue---in which case, congratulations. You have officially reached peak autumn.

Our guide to some of Connecticut’s best pick-your-own-apple experiences is here. Readers are encouraged to add their own. Note that this past spring, in the short period during which apple trees are pollinated, weather conditions were very unfavorable; a lighter-than-usual crop has resulted, so bring your flexibility along. As with all such outings, a little thinking ahead goes a long way. Be sure to call ahead for availability, wear sturdy shoes, and choose a good time for your visit. Weekdays are better for a quiet group or one that can’t deal with crowds; weekends will thrill the extroverts.

Fairfield County

Easton---Silverman’s Farm (www.silvermansfarm.com) Visitors to Silverman’s, a Fairfield County institution, are greeted by a slope of fruit trees rising dramatically from Route 59. A petting zoo and farm market complete the experience. Apple tree varieties include Macoun, my very favorite for raw eating.

Shelton---Beardsley’s Cider Mill (www.beardsleyscidermill.com) As the name implies, Beardsley’s produces not only apples, but also cider. Pick-Your-Own Apples will begin on Saturday, September 10th this year. Our PYO is CASH ONLY and $20 per bag which holds up to 10 lbs. PYO is open from 10am to 5pm on weekends only until all the fruit is picked. Lesser-known apples grown here include the delectable old variety Northern Spy, Winesap (another great pick for fresh eating), and Golden Russets.

Hartford County

Enfield---Easy Pickin’s Orchard (www.easypickinsorchard.com) This PYO spot grows over 20 varieties of apples as well as vegetables. Note that they accept cash or checks only.

North Granby---Lost Acres Orchard (www.lostacres.com) Known for offering splendid lunches on its “farm porch,” Lost Acres presses cider from its own apples.

Southington---Karabin Farms (www.karabinfarms.com) Among other varieties, Karabin grows Snow Sweet and the old Northern Spy. Their offerings include farm-raised meats.

Southington---Rogers Orchards (www.rogersorchards.com) Rogers practices Integrated Pest Management (a method of reducing pesticide use) and is a certified Eco-Apple grower. They ship USDA Fancy grade apples within the continental United States.

Litchfield County

Bethlehem---March Farm (www.marchfarm.com) Pick Your Own Apples typically begins the first weekend of September from the Farm Store Orchard with varieties including Cortland, Gala, Honey Crisp & Macintosh. Picking from the Hill Top Orchard begins mid-September and continues through October with varieties including Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Macintosh, Macoun, Mutsu, Red Delicious & Rome. Be sure to check ‘Current Highlights’ on our home page for current PYO opportunities. PYO available seven days a week. A farm store, an animal yard, and a mini corn maze await visitors.

Middlesex County

Middlefield---Lyman Orchards (www.lymanorchards.com) Celebrating its 281st year, Lyman Orchards has been voted CT's Best Pick Your Own Farm. The views of the surrounding countryside are so dramatic, would-be pickers may be distracted from the task at hand. Lyman Orchards has 30,000 apple trees spread over 100 acres. They grow 27 varieties of apples. Some of their early season apples include Ginger Gold, Early Mac, Ruby Red (Free-Red), Paula Red, Empress, and Sunrise. Other varieties include, Gala, Jonamac, McIntosh, Cortland, Honey Crisp, Macoun, Spencer, Liberty, Fuji, Jonagold, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, Crispin, Cameo, Rome, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Ever Crisp. All apples are Eco-certified, grown using agricultural methods that preserve and protect orchard ecology. Pick-our-own apples are open from mid-August to mid-November. PYO hours are everyday 9am-4:30pm, weather permitting.

Southington—Roger’s Orchards (https://rogersorchards.com) Established in 1809, Rogers Orchards represents eight generations of family fruit growing in Southington, CT. A bicentennial farm, Rogers Orchards is a Connecticut landmark and a proud testament to Connecticut’s farming heritage. Pick-Your-Own is open early September to late October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at both the Home Farm and Sunnymount locations from 10:00-5:00, weather permitting.

New Haven County

Branford---Rose Orchards (www.roseorchardsfarm.com) Family-owned, this farm offers a pumpkin patch, hay maze, corn maze, and apple picking. PYO Hours: 9am-5pm daily (when in season).

Cheshire---Drazen Orchards (www.drazenorchards.com). This family-owned farm, which dates to the early 1800‘s, practices Integrated Pest Management (see the entry for Hartford County’s Rogers Orchards above). They encourage you to call ahead (203-272-7985 ) to check out what is available and ripe and ready.
Pick Your Own Visitors must plan to finish and be back at the Farm Stand by 5:00 pm.

Guilford---Bishop’s Orchards (www.bishopsorchards.com) This popular spot right off exit 57 on I-95 offers PYO apples seven days a week.

Cheshire—-Norton Brothers Fruit Farm (www.nortonbrothersfruitfarm.com) This farm has been in the Norton Family since the mid-1700s. Apples are available for picking from mid August through early November. The exact timing depends upon crop and weather conditions.

Wallingford—-Blue Hills Orchard (www.bluehillsorchard.com) Blue Hills Orchard has been owned and operated by the Henry family since 1904. Located on the northern slope of Sleeping Giant Mountain, the orchard covers over 300 acres with 250 acres in apple production and another 30 plus in peaches, plums and nectarines. Pick Your Own activities will be operating Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 10am-4pm.

New London County

East Lyme---Scott’s Yankee Farmer (www.scottsyankeefarmer.net) PYO apples are offered seven days a week at this orchard, which also has a farm stand and a Halloween Zombie Corn Maze Adventure. They practice Integrated Pest Management. Early Season Corn Maze Discount: 9/3-9/10 $8 per person admission included!

Gales Ferry---Holmberg Orchards (www.holmbergorchards.com) This farm, which encompasses a winery and a farm market, offers PYO apples seven days a week. TEXT “JOIN” to 877-237-5979 for updates!

Ledyard---Allyn’s Red Barn (www.allynsredbarn.com) Located next to Ledyard High School, this PYO spot has been owned by the same family for over 230 years. They also have a store featuring apples, cider, and pies.

Tolland County

Ellington---Johnny Appleseed’s Farm (www.johnnyappleseedsfarmct.com) A farm market as well as PYO crops are the attractions here. The farm also offers apple-orchard field trips for preschoolers; call ahead to arrange.

Windham County

Eastford---Buell’s Orchard (www.buellsorchard.com) Family-owned since 1889, Buell’s features a Columbus Day weekend festival with BBQ and live music. Their store sells not only apples, but also jams and preserves, pickles, and local honey.

Pomfret Center---Lapsley Orchard (www.lapsleyorchard.com) Lapsley’s 200 acre farm grows 24 apple varieties, offers free horse-drawn wagon rides on Sundays from 12 to 4. They also hold a festival on Columbus Day weekend.