5 Places to Pick Apples

It's that time of year again.  The kids are back in school.  The air is just crisp enough to put on your favorite sweater and the urge to head out to the country and pick apples is overwhelming.  So venture out of Southie this weekend and pick yourself a bushel and peck of farm fresh apples.  Here are our picks for 5 Places To Pick Your Own Apples. 
 

Honey Pot Orchards

Honey Pot Orchards is a favorite destination for many Southie families - it is not uncommon to bump into one of your neighbors at this kid-friendly orchard.  Located in Stowe, MA, you can pick a "Big Bag" (20 lbs.) for $21 bucks and that allows up to 5 people in the orchard to do the picking of MacIntosh, Cortlands, Ginger Golds, and even pears.  Honey Pot has a hedge maze and tunnel maze for the kids to run wild in for $3 a person and family hayrides for a buck. They also sell amazing apple cider donuts.  
Every day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Honey Pot Hill Orchards, 144 Sudbury Rd., Stow, 978-562-5666, honeypothill.com

Shelbourne Farms

Also located in Stowe,  MA, Shelbourne Farms attracts lots of kids thanks to attraction like the petting zoo, moon bounce, pony rides and mazes galore.  All of which can be enjoyed with the purchase of a $5 fun pass. Hayrides are an extra $2 per child.  You can pay for apples by the peck (10 pounds) for $16 or by the half-bushel (20 lbs.) for $23.  
Every day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 106 West Acton Rd., Stow, MA 978-897-9287, shelburnefarm.com

Nashoba Valley Winery

If apple picking sans kids is more your speed, head to Nashoba Valley Winery.  This beautiful 52 acre hilltop orchard overlooks the charming town of Bolton and offers wine tasting to its guests on the weekends. The first wine tour on Saturday and Sunday starts at 11:00 a.m. with additional tours conducted approximately every hour. The last tour of the day starts at 4:00 p.m This family-owned destination offers an orchard, winery, gourmet restaurant, brewery and an exceptional wine and gift shop. As for apple picking, Nashoba currently has ripe Macs, Liberty and Spencer $15 per peck and $25.00 per 1/2 bushel. 
Nashoba Valley Winery, Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm, 92 Wattaquadock Hill Road Bolton, (978) 779-5521, www.nashobawinery.com
 
Belkin Lookout Farm

At Belkin Family Lookout Farm the crops are fruitful including Honey Crisps, Macs, Galas, Ginger Golds in the apple category.  There are also blue plums, peaches and Asian pears just ripe for the pickin'! Admission is $8 on weekdays and $14 for adults and $12 for children on weekends and holidays.  This price includes lots of fun activities like train rides, a petting zoo, moon bounce, and a hay pyramid.  You can fill your U-Pick bags with whatever fruit you'd like.  Anything above and beyond is $2.50 per pound.  If you really, really love apple picking, you can purchase a season pass for a family of four for $99 for unlimited access through November.
Every day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (Children’s activities are available on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday Holidays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Belkin Family Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick, 508–653–0653, lookoutfarm.com

Davis Farmland

Get up close and personal with the animals at Davis' Farmland.  If your kids love animals then Davis is the perfect road trip for an all day adventure of fall family fun.  Visit with the animals - they've got sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, llamas and horses.  Take a safari hayride, visit the orchard to pick apples fresh from the trees, and stroll through the pumpkin patch to pick a sugar pumpkin - perfect for painting.  Located directly across the street is Davis Mega Maze featuring Black Beard's Revenge. This attraction is great for old kids and adults.  (Adults and children 12 plus admission is $16.95 children 12 and under $13.95)  Admission for Davis Farmland $15.95.  Kids 2 and under are free and Seniors $12.95. Apple picking price with paid admission to Farmland With paid admission $7 for half peck and $13 for full peck.
Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA www.davisfarmland.com

Insider's Tip:
For accurate information about which fruits are ripe for picking - check with each orchard individually as crops may vary week to week. 

Give us your favorite recipe for apples!  Comment below and share your recipes for apple pie, apple crisp, apple muffins, anything apple.