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Apple Season Done Right: Best East Coast Orchards to Visit
- Madison
- 35 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters—it’s also apple season, and nothing says autumn quite like a day spent among crisp, juicy apples, cider in hand, and maybe a donut (or three). If you’re looking to make the most of apple season this year, we’ve scouted the East Coast for orchards that go beyond basic apple picking. Think cider bars, hayrides, pumpkin patches, live music, and more. Here’s where to start your apple adventure.
Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction, NY
Just a two-hour drive north of NYC, Fishkill Farms is more than a pretty orchard. Want to pick your own apples? Make a reservation online for groups of 1–5 (extra hands cost extra). And hey, your ticket comes with a free hayride—so you can sit back and enjoy the fall scenery while someone else hauls the apples.
Even if you skip the picking, the Treasury Cider Bar is worth the trip. Sample a flight of farm-fresh ciders, or grab food from the weekend offerings. Don’t leave without a cider donut or a jar of freshly pressed cider—you’ll want to relive this orchard magic at home.
Info: fishkillfarms.com | (845) 897-4377 | 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Battleview Orchards – Freehold, NJ
Craving a classic New Jersey apple-picking experience? Battleview Orchards has been serving up apples and other fruits since 1908, making it the state’s oldest pick-your-own farm. Call ahead to confirm hours (weather can be a diva), and bring cash for picking.
Post-picking, the country store is where the magic happens: freshly baked pies, cookies, scones, cider pressed on-site, and those irresistible cider donuts. It’s like a bakery, but better—because you just picked the apples yourself.
Info: battlevieworchards.com | (732) 462-0756 | 91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Linvilla Orchards – Media, PA
Families, rejoice! Linvilla Orchards isn’t just for apples—it’s a full-on fall playground. Daily apple picking, fishing, playgrounds, and barnyard animals keep the kids entertained.
The star attraction? Pumpkinland, featuring hayrides, corn mazes, apple blasters, train rides, pony rides, and even face painting. When the fun winds down, swing by the farm market for candy apples, caramel apples, fudge, and the famous Linvilla pies. Tickets and reservations are recommended for the big fall events.
Info: linvilla.com | (610) 876-7116 | 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063
Beardsley’s Cider Mill and Orchard – Shelton, CT
Founded in 1849, Beardsley’s is a historic gem with over 13,000 apple trees. Pick-your-own weekends run through September and October (check social media for updates), and don’t forget cash.
Their cider mill turns “imperfect” apples into 100% juice cider, available at the bakery alongside other apple treats. Fans swear by the cider donuts, and for the adults, White Hills Distillery on-site offers brandy, moonshine, whiskey, and more.
Info: beardsleyscidermill.com | (203) 926-1098 | 278 Leavenworth Rd, Shelton, CT 06484
Masker Orchards – Warwick, NY
Here’s a twist: drive right through the orchard and pick your own apples without a reservation. One flat fee per bag gets you access to over 200 acres of fresh fruit—perfect if you want to combine comfort with convenience.
Stop by the country store for fresh apple pie, cider donuts, or sip a hard cider at the new bar (2025 addition!). Car + apples = fall win.
Info: maskers.com | (845) 986-1058 | 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
Milburn Orchards – Elkton, MD
Located conveniently between Philly and Baltimore, Milburn Orchards offers more than apples. Reserve ahead for pick-your-own spots and enjoy a scenic tractor ride. The fall festival runs from mid-September to early November with hayrides, corn mazes, puzzle boards, and pony rides.
Feeling peckish? Head to The Deck for pizzas, loaded pretzels, apple cider ice cream donuts, or seasonal slushies. Pick up a fresh jug of apple cider from the farm market to recreate the magic at home.
Info: milburnorchards.com | (410) 398-1349 | 1495 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
Champlain Orchards – Shoreham, VT
Vermont = fall goals, and Champlain Orchards delivers. Pick-your-own apples is open daily (check availability online), and the cider garden is perfect for tasting hard ciders, snacking on apple turnovers, and relaxing with lawn games or a marshmallow-roasting fire pit. Fall weekends often feature live music, free for all.
Info: champlainorchards.com | (802) 897-2777 | 3597 VT-74, Shoreham, VT 05770
Shelburne Orchards – Shelburne, VT
For a slightly more upscale apple adventure, Shelburne Orchards is your spot. Weekend live music, tractor rides, and a taco truck set the scene. But the main attraction? The Dead Bird Brandy distillery. Sample the orchard’s apple brandy for under $3, then grab a bottle to take home alongside fresh cider and cider donuts.
Info: shelburneorchards.com | (802) 985-2753 | 216 Orchard Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Why These Orchards Made the Cut
We scoured the East Coast to find orchards that do more than just apple picking. From cider bars and distilleries to pumpkin mazes and live music, these farms go above and beyond. We also prioritized states known for their fall charm, positive reviews, and unique experiences—you’ll leave with apples, memories, and maybe a donut or two smuggled home.