Autumn is apple picking season, when orchards around the nation welcome visitors to come pick fruit right from the trees.
The pick-your-own phenomenon likely originated in Victorian London, and by the 1920s, it had hopped the Atlantic to the United States.
New England growers began luring tourists from big cities with the promise of sunshine, fresh air and a rural farm experience.
For farmers, pick-your-own offers a less expensive way to grow fruit…
… by eliminating the need for specialized machinery or seasonal workers.
For consumers, PYO means access to fresh fruit, family entertainment and seasonal treats.
… like apple cider donuts.
These are some of the best places in the United States to go apple picking.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette, New York.
This family-owned orchard has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911.
Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Winery, Fenton, Michigan.
Wagons take visitors into the orchards to pick apples and berries. The fall season also means hot apple cider and cider donuts, wine tastings and a children’s playground.
Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson, Iowa.
This family run apple orchard in Iowa comprises 45 acres of apple trees with more than 25 varieties on offer.
Libby & Son U-Picks, Limerick, Maine.
Guests at Libby & Son’s enjoy live music that can be heard throughout the orchard.
.
Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Started in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards has been a family farm ever since. The You-Pick Apple Event is the most popular event of the season.
Happy picking!
Best places to pick your own apples
Autumn is apple picking season, when orchards around the nation welcome visitors to come pick fruit right from the trees.
The pick-your-own phenomenon likely originated in Victorian London, and by the 1920s, it had hopped the Atlantic to the United States.
New England growers began luring tourists from big cities with the promise of sunshine, fresh air and a rural farm experience.
For farmers, pick-your-own offers a less expensive way to grow fruit…
… by eliminating the need for specialized machinery or seasonal workers.
For consumers, PYO means access to fresh fruit, family entertainment and seasonal treats.
… like apple cider donuts.
These are some of the best places in the United States to go apple picking.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette, New York.
This family-owned orchard has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911.
Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Winery, Fenton, Michigan.
Wagons take visitors into the orchards to pick apples and berries. The fall season also means hot apple cider and cider donuts, wine tastings and a children’s playground.
Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson, Iowa.
This family run apple orchard in Iowa comprises 45 acres of apple trees with more than 25 varieties on offer.
Libby & Son U-Picks, Limerick, Maine.
Guests at Libby & Son’s enjoy live music that can be heard throughout the orchard.
.
Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Started in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards has been a family farm ever since. The You-Pick Apple Event is the most popular event of the season.
Happy picking!