2024 Western Connecticut Apple U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Apple U-Pick Orchards in Western Connecticut in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Fairfield County

• Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard, LLC - PYO apples
  278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110, Shelton, CT 06484. Phone: (203) 926-1098. Email: info@beardsleyscidermill.com. Open: 10 am to 5 pm Weekends Only, September and October for apples but call ahead for availability varieties and conditions. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash only. Cider mill retail store is open every day, mid-September through Christmas, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Watch as apples are pressed into cider. Pick-Your-Own is WEEKENDS ONLY. Always call ahead for apple availability. Also, don't forget to visit the cider mill retail store which is open every day until December 24, 10am - 5:30 pm. We offer fresh cider, apples, pies, cider donuts, fruit breads, pumpkin cheesecake, maple syrup, local honey, unique gifts and moreApproximate Picking Time and Varieties Available:Mid September: Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Macoun, Cortland and LibertyEarly October: Mutsu, Jonagold, Empire, Red Delicious, McIntoshMid October: Winesap, Braeburn, Enterprise, Granny Smith and Rome
• Blue Jay Orchards - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
  125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel, CT 06801. Phone: 203-748-0119. Open: August to Thanksgiving 7 days a week from 9 am to 5:30 pm Pick Your Own Hours are 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm After Thanksgiving thru December 24th open Thursday thru Sunday 10 to 5:30 Pick your own apples is from late August to early November based on picking conditions Pumpkins start the last weekend of September and run through the month of October. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. August to Thanksgiving 7 days a week from 9 am to 5:30 pm Pick Your Own Hours are 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm After Thanksgiving thru December 24th open Thursday thru Sunday 10 to 5:30 Pick your own apples is from late August to early November (based on picking conditions) Pumpkins start the last weekend of September and run through the month of October. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are weekends only Crops are usually available in August, September, October, November.
• Silverman's Farm - Pick your own peaches, apples, blueberries, raspberries, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours (hayrides - sometimes - check their website for details)
  451 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT 06612. Phone: 203-261-3306. Email: nsilv370@optonline.net. Open: Seven Days a Week Weather Permitting. Directions: Located in the easy to find in the southern Connecticut town of Easton, about 2 12 miles north of the Merrit Parkway \(exit 46\). We're at 451 Sport Hill Road \(Route 59\), just past the intersection with Center Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Silverman's Farm Facebook page. Crops are usually available in July, August, SeptemberLocated in the easy to find in the southern Connecticut town of Easton, about 2 1/2 miles north of the Merrit Parkway (exit 46). We're at 451 Sport Hill Road (Route 59), just past the intersection with Center Road See WebsiteSeasonal cider. Beautiful greenhouse and florist. We have dozens of varieties! Please refer to our Apple chart. And May through August is a great time for a birthday party at the animal park. Call for details. U Pick Schedule: Rasperries Late June; Peaches - Mid July; Blueberries - August; Apples - Mid August. Call For Picking Times. Facebook page. Remember your water, sun hats, sunscreen AND your walking shoes!!

Litchfield County

• Autumn Harvest Orchard, LLC - Certified Naturally Grown, apples, pears, and nectarines, Honey from hives on the farm
  879 Winchester Road, Norfolk, CT 06058. Phone: (203) 592-0554. Email: JDCharon@comcast.net. Open: Pick - Your - Own from late July to late October on Sundays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, weather permitting; Prices listed on our website. Directions: See their website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Autumn Harvest Orchard, LLC Facebook page. . Certified Naturally Grown Orchard and Apiary. We have PYO for apples, pears, and nectarines. Autumn Harvest Orchard LLC is a Certified Naturally Grown Apiary and a member of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association since 2005. In addition, to the apiary we are also a Certified Naturally Grown orchard producing all natural apples, pears, nectarines, berries and vegetables without pesticides or herbicides in our field or growing process. Our honeybees are collecting nectar and pollen sources from the local wildflowers and the orchards many apple and blueberry blossoms. Unlike many other honey producers, our hives are carefully tended to and located right on our farm where the bees are not exposed to toxic chemicals and thereby not bringing these harmful pesticides into the hives or honey supers(UPDATED: February 15, 2022) (ADDED: February 07, 2022, Suggested by a visitor)
• Averill Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pears, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area
  250 Calhoun St, Washington Depot, CT 06794. Phone: 860-868-2777. Email: info@averillfarm.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesOrchard Stand opens August 20, 2010 this year and will stay open until November 24, 2010. We use integrated pest management practices. A tenth generation family farm offering fall fruits: apples & pears, along with goodies from many area farms as well, from maple syrup, honey, eggs, tomatoes, cider, apple cider donuts, cut flowers, jams and jellies, pies, squash and pumpkins-on a gorgeous hilltop in the beautiful Litchfield Hills of Northwest CT. Farm stand Also Cut Your Own Christmas trees.
• March Farm - apples, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, Fresh eggs, corn maze, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  160 Munger Lane, Bethlehem, CT 06751. Phone: (203) 266-7721. Email: marchfarms@marchfarms.com. Open: Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm; closed on Monday to Wednesday; See our website for hours in November and December; PYO apples begins September 8th from 10-5pm with Macs, Cortlands, Honey crisp, Gala & Macouns near farm store ONLY. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, WIC Vouchers.
  March Farm Facebook page. Fax: (203) 266-6076 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesHayloft Playscape, Animal Yard: May 25 to October 31; Corn Maze and Hayrides: September 4 to October 31; Pick Your Own Blueberries: July to September; Pick Your Own Peaches: Mid July to October; Pick Your Own Apples: September to November; Pick Your Own Pumpkins: OctoberMarket & Bakery, Outings & Events, Weddings is a fourth generation family farm destination offering seasonal Pick Your Own berries & fruit along with family friendly activities. The Farm Store & Bakery is stocked with regional food specialties and fresh baked goods - everything you need to compliment your next meal or dessert. Facebook page. The rustically beautiful Pond Side Pines & Hill Top Orchard event spaces are perfect to host your next special occasion, outing or party no matter how small or large. Join us for our next Summer Concert and other special events
  Comments from a visitor on September 18, 2008: "Just wanted to write to tell you how much our family loves this farm! The family that runs it is wonderful! They also have a great play area for the children complete with giant pumpkins (great Fall photo opportunity), playhouse and pedal tractors/trikes and a track to ride on. Our kids love to come here and pick all of their wonderful produce and then take some time to play. Last year they had a informative corn maze as well. As you went through you learned about their family run farm. Great stuff!!!!"
• Starberry Farm - Apples, pears, cherries, sweet & sour, peaches, plums, nectarines, blueberries
  47 Kielwasser Road, Washington Depot, CT 06794. Phone: (860) 868-2863. Email: Starberry@snet.net. Click here for a map and directions. Fax:. 34 varieties of yellow & white peaches for PYO for eating, freezing & canning, PYO, ready-picked, retail & wholesale. PYO cherries in June 15-25th; white peaches in July 15-September 15th. Apricots, plums, nectarines in August. Pears & apples September 15-Oct 31st. Children welcome with well-behaved parents.
• Tonn's Orchard - PYO apples, pumpkins, peaches, Christmas trees
  270 Preston Road, Terryville, CT 06786. Phone: (860) 585-1372. Open: weekends & holidays & by appointment on weekdays. Click here for a map and directions. ask for Peter. PYO on Saturdays and Sundays, August - October, 12 noon 'til 5 pm. PYO apples & peaches in August to October. PYO pumpkins in October. Cut Your Own Christmas trees in Dec. Open

 

Apple

Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first.  Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches.  If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe

• Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
• Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
• For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
• Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life.  A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too.  A refrigerator is fine for small quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age, potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster. If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine. Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
  Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples. See more here: How to store apples at home
• Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!

Which apple variety is best?

There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:

• Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
• Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
• Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
• Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
• Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?

Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions

• How to make applesauce
• How to make apple butter 
• How to make apple jelly
• How to make apple pie filling (canned)
• How to can apples
• Home canned apple juice

New!As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions

• Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
• How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
• Apple cobbler
• Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
• Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)

Using fresh apples and miscellaneous

• How to stop cut apples from browning
• Apple festivals - find one near you!
• Apple facts
• Apple seeds and cyanide

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers