Top 5 Local Orchards for Apple Picking This Weekend
With the leaves changing, and pumpkins popping up on front porches, now is the perfect time to go apple picking! We’re fortunate to live in an area that’s full of fun fall activities and there’s nothing quite like going apple picking to put you in a seasonal state of mind. If you need a little guidance on where you can pick your own apples, below are 5 of our favorite local orchards that are perfect for a family outing this weekend.
Fo’Castle Orchard, Open Daily 10am – 5pm
227 Blue Barn Rd. Burnt Hills | (518) 399.4144
This small gem of an orchard is tucked just off the Blue Barn Road, down the street from Fo’Castle Country Store. A small driveway leads right into the orchard itself and towards a large, white farmhouse. You can stroll through the orchard in front of the house, alongside a charming small pond, and around the barn in the back. Keep an eye out on the tree line for a chance to see some local wildlife. It’s an affordable, welcoming U-Pick option that is thankfully not bustling with crowds. Due to Fo’Castle Orchard’s smaller size, its apple varieties are selling out fast. Call ahead to see which varieties they still have.
Saratoga Apple, Open Daily 9am – 7pm
1174 Rt. 29, Schuylerville | (518) 695.3131
You’ve likely seen Saratoga Apple at your local farmer’s market as it’s been a staple in Saratoga County for 5 generations. Its orchards are across Route 29 so hop on board the complimentary trolley if you’d like to save yourself a trip over the street and into the good picking areas. Its U-Pick varieties currently include Crispin, Empire, Macintosh, Cortland, and Macoun. It also offers a wide range of veggies, baked goods, and pre-picked apples in its orchard store. Saratoga Apple has also started its own hard cider. Try one (or more!) of its six new hard ciders in its tasting room.
Bowman Orchards, Open Daily 9am – 5pm
141 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford | (518) 371.2042
Bowman Orchards is one of the largest in the area with 98 acres growing over 46 different apple varieties. Right now, you can pick you own Ambrosia, Cortland, Fuji, Fortune, Empire, Greening, Golden Delicious, Golden Supreme, Granny Smith Ida Red, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonamac, Macintosh, Macoun, Mutsu, Pinova, Shizuka, Snapdragon, Radiant Runkle, Red Delicious, Ruby Frost, and Spi Gold apples. Bowman Orchards also offers U-Pick and pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other ornamental fruits. This orchard is thankfully pet-friendly so feel free to bring your furry family members! Or enjoy the orchard’s own farm animals including goats, sheep, and horses. It’s arguably the most well-known orchard in our area which means people flock to it on the weekends. Plan to get there early if you want to beat the crowds.
Goold Orchards, Open Daily 9am – 6pm
1297 Brookview Station Rd, Castleton | (518) 732.7317 or (518) 732.7495
If you’re only going to one orchard this weekend, make it Goold Orchards! Its 30th Annual Apple Festival & Craft Fair is happening this Saturday, Oct. 13, and Sunday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are currently 30% off if you buy in advance on its website. Enjoy crafters, food trucks, a bouncy house, a petting zoo, live music, and more! Goold Orchards is also connected to the Brookview Station Winery, which will be available this weekend and, of course, the orchard is open for U-Pick.
Hicks Orchard, Open Daily 9am – 6pm
18 Hicks Rd, Granville | (518) 642.1788
Hicks Orchard has been a family tradition since 1905 and has made sure to instill the family experience into its farm activities. Take your family to enjoy a bouncy barnyard, corn maze, and a goat walk where you can see its small herd of Oberhasil goats. For apple picking, it currently has Northern Spy, Ruby Mac, Red Delicious, Cortland, Empire, Macoun, Liberty, Macintosh, and Mutsu apples available. Don’t forget to try one of Hicks Orchard’s famous cider donuts before you go!
We hope you enjoy apple picking this weekend! If you’re out enjoying any of these orchards tag us @juliecorealty so we can see your pics.