With summer coming to a close and fall right around the corner, now is the perfect time to head out into the nearby orchards and pick some delicious fresh apples off the tree. If you’re thinking that there are no apple orchards near your NYC apartment, think again. Several great nearby orchards are ideal for apple picking.
Grand Central Station
Residents of The Towne House and Dryden East can take a short walk to Grand Central Station and catch the 9659 SE to Purdy’s. From there, both of these orchards are less than a three-mile cab ride.
Outhouse Orchards: This popular orchard not only offers pick-your-own apples, but you can also pick pears, peaches and pumpkins. While you’re there, enjoy a relaxing hayride or try to get through the on-site corn maze.
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard: In addition to picking apples, you can pay an extra $5 and gain access to a wide range of fun activities, including hayrides, apple cannon shoots, live music, farm animals and food and craft vendor stands.
If you’re looking for a variety of apples to pick, head to the Port Authority bus terminal. Bus 196 takes you to the Warwick Park & Ride, which is less than a 0.75-mile walk to Masker Orchard. Or take bus 196 to 233 N (of Iron Forge Road) and take a short four-mile taxi ride to Applewood Orchards.
Masker Orchards: Masker Orchards offers 14 apple varieties, but be sure to check the schedule for picking times. You can also enjoy the on-site apple maze, haunted house, pumpkin patches and live music on the weekends.
Applewood Orchards: You will find 10 apple varieties at this orchard as well as a beautiful rose garden and herb garden. Don’t forget to stop by the Applewood winery to taste some apple wine, apple cider and apple vodka.
By Car
If you are fortunate to live in an apartment building such as The Wellesley, Regency Towers or Ambassador East that has on-site parking, you may enjoy driving to the orchard. These orchards are less than a two-hour drive.
Terhune Orchards: If you’re heading to Terhune Orchards, the weekends are the best time. In addition to apple picking, you can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Silverman’s Farm: You can spend hours at Silverman’s Farm picking apples, taking a hayride, touring the petting zoo and enjoying the live music. Don’t forget to grab some kettle corn before heading home.
