This weekend marks the unofficial close of the apple picking season for many places in the Hudson Valley, although a few will soldier on through Halloween weekend. So dust off your apple picking hat and head out to catch the last of the fun. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a handy list of orchards and pick-your-owns around the Upstater area.
Sundog Cider – Chatham, Columbia County (GMAP)
The carbon neutral, ultra-sustainable cider works at Sundog will play host to the Solar Cider Tour on Saturday, October 25. The event, will include tours of their solar-powered building as well as tastings of their beverages made with 100% New York grown apples. Doors are open from 1pm-5pm. More info here.
Samascott Orchards – Kinderhook, Columbia County (GMAP)
Samascott’s pick-your-own orchard is ready to go this weekend with a big assortment of seasonal apples from Cortland to Spigold. Up the road a bit is their Garden Market, where you can take the kids to explore the corn maze. Every year the maze is based on a theme, and this year, it’s apples. How apropos. Picking is open 8am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. More info here.
Barton Orchards - Poughquag, Dutchess County (GMAP)
Harvest time is kind of a big deal at Barton Orchards, so they celebrate with festivals. This weekend, throw on your coolest/cutest/scariest Halloween costume and join them for Boos and Brews 2014 on October 25 and 26. Costume contest starts at 2pm with cash prizes for best costumes in each category. Apple and pumpkin picking, too. More info here.
Apple Hill Farm – New Paltz, Ulster County (GMAP)
How could we ignore a farm with the word “apple” right in the name? Apple Hill is practically walking distance from the village and offers pick-your-own apples through this weekend only, and then that’s it for the season. More info here.
Hurds Family Farm – Modena, Ulster County (GMAP)
If orchards and carnivals combined, they’d be Hurds Family Farm. Not only do visitors get the full working farm experience, but they get to have some fun with some “Agrotaintment,” complete with corn maze, games, giant slide, and hayrides. This weekend marks the Hurds’ Pumpkin Fiesta Weekend, October 25 and 26. Singalong and bonfire from 6-7pm. Don’t worry; there are still plenty of apples to pick. More info here.
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