2024 Worcester County, Massachusetts Apple U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Apple U-Pick Orchards in Worcester County, Massachusetts 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.

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Worcester County

• Apple Lane Orchard - apples
  2393 Main Street - Route 117, Lancaster, MA . Phone: (978) 840-6963. Click here for a map and directions. Route 190 to exit 7 (Route 117) east toward Lancaster, . 6 miles on left, or I495 exit 27 (Route 117) west toward Bolton 7. 6 miles on right. September /Oct. , weekends, 10-4pm, other hours by appt. Old fashioned country-style orchard with access to Nashua River and views of Mt. Wachusett. Picnic tables and containers provided.
• Berlin Orchards - apples, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  Route 62 & Lower Sawyer Hill Road, Berlin, MA 01503. Phone: 978-838-2400. Email: info@berlinorchards.com. Open: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Berlin Orchards Facebook page. Fax: (978) 897-1871 Crops are usually available in August, September, October, NovemberFacebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive)"Berlin Orchard in Berlin-Our favorite place to pick apples! They have a good selection of varieties and we enjoy the hayride and wandering the relatively quiet orchard.
• Bolton Spring Farm - pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, hayrides
  149 Main Street - Route 117, Bolton, MA . Phone: (978) 779-2898. Email: info.boltonspringfarm@comcast.net. Open: daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, starts Labor Day for apples, 3 weeks later for pumpkins. Directions: 2 miles East of Exit 27 off Route 495 on Route 117 near the StowBolton line. Containers provided, children welcome, groups by appointment on weekdays. Picnic tables provided, country farm stand with homemade hot dumplings, pies, and donuts. Pick Your Own Apples, McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Macoun. Pick-Your-Own Apples McIntosh, Cortland, Crispin, Red Delicious, Empire, Spartan, Macoun - Baldwin, Rome, Spencer, Blushing Gold - Ida Red, Fuji Hayride to the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and Sund - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Bolton Spring Farm Facebook page. . Open 2 miles East of Exit 27 off Route 495 on Route 117 near the Stow/Bolton line. Containers provided, children welcome, groups by appointment on weekdays. Picnic tables provided, country farm stand with homemade hot dumplings, pies, and donuts. Pick Your Own Apples, McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Macoun. Pick-Your-Own Apples McIntosh, Cortland, Crispin, Red Delicious, Empire, Spartan, Macoun - Baldwin, Rome, Spencer, Blushing Gold - Ida Red, Fuji Hayride to the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm. Farm Stand Hours: 9 am to 6 pm Daily. Picnic tables provided, country farmstand with homemade hot dumplings, pies, and donuts. They also have peaches, pears, and plums in their farmstand. Take a hayride through the orchard to our expansive gardens where you can Pick-Your-Own pumpkin. With more than five acres of pumpkins boasting 20 different varieties, you are certain to find your perfect pumpkin to carve! Hayrides start the third weekend in September and run from 12 pm - 5 pm Saturday, Sunday and on Columbus Day. Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on February 12, 2010: (positive) "Bolton Spring Farm is my favorite Massachusetts orchard. They have hard-to-find old-fashioned apples like Baldwin and Northern Spy (both varieties are superb for pies), as well as a number of other varieties Their Macouns are outstanding: I shared some with friends, who said they'd never had Macouns anywhere near as good. Their peaches are fantastic! They also grow excellent plums, pears, and vegetables. The apple dumplings are scrumptious.'s prices are very reasonable. "
• Breezeland Orchards - apples, pumpkins
  Southbridge Road, Warren, MA . Phone: (413) 436-7100. Email: Marktuttle230@gmail.com. Open: Starts early September to mid-October, daily 10am to 6pm. Directions: Located in Warren, Ma. Click here for a map and directions.
  Breezeland Orchards Facebook page. Containers provided, cider, donuts and pumpkins also available. Bring the whole family.Facebook pageJust off Route 148 - Between Routes 9 & 20. 7 minutes from Sturbridge: Go north on 148 3 miles, then left after High School.
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2010: (positive) "My family went totoday which is . Very friendly staff and a great family trip. Currently they are picking Macintosh apples, but after talking to a member of the Tuttle family they tell me that Cortland should be next (pies) as well as the Honey Crisp's which is my favorite eating apple. They have a blow up apple for the kids to play in and also offer wagon rides out to the apples when they are ripe to be picked. To pick a half bushel you pay $15 but this includes the wagon ride as well as everything you can eat while your picking. :-) I have always felt welcomed at thier farm. If you go during the week you can also get a coupon for free cider donuts by looking at thier website."
• Brookfield Orchards - apples
  12 Lincoln Road, North Brookfield, MA 01535. Phone: (508) 867-6858. Email: brookfieldo@aol.com. Open: Every day in season, usually Labor Day to October 10th. Directions: Mass Pike to Sturbridge exit 9. Take Route 20 East toward Charlton, take Route 49 to the end, turn left onto Route 9, right at the blinking yellow light, \(Harrington St. \) follow signs. Containers provided, 12 bushel minimum. Country store, snack bar, picnic tables and playground. Antiques. Crafts. Hot apple dumplings cider ice cream. Apple varieties include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Empires, Northern Spy, Macintosh, Mutsu, Cortland and Macouns. Brookfield Orchards has so much to offe - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Brookfield Orchards Facebook page. Mass Pike to Sturbridge exit 9. Take Route 20 East toward Charlton, take Route 49 to the end, turn left onto Route 9, right at the blinking yellow light, (Harrington St. ) follow signs. Containers provided, 1/2 bushel minimum. Country store, snack bar, picnic tables and playground. Antiques. Crafts. Hot apple dumplings cider ice cream. Apple varieties include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Empires, Northern Spy, Macintosh, Mutsu, Cortland and Macouns.has so much to offer from our to shopping through our antiques, collectibles and consignment items old and new. We have a fun, large playground for all the youngsters to enjoy. And, let's not forget our delicious snack bar that is always serving hot apple dumplings with ice cream. If, above anything else, enjoy our beautiful picturesque scenery and relax.Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on June 20, 2011: (positive)"Delicious warm dumplings and ice cream and very friendly staff. We enjoy going off season because it is not busy then and the store is neat."
• Carlson Orchards,Inc. - apples, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, Cider mill
  115 Oak Hill Road, Box 359, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-3916. Directions: Route 2 West to the AyerGroton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Carlson Orchards,Inc. Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 800-286-3916Route 2 West to the Ayer/Groton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. Carlson Orchards Facebook page. A visitor writes on September 24, 2014: (positive) "Today I went to Carlson Orchards to pick fall raspberries. I had a great time. The picking was plentiful and the staff was friendly and convivial. Would recommend this orchard to anyone looking for a fine time."
  Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2012: (positive) "We have found a new favorite farm! They had wonderful blueberries and nectarines and we also picked up cider and peaches (already picked). The kids had fun and they were friendly and helpful. But do watch out for the poison ivy!"
• Charlton Orchards - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and raspberries.
  44 Old Worcester Road, Box 339, Charlton, MA . Phone: 508- 248-7820. Email: Patty@charltonorchard.com. Open: year round and sponsors tasting events throughout the year. Directions: Route 20 West 6 miles from Route 395 and Route 290, look for signs. Route 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs . Click here for a map and directions.
  Charlton Orchards Facebook page. . Email info@charltonorchard.commap and more directions. Pick your own fruit is available beginning with Strawberries in June, Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August, Peaches in August and continue with Apples and Pears in September and October. Our winery, producing the best in handcrafted fruit and grape wines, is open Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July. facebook page. Be sure to See comments about this farm here! Few farms in the U.S. have so many comments about them as this one.
• Clearview Farm - apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, hayrides
  4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling, MA . Phone: 978-422-6442. Email: clearviewfarm@comcast.net. Open: in mid-August through September with five varieties of freestone peaches and nectarines. Directions: Take Route 12, Route 62, or Route 190 to Sterling Center, go one half mile up Maple Street, take right onto Kendall Hill Road, farm 1st on left; . Click here for a map and directions.
  Clearview Farm Facebook page. . map and more directions10am to 6pm weekends w/hayrides. 11-5pm weekdays, Groups by appointment. We offer five products you can pick: apples, peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, and raspberries. We open The hayride starts to roll mid-September through Columbus Day to take you to the apple orchard to fill our half-bushel bags. We sell more than twenty varieties of apples - new and old. Our dwarf orchard is within walking distance. Fall bearing raspberries and blueberries yield until mid October. We provide pickers and pint or quart containers. October turns orange with the foliage and the pumpkin patch giving birth to all sizes and types of pumpkins: Cinderella, heirloom, Baby Pam Sugar, Ghost, Big Mac, Tom Fox and Howdens. We also sell gourds and many varieties of winter squash, We provide wagons for retrieving that perfect pumpkin. Facebook page. (UPDATED: May 1, 2015, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on October 13, 2012: "I have gone to this orchard every year for six years to pick apples, but after my visit today I will not be back. The woman who was working the register (whom I am assuming is one of the owners) was completely unprofessional. We arrived and paid for our bags and were directed to the hayride. Having come here for several year we knew that empire apples, my Mom's favorite were in the side orchard not the back. So we asked if we could take the hayride to the back orchard (my children look forward to the "tractor ride")and pick some apples there and then go to the side orchard and pick some there because each spot offers different apples. The woman smirked and told us we would have to pick one, not both. I then said that we would split up and my Mom could go to the side orchard and my husband and I would go to the hayride back orchard to which she told me that we had not bought a big enough bag to get all five of us onto the hayride and if we wanted to split up I would have to purchase a bigger bag..what!?!? Finally, I took my kids on the hayride to the back orchard and my husband and Mother went to the side orchard to get empires. And when we stepped away from the counter, she laughed and said "finally I can help you" to the customers in line behind us. What should have been a great family day at the orchard turned into a disappointing day separated from one another."
  Comments from a visitor on September 24, 2009: "Just wanted to say how disappointed we were with our experience here. As we were going to be in the area last Sunday, I researched on your site to find a farm close by & was so glad to find this one with hayrides. When we went to purchase a bag to pick apples they asked how many we were to write the number on the bag. We are a family of five, & were told that we couldn't pick a peck with 5 people, but would have to purchase the more expensive 1/2 bushel bag. I did not see requirement posted anywhere & as we had already purchased cider, etc from them, did not have enough left to purchase the larger bag. I did mention that this was not right & the adults only wanted to watch the kids anyway & was told by what appeared to be the man in charge that these were the rules for everyone, they had to make a living & this was how all the farms operated. We are from NH & apple pick every year here, & have never heard of this at any of the places we frequent. We should have walked away, but had children who had been looking forward to this, so 2 of us had to stay behind. They had to take a hay ride to the orchard, but there was no signs or directions on what kinds of apples were available to pick. Just the driver who said 'pick here, not there.' I hope you will post this to the site, & let others know what to expect. Thank you for the great job on the site, we have used it several times, usually with success. "
• Davis Farmland and Mega Maze - PYO apples, pumpkins, corn maze, Zombie laser tag, children\'s playground and sprayground, more
  145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA 01564. Phone: 978-422-6666. Email: info@davisfarmland.com. Open: 1st August - 31st October . Directions: Located next door. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: 978-422 8888info@davisfarmland. Huge corn maze with bridges, very child-friendly with lots of activities. Davis Mega Maze Zombies OPENS in August! Davis Mega Maze is the #1 Corn Field Maze in the World (CNN) Extreme Mazing Zombified! All New Davis X-treme Outdoor Laser Tag Opening in August! Davis X-treme Outdoor Laser Tag hour and admission are separate from Davis Mega Maze. U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins (Opens Saturday, in mid-September) . Children�s Imagination Center, Hayrides, Pony Rides, an 80 foot Cow-A-Bunga Super Slide, Dig for Dino bones, sand and water play, Jumbo Jump Pad, state-of-the-art play structures, and Toddler Play, you can�t still can�t do everything in 7 hours!And don�t forget to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Davis BBQ Restaurant, . A visitor writes on October 05, 2009: "I had an awesome time! The apples I picked were cortland (I love them!!) but they also had 2 other types. They are open Thu-Sunday until Oct 18th then just weekends until Nov 1st. Farmland is a petting zoo also, but you must have a child 12 or younger. The corn maze is across the street and all ages are allowed. "
• Doe Orchards - blueberries, apples and Christmas trees
  327 Ayer Road, Route 110/111, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-772-4139. Directions: located off of Route 2 in the Nashoba Valley of central Massachusetts. We are 30 miles west of downtown Boston and just 1 mile from the Nashua River Rail Trail and the FitchburgSouth Acton line on the Commuter Rail. Please see our . Click here for a map and directions.
  Doe Orchards Facebook page. Berry picking begins the weekend after the 4th of July and runs at least through mid-August; Call for specific days/hourslocated off of Route 2 in the Nashoba Valley of central Massachusetts. We are 30 miles west of downtown Boston and just 1 mile from the Nashua River Rail Trail and the Fitchburg/South Acton line on the Commuter Rail. Please see our map page for more detailed directions. Committed to "PICK YOUR OWN", we grow 25 acres of a wide variety of apples, 10 acres of Christmas trees and two acres of blueberries and raspberries. Apple picking begins Labor Day Weekend and runs 10 AM to 5 PM daily through late October. Children welcome, groups should call for an appointment, containers provided. Macs, Cortlands, Delicious, Empires, and Macouns as they ripen. Cider and honey. 60 acres to relax, wander and enjoy. Our own peaches are available at the stand from the middle of July until mid-September. Christmas tree cutting begins Friday after Thanksgiving and continues on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM, until sold outFacebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on August 13, 2011: (positive) "The people at are always friendly and professional. We have a large, and sometimes unruly family, and when we go apple picking it's the family and the dog out for a good time. We've always had a great time at, and the quality, and variety, of the fruit is wonderful."
  Comments from a visitor on July 10, 2011: (positive) "My kids and I have picked blueberries, raspberries, and apples for the past 5 years at Doe orchard. The staff is friendly and always helpful. I do wish the sales folks knew more about the various types of apples though - I've only run in to one lady who could give me hints on which are best for sauce vs pie vs canning, etc. Visitors are generally nice, watch their kids, and use the picking as time with the family as well as general lessons in manners and courtesy. (you hear parents telling their kids which apples are ripe and why you don't just shake the blueberry bushes. Good prices, nice staff, friendly "not Children First" atmosphere - two thumbs up."
• Fay Mountain Farm - strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears, blueberries, restrooms, gift shop, pumpkin patch in the field, pumpkins brought in from the field, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, tours of the operation, group tours
  12 Cemetary Road, Charlton, MA 01507. Phone: 508-248-7237. Email: benjaminpwilson@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Click here for a map and directions. Pumpkins from September 10- October 31; Raspberries June 26-September 30, Strawberries June 5- July 4 and August 1-September, Pears September 1- October 10, Apples September 1- October 31; Blueberries June 26- August 10. (UPDATED: October 12, 2016) (UPDATED: July 14, 2016, JBS) A visitor writes on June 08, 2014: " in Charlton said they weren't doing U-pick strawberries this year. "
• Foppemas Farm - apples
  10 McClellan Road, Sutton, MA . Phone: (508) 234-6711. Open: September and October, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm for apple picking; Wagon rides for apple picking on Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm; Call for picking conditions. Directions: rom Providence: Route 146 N to Central Turnpike exit. Follow signs towards Northbridge, take 2nd left at Dodge Hill Rd to 1st right onto McClellan Road. Or: Mass Pike to exit 10A \(Route 146\) South to Central Turnpike exit, follow signs. Also visit our farmstand . Click here for a map and directions.
  Foppemas Farm Facebook page. rom Providence: Route 146 N to Central Turnpike exit. Follow signs towards Northbridge, take 2nd left at Dodge Hill Rd to 1st right onto McClellan Road. Or: Mass Pike to exit 10A (Route 146) South to Central Turnpike exit, follow signs. Also visit our farmstand open daily. Now owned by Foppema's. Foppema's Farm bought Keown Orchards and their apple trees . PYO at Foppema's Hilltop Orchard. Early September is the beginning of our PYO season. We will be open both Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm and this will go up until Columbus Day weekend. The varieties we will have to pick are Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Spartan and Milton(UPDATED: September 19, 2018, JBS)
• George Hill Orchards, Inc - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, rhubarb, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  582 George Hill Road, South Lancaster, MA 01561. Phone: 978-365-4331. Open: Check our website for PYO harvest conditions and hours. Directions: From Route 495, take exit 27 \(Bolton Stowe\). Take Route 117 \(west\) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 800-699-4331 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom Route 495, take exit 27 (Bolton/ Stowe). Take Route 117 (west) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left sideCheck out our website for upcoming festivals, activities and harvest dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsfarm animals, baked pies and cider donuts, sand box play area (UPDATED: April 26, 2023, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 02, 2011: (positive) "This is the most amazing fall family experience! They have awesome parking (not far away from everything like some orchards). You take a hayride (free) out to the orchards, and it's a really pretty ride. You get off at whatever spot you want and then just wait when you're done for a wagon to come by. We went all the way to the Fram House Grille, where there was a band playing outside and people were sitting at picnic tables. Inside, the Grille is decorated like an outdoor farm (very kid friendly). My only complaint is that it was kind of dark inside. There are nice clean indoor bathrooms there! The food is really good and cheap too! We actually were able to eat a whole meal, and my son colored at the kids table with provided pages and crayons while we chatted. The macintosh apples were right there next to the Grille, so we picked our apples and headed back on the wagon. We of course stopped at their gift shop and discovered homemade cider and hot apple cider donuts (again, really resonably priced). Every staff person was friendly and seemed happy to be there. This was our first trip to this orchard but we will be back every year now!!"
• Hammerhead Farm - apples, blueberries
  56 Westcott Road, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-6858. Open: Call for times and conditions. Directions: Route 495 to Route 111 West, 1st left onto Codman Road, to right onto Stow Rd & then left at fork onto Westcott Road. . Click here for a map and directions.
• Hawk Hill Orchards - apples
  83 Carleton Road, Millbury, MA . Phone: (508) 865-4037. Open: August through Christmas, Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5pm. Directions: Route 20 West into Auburn to Elm Street. Follow big red apple signs to orchard. . Click here for a map and directions. Weekends and Holidays 10am to 5pm. Also have pick-your-own peaches, plums, country store, jams, jellies, cider, etc. Picnic area also available. Pies, Dumplings, bread. Hiking trails. Country Store.
• Hazel U-Pick - apples
  13 Westcott Road, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-9092. Open: Starts September 8, open weekends from 10am to 4:30pm. Directions: West off Route 495 and follow the Hazel U-Pick signs 2 miles to the orchard and our off road parking. . Click here for a map and directions. No limits, come have fun. Schools welcome during week by appt.
• Hollis Hills Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals
  340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: 9786963130. Email: shannon@hollishillsfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, Call for Hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ATM onsite.
  Hollis Hills Farm Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 10, 2021)
• Honey Pot Hill Orchards - apples, blueberries, pears, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  138 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA 01775. Phone: 978-562-5666. Email: chelcie@honeypothill.com. Open: Seven days a week, 10 am to 5 pm, August 30th to November 15th. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Honey Pot Hill Orchards Facebook page. Fax: 978-562-4466
• Hyland Orchard & Brewery - apples and wedding venue
  199 Arnold Road, Sturbridge, MA . Phone: (508) 347-7500. Open: September 2 - October 29, Saturday & Sun, 9 am to Dusk. Directions: Off Route 20, just west of Old Sturbridge Village, take Arnold Road and follow 2 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Offer tours of micro-brewery, farm bakery and ice cream. Animal attraction. Free admission.
• Lanni Orchards Inc - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Seedless table grapes, wine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  294 Chase Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462. Phone: (978) 582-6246. Email: info@lanniorchard.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Lanni Orchards Inc Facebook page. Fax: 978-582-6099 We use integrated pest management practices (IPM)Check out our website for current and upcoming events. July raspberries blueberries August raspberries blueberries grapes September grapes, corn maze, apples October apples, corn maze, pumpkins November doggie maze, holiday open house.Our farm stand is open year round! During the cold winter months, we sell all locally made items. Things like fresh baked pies, thaw and serve pies, chocolates, fudge, meats, pasta, cheese, cider, soups, baking mixes, seasonings, hot mulled cider, hot Smokestacks coffee! When the weather warms up we offer an array of things to do here at the farm (UPDATED: August 29, 2023)
• Little Rascals Orchard - apples, pumpkins, raspberries (red), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals
  116 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-456-7847. Email: cg@pickapples.org. Open: for pick-your-own apples Saturdays 10am to 4pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm from September 19 until October 31, or weekdays by appointment; We also host weekend events open to the public which include games, music, pick - your - own apples, lunch on the grill, hay rides, petting zoo, and more! Check our website or email us for dates and times, an appointment, or for more information; CASH ONLY accepted. Directions: Little Rascals Orchard is approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A \(Route 110 WRoute 111 S towards HarvardWorcester\). Merge onto Ayer RoadRt 110Rt 111. The Farm is about 12 mile down on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 646-812-0110Fax: 646-225-7244. for pick-your-own apples Saturdays 10am to 4pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm from September 19 until October 31, or weekdays by appointment; We also host weekend events (open to the public) which include games, music, pick - your - own apples, lunch on the grill, hay rides, petting zoo, and more! Check our website or email us for dates and times, an appointment, or for more information; CASH ONLY acceptedis approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A (Route 110 W/Route 111 S towards Harvard/Worcester). Merge onto Ayer Road/Rt 110/Rt 111. The Farm is about 1/2 mile down on the leftPre-filled apple bags at roadside stand available 24/7 NOW until October 31
• Nashoba Valley Winery - apples, peaches, plums
  100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton, MA . Phone: 978-779-5521. Email: email@nashobawinery.com. Open: daily from 10am to 5pm during harvest season. Directions: Exit 27 off Route 495, take Route 117 West l mile to blinking light, then left one half mile on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Call for calendar of special events. All containers provided. Large groups by appointment, wine tours and tastings on Saturdays and Sundays.
  Comments from a visitor: " no longer offers strawberry picking"
• Nicewicz Family Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, farm market, school tours, group reservations
  116 Sawyer Road, Bolton, MA 01740. Phone: 978-779-6423. Email: nicewiczfarm@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday, from Noon to 6 pm, Saturday, from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, September 1 to October 31. Directions: Route 495 to Exit 27, Route 117 west three quarters of a mile, turn left at blinking light in Bolton Center to Wattaquadoc Hill Road, take 4th left onto Sawyer Road to top of hill. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Nicewicz Family Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFarm stand is open from mid July through October 31st. We use integrated pest management practicesOther fruits and produce available at our farm stand and area Farmer's Markets include: corn, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, beans, tomatoes, blueberries, and assorted squash.
• Old Frog Pond Farm - ORGANIC, apples, raspberries,
  38 Eldridge Road, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-456-8130. Email: organic@oldfrogpondfarm.com. Open: Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm and Holidays. Directions: Old Frog Pond Farm is located 5 minutes from the HarvardRoute 111 exit of Route 495. Take Route 111 West toward Harvard and turn immediately left onto Codman Hill Road. At the stop sign at the intersection with Stow Road, turn left again. Then take the first left again onto Eldridge Road. The farm will be on your right. Fruit boxes and bags are on the front porch near the ". Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . is located 5 minutes from the Harvard/Route 111 exit of Route 495. Take Route 111 West toward Harvard and turn immediately left onto Codman Hill Road. At the stop sign at the intersection with Stow Road, turn left again. Then take the first left again onto Eldridge Road. The farm will be on your right. Fruit boxes and bags are on the front porch near the "Open" signCrops are usually available in August, September, October We are certified organic for all crops!
• Parker's Orchard Farm - apples, peaches, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, group reservations
  11 Spring Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Phone: (508) 614-0763. Email: parkersorchard47@gmail.com. Open: Late August through November. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Parker's Orchard Farm Peach Season is typically mid August through Late September Apple Season is typically early September through ThanksgivingPlease call ahead for large groups so that we may better serve you. The ONLY pyo crops offered are Peaches and Apples .(UPDATED: September 09, 2019)
• Ragged Hill Orchard - apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, and raspberries.
  94 John Gilbert Road, West Brookfield, MA . Phone: 508- 867-2187. Open: Call ahead for hours and picking conditions; In season, PYO apples open daily 9am to 6pm. Click here for a map and directions. 3 miles North of common to Wickaboag Valley Road to . Or from Route 9 turn to Pierce Road to Ragged Hill Road. Children must be accompanied by adults.
• Red Apple Farm - apples, blueberries and raspberries.
  455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA . Phone: 800-628-4851. Open: daily, 9am to 6pm. Directions: Route 2 \(exit 19\), follow signs \(2 miles\) to farm. . Click here for a map and directions. . For more information please Contact UsRoute 2 (exit 19), follow signs (2 miles) to farm Nov. and December. Containers provided, children welcome, farm animals, forest trails and hayrides, school tours, 48 apple varieties with one tree with 108 varieties grafted on it! Host Birthday parties, and company outingsEvery weekend summer through fall, our post and beam Country Barn is transformed into an outdoor brewery tap “room,” serving up local brews, fresh roasted nuts, barbecue, and popped-on-the-spot popcorn along with your farm favorites. Make sure to try our new Hard Cider! The Brew Barn is family friendly and fun rain or shine thanks to the expansive barn! If the weather permits there’s plenty of outdoor space on the deck and around the barn as well. Typical harvest dates: JULY - Blueberries, RaspberriesAUGUST - Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, SunflowersSEPTEMBER - Pears, Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Gourds, Sunflowers, Indian Corn, Popping CornOCTOBER - Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Winter Squash, Gourds, Indian Corn, Popping Corn NOVEMBER - Red PotatoesAlways call the farm ahead (978-249-6763) to confirm daily picking conditions! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
• Schartner Farms - apples, corn maze, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, prepicked produce, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides,
  211 West Berlin Road, Bolton, MA 01740. Phone: 978-779-0212. Email: schartnerfarm@gmail.com. Open: Weekends and Columbus Day 11 am to 5 pm. Directions: 495 to Exit 27, go West on Route 117 to the yellow Blinking light. Make a left on Wattaquodock Hill Road and go up the hill about a mile. Turn left onto West Berlin Road. One mile to our farm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Emai: Check our website, for specific dates. Open Labor Day weekend through Halloween Crops are usually available in September, October, NovemberLooking for a natural, non commercialized setting? Bring a picnic and come enjoy the beauty of our farm. weekends 10 am to 5 pm with last entrance to the maze at 4:30pm. We are open through the end of October or when mother nature tells us to close(ADDED: October 18, 2020, JBS) UPDATE for 2020: With our theme this year we are offering a free maze pass to first responders EMS, Fire, Police, Medical Personnel with valid ID. We are requiring all to wear masks upon entering the farm and in the maze, with apple picking it will be optional as long as you can social distance. Unfortunately as of now there will be no hayrides as it's difficult to social distance and sanitize the wagon between each trip. We can't wait to see everyone as it's been a rough year for us all and we all need to be outdoors enjoying the weather!'The Lions Club will be making fresh cider donuts from 10-30 am to 3 pm
• Sholan Farms - apples, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, Pick-your-own apples, Honey from hives on the farm, raspberries, picnic area, school tours
  1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster, MA . Phone: 978-840-3276. Email: info@sholanfarms.com. Open: DAILY, 10am to 6pm. Directions: Rte 2 to Rte 12 S \(North Main Street\); Stay on Rte 12 to center of town \(past Post Office on right through lights\). Take Pleasant Street \(straight ahead\); 3 miles from the center of Leominster. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Fax: 978-534-0363. Rte 2 to Rte 12 S (North Main Street); Stay on Rte 12 to center of town (past Post Office on right through lights). Take Pleasant Street (straight ahead); 3 miles from the center of LeominsterCrops are usually available in August, September, October Offer entertainment, hayrides and group tours. We are located on 169 acres overlooking Northern Worcester County.
  Comments from a visitor on August 16, 2009: " located in Leominster MA is a city owned farm which was purchased from the former owner to keep the land from being turned into housing. Great views in a VERY rural setting, operated by volunteers. Beginning the 4th week in August 09, they will start picking apples. Many varieties available throughout the season, as well as fall raspberries. "
• Silvermine Farm - apples, strawberries, pumpkin patch,
  96 Eight Lots Road, Sutton, MA . Phone: (508)-865-5335. Open: Strawberries: early June to mid-July, daily from 8 am to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Our farm is 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 (Rt. 59), just past the intersection with Center Road. Typical harvest dates: Rasperries Late June, Peaches - Mid July, Blueberries - August, Apples - Mid August, Call For Picking Times. When pyo apple harvest ends in later fall, weekend scenic tractor rides will begin. Enjoy a 50 mile view of the countryside from one of the highest points in Southern Connecticut.
• Stowe Farm - apples, pumpkins, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, birthday parties
  15 Stowe Rd, Millbury, MA 01527. Phone: 508-865-9860. Email: maura@stowefarm.com. Open: see website for current hours. Directions: I-290 to exit 6A - US-20ERT-146Auburn. Bear right onto off-ramp at exit 6A to US-20. Continue onto US-20 for 1.1 miles to Elm Street, Turn right onto Elm Street; Turn left onto Brook Street 0.49 miles to Stowe Rd . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, credit cards. I-290 to exit 6A - US-20E/RT-146/Auburn. Bear right onto off-ramp at exit 6A to US-20. Continue onto US-20 for 1.1 miles to Elm Street, Turn right onto Elm Street; Turn left onto Brook Street 0.49 miles to Stowe Rd We offer Pick your own apples, pony and horse rides, petting zoo, tractor pulled hay rides, face painting, balloons, kids craft workshops, food, playground, special events and more!! Our NEWEST attraction is a MUST - mining for gemstone, fossil or arrowheads. Wonderful place for birthday parties!! Visit us on the web for more information. We do have horse back trail rides now(UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) (UPDATED: September 01, 2016) .
• Tougas Family Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, winter squash, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, face painting, petting zoo
  246 Ball Street, Northboro, MA 01532. Phone: 508-393-6406. Email: tougasfarm@tougasfarm.com. Open: From May through Halloween, Hours vary by season; Always call or check picking conditions on our web site. Directions: From I290 take exit #24 \(Church St\), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . picking stand: 508-393-6470Fax: 508 393 1834 From I290 take exit #24 (Church St), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles Click here for picking updatesWe have been declared a "Family Friendly" business, in addition to fruit to pick we operate a farm kitchen which features fresh fruit desserts, ice cream, baked goods and light lunch. Barnyard animals and a "Farmyard" playground keep the kids happy. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) Note: visitors (September 22, 2008) reported that there are purchase requirements in order to enter the orchards. Be sure to verify their website (see this page) for the costs and current picking conditions. For photos and a blog from one visitor to the farm, see this page.
  Comments from a visitor on October 11, 2010: (neutral) "Yes, this farm is well run and has everything--animals, hay/wagon rides, food, and good PYO fruit, however, it will be a long time before I go back, especially for apples. It is SO crowded, the lines are ridiculously long, and the prices are sky-high. If you want to take your kids, they each have to get a tote or tray (applies or strawberries) for a flat rate; you could easily drop 50 bucks, and you feel like you're at a theme park, not the country. Choose one of the smaller, less popular farms if you want a lovely, reasonably priced PYO experience."
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to visit pick your own farms. I have been going to Tougas since I was a kid and take my son several times a year. We love to pick strawberries, cherries, and peaches and enjoy their cider donuts and playground. They are very kid friendly but do get extremely busy on weekends particularly in the fall.
• Westward Orchards Farm - apples, blueberries, wagon rides
  Mass Ave. Route 111, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-8363. Email: info@westwardorchards.com. Open: Call for more information; daily 10am to 6pm. Directions: one quarter mile West of Route 495 on Route 111. Visit our second location located across from the Fruitlands Museums on Prospect Hill Road. We supply containers. No pets. Also visit our retail farm store. The farm store offers a diverse selection of our own grown fruit & vegetables, local meats, eggs, dairy, cider donuts. Our farm has been growing quality fruits & vegetables for 4 generations. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Westward Orchards Farm Facebook page. For PYO apples open 10am to 4pm; Closed Tuesdays. Picking updatesWestwind Orchards Farm facebook page. We offer blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, apples, quince, seasonal vegetables and more! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
• Wojcik's Farm - apples, pumpkins, corn maze, wagon rides, U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area
  65 Milk Street, Blackstone, MA 01504. Phone: 508-883-9220. Email: info@wojcikfarm.com. Open: weekends, Labor Day thru end of October from 10 am to 6 pm, check out our website or call for seasonal hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Wojcik's Farm Facebook page. Hayrides are offered to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch and the 6 acre corn maze. Visit our farm store with our own produce, baked goods, cider donuts, jams and more. Also, we have a concession stand with ice cream, pizza, hotdogs and more! We are a family-owned-and-operated fruit and vegetable farm in Blackstone, Massachusetts, featuring pick-your-own orchard with over 18 kinds of apples. Before you head home, stop at the farm stand and bakery area where you can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, local cider, honey, jams and salsas, freshly baked pies, pastries, and so much more! Complimentary tractor-driven wagon rides are offered to all visiting our pick-your-own attractions. Come take a ride to the countrysideOur motto is “come spend a day in the countryside”. And you can do just that - without spending a fortune! Besides special events, parking is always FREE when visiting the farm store! You only pay for the activities that you want to participate in! We keep our prices low so that families of all incomes can enjoy a fun day at the farm!(UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)

 

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