New Englands Pick-Your-Own Experience

Pick Your Own (PYO) is a New England tradition. Starting in the Fall through the rest of the year PYO consist mainly of Apples, Pumpkins and Christmas Trees.  The following list is a good example of unique experiences for some or all of the above in each of the New England States.

RI

A stone's throw from Newport in Middleton RI, Sweet Berry Farm/Market offers all three PYO experiences. Apples and pumpkins available in September and October.  Christmas tree tagging begins November 1^st. 

Their signature Ice Cream and Sorbet was described as "best ice cream in New England" by Yankee magazine 2011 . A must have, any time of year,  for ice cream aficionados   


Several award winning original art mosaics by co-owner Michelle Eckhart are on display, along with arts and crafts by other local artists, at the Sweet Berry Farm Market.  

The Farm Café offers breakfast or lunch with both “to-go” and “eat-in” menus.  

In the summer, SweetBerry also offers a  concert series on the lawn or in the barn in case of rain. Food from the café is on hand.

NH 

Getting ready, in Hampton Falls NH,  for new farm stand, bakery and farm-to-table restaurant, the existing 200 year old barn will continue to be a centerpiece of Applecrest Farm . The farm stand/grocery offering apples, pumpkins, cider, creamery , apple cider donuts, etc. is only a small part of the overall experience. The fall festivals and events start first week in September and continue through to the end of October. Fall is a great time for PYO Apples, Pumpkins and Rasberries at Applecrest.

Not to be missed are the Story Book Hayrides taking place October 19^th, 20^th, 26^th and 27^th which also feature live entertainment concerts and other events such as Antique Tractor Shows. AppleCrests's Gift packs can be ordered via email or phone

ME 

Boothby’s, in Livermore ME.,   offers PYO Apples, pumpkins in a patch as well as apple crisp, hand pressed unpasteurized cider, honey and much more at the farm stand.  For the short term fall foliage getaway they also offer a farm (guest) house furnished in vintage style for $300 for 3 nights or $125 a night.

Boothby's Orchard   is uniquely Handicapped Accessible, featuring dwarf apple trees grown on a wire trellis system. This orchard offers a pick-your-own experience like no other. 

The grounds are even and mowed to perfection and the apples grow low to the ground allowing the youngest of children and those with physical disabilities to enjoy picking their own apples. No ladders needed. Private tours and school tours available midweek by appointment.

VT

Scott Farm in Dummerston Vt..  offers both PYO apples and pumpkins and so much more. There are workshops on site such as; October’s  Heirloom Apple Pie Day, and the On the Farm Heirloom Apple Harvest Dinner  taking place on Saturday, October 26, 6 p.m.. There are several options for a wedding on at Scott Farm and the lodging is especially unique. With properties accommodating from 2 to 8 guests and prices from a little under $200 a night to almost $500, the historic lodgings include the likes of The Carriage House, part of the Rudyard Kipling estate, offering views of the Connecticut river valley. 

A much different experience could be had in the Rustic Sugar House that sleeps 2 with a wood stove and an open concept of knotty pine post and open beam ceilings.

There are several other competing lodging options as well. And by the way Dogs are welcomed.

     

MA

Outlook Farm in Westhampton Ma., is full-time farm complete with orchards and gardens, a butcher shop, a country store and restaurant . Pick your own apples is offered between Sept 7 and mid October, and on Sunday afternoons the additional treats of Horse Drawn Hayrides and BBQ Smorgasbords can be had for an additional cost.  The country store offers a little bit of everything with fresh fruits and vegetables, sweet apple cider, farm fresh pork and homemade baked good. Outlooks breakfast and deli menus include smoked ham and bacon or sausage with melted cheese on homemade toast, pulled pork and kielbasa sandwiches, homemade soups and salads, blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies and apple pie made from scratch. Unlike most other orchard farms, since pork and fruits are naturally compatible and have been served together for centuries,  Outlook farm has been providing premium pork products from extra lean, all natural hogs since 1962 in their Smoke and Chop house.

CT

Holmberg Orchards, in Gales Ferry near Mystic Ct.  offers something that the adults will enjoy for sure. The Wine Barn offers tastings from Memorial Day through October. The wines are produced onsite. The Connecticut coast offers a climate well suited for the Alsatian whites; this also includes varietals such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and the Pinots. 

Although PYO at Holmberg Orchards includes such things as raspberries  blueberries, peaches, nectarines, pears and cut flowers, in the fall the pickings are apples and pumpkins.

Baked fresh daily are pies, cookies, muffins, turnovers, breads, quiche, pot pies, whoopie pies, and of course, our famous Holmberg Apple Crisp. You can also get prepackaged prepared fresh salads and artisan sandwiches for your meals on the go. Pies and fruit baskets can be ordered online as well.  Come early fall the greenhouse is stocked with hay bales, pumpkins, gourds and colorful mums. As the holidays approach, it is converted into a holiday gift shop.