It’s that time of year again! Apple picking, wagon rides, apple fritters, donuts, pies and cider! Choose one or all, no matter your flavor, Upstate New York will have an orchard for you. Fun Fact: Did you know that New York State is the second-highest apple producer in the country? Below we have come up with the best orchards in Central New York. Enjoy!
Critz Farms
Critz Farms, located in Cazenovia, New York, offers more than fresh, crisp apples. A family owned farm with activities offered year round. Seasonal festivals, live music events, a playground and more than 25 farm animals, for the younger crowd. Producing their own fresh farm ingredients, Critz Farms produces ales, ciders, and hard ciders. Join the Fall Harvest Celebration from September 17- October 23rd. Bring the entire family for wagon rides, their famous corn maze, and apple & pumpkin picking.
Unquestionably, visiting the tasting room is a must, and enjoy the best handcrafted beer, wine and cider. Choose from pre-picked apples and pumpkins or choose to pick-your-own in Critz’s plantation. Visit Critz Cafe on the weekend for a light snack or small plate. Thereafter, head into the gift shop to explore farmland treasures. Admission tickets are required for weekend visitors to Critz’s Fall Harvest Celebrations. Tickets are $9.00 in advance and $12.00 at the gate. Week day visitors may pick up apples or pumpkins at any time free of charge.Â
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards
The #1 Apple Orchard, Beak & Skiff, will not let you down! For more than 100 years and five generations, Beak & Skiff has been dedicated to producing the best apples. Take wagon rides through the kilometers of orchards, where you can pick your own fruit while sampling a few others. All in one location: pony rides, apple picking, and entertainment! You can eat McIntosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, SnapDragon, Cortland, and Macoun apples from mid to late September.
The Lafayette Apple Festival will be held annually in 2022 on October 8 and 9. There will be a ton of events at this enormous outdoor fair, including rides and family-friendly attractions. Let the kids play in the huge tree house and jump, slide, climb, and ride. The 1911 Tasting Room, which serves hard ciders, spirits, and wines to adults 21 and older, is open. During your visit, get a bite from the Fall Tavern’s menu, which features sandwiches, burgers, and sides. For the 2022 season, the cafĂ© and bakery are currently closed.
Visit the general store if you’re looking for some treats to take home. There are fresh apple cider in cans and CBD items for sale. You’ll find fresh fudge, clothing, and a range of ingredients. For the 2022 season, the cafĂ© and bakery are currently closed. Visit the general store if you’re looking for some treats to take home. There are fresh apple cider in cans and CBD items for sale. You’ll find fresh fudge, clothing, and a range of ingredients.
Adams Acre Farm
Family owned and certifiably organic, right here in Jamesville, NY. Different from the rest, being organically grown, your family will enjoy great tasting apples, while keeping happy and healthy. Apple peak season is at its highest and you can select HoneyCrisp, Spartan and Crimson Crisp from Adams Acres. They operate Saturday and Sundays from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Pricing is currently at $1.85 per pound. Take advantage of Adams bushel special, which includes picking, washing and packing a bushel of organic apples for $70.00. Bring home your fresh, crisp, organic apples and make some of your favorite pastries. Your kitchen will smell like the flavors of fall. Adams Acre Farm is a nice alternative if you’re looking for a small, low key spot. Just a short drive off of Interstate 81, Adams Acre Farm in Onondaga County, will be worth the visit.
Owens Orchards
In Weedsport, New York, there is a charming, traditional apple orchard called Owens Orchards. You can easily enter and exit and explore the orchard at your own time. Fifth generation family ownership can be found at Owens Orchard. Pick your favorite apple from 15 types to bring home for the family. Pick up some homemade goodies at the Owen Orchards store, which is open from the middle of August until the beginning of March. Locally produced cheeses, fresh apple cider, apple cider donuts, homemade pies, and vegetables are all available.
Apple picking at Owens Orchard starts in early September, and entrance is free every day! On the weekends, take a wagon trip through the Orchards. Plan a wedding, a class reunion, a gathering for family, or a child’s birthday. Afterwards, visit the farm animals and watch as they peck at the apples you have picked! Lastly, place a caramel apple order and grab a jug of all-natural apple cider to bring home! Check out Owen’s website for some yummy, classic apple treats.Â
Navarino Orchard
Discover Central New York’s splendor while traveling along Route 20’s picturesque byway. You are invited to the center of “apple nation.” Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. U-pick currently costs $1.30 per pound. For some quick bites, hot dogs, popcorn, and cider floats, stop by the Barn Cafe. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., take pleasure in a farmhouse brunch. Besides apples, Navarino Orchard also sells other fruits. Take a ride in the tractor to the orchard. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins in the fields.
Organize your upcoming event at Navarino Orchard’s The Barn on the Farm. Participate in the fun at Hogwarts’ 20th anniversary celebration. Celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter, themed food and drinks, a costume contest, and entertaining activities. The journey to Navarino Orchard will be worthwhile because of apple picking, apple pies made with real caramel, pony rides, and other treats. Bring some honey crisps and freshly baked pumpkin biscuits home.
O’Neill’s Apple Orchard
Visit O’Neill’s Orchard, which is close to Route 81 in Lafayette, New York. Enjoy some tasty fritters and doughnuts that are prepared right there. pie, maple-flavored candy, apples, butternut squash, and other seasonal produce. There are food trucks on-site during the busiest times of the year. O’Neill’s Orchard is open from Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For a variety of jams, cheeses, and baked goods, stop by the farm stand. Additionally, the kitchen is open on weekends, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. The menu even includes hot dogs, apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters, ciders, water, and soda. In addition, visit O’Neill’s apple wood smoked BBQ to add some flavor to your journey. To find out more about the latest happenings at O’Neill’s Apple Orchard, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Old McMarleys Farm
Old McMarleys Farm, Orchard, and Cider in Oneida County. The definition of rustic joy is Clinton, New York’s Brimfield Street. Since 1983, Kevin and Joyce Marley have owned and operated this magnificent farm. Fresh food produced locally is offered for sale at Old McMarley’s seasonal farm stand. Customers can purchase award-winning honey and maple syrup from Labor Day through Christmas. Old McMarleys also sells fresh pears, plums, and more than 40 distinct kinds of apples.Fresh veggies in a wide variety, including tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, squashes, melons, and pumpkins. Collect some seasonal gourds to decorate for the fall season. Old McMarleys is well-known for its expertly made, traditional sweet cider. All winter long, festive Christmas decorations will be available. The current hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Afterwards, come drive with the family across New York State’s central region.