Delight in U-Pick apple adventures from late August to early November
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (August 7, 2019) – Did you know that Labor Day Weekend kicks off the apple harvest season in Orange County, one of New York State’s largest apple growing regions? Just an hour’s ride from the “Big Apple,” scenic orchards welcome apple pickers in search of delicious fun. Pick from more than 50 varieties of apple trees laden with fruit from late August through early November. From the Warwick Valley Apple Trail to Newburgh-based Lawrence Farms and “OCNY West’s” Soons Orchards in New Hampton, visitors can explore the beautiful Hudson Valley countryside while in pursuit of the tastiest apples. Casual dining and special family-friendly activities will round out the day at many U-pick orchard locations.
Apple picking is an experience that bears repeating, and not just year to year. Make frequent visits to compare the early fruit with the later varieties and observe the changing foliage colors throughout the harvest season. Visit multiple orchards; each one is unique. Link to the orchards’ websites at www.OrangeTourism.org to discover where you can drive your car right to an apple tree, have an orchard picnic, see farm animals, let the kids play in a miniature village, ride an apple train, sample apple craft beverages, and more. Plan apple picking adventures until the air grows crisp and the leaves begin to fall, but come soon for your pick of the crop.
“Popular Orange County events like the New York Renaissance Faire, Museum Village’s Civil War Weekend, the Sugar Loaf Fall Festival, and the Warwick Applefest span the apple harvest season,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “Plan fun-filled visits to the U-pick orchards whenever you come. It’s sure to be an experience your family will never forget!”
Choose from 10 great “U-pick” apple orchards in Orange County, N.Y., including:
Pennings Orchard and Farm Market, 169 Route 94, Warwick: Apple picking opens on Saturday, August 24, 2019, and will remain open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily through October. In addition to seasonal apple and peach picking, Penning’s offers a year-round market with fresh local produce and a full-service bar and grill. Relax in the Beer Garden while the kids enjoy the play area. Tastings at the on the on-site Pennings Farm Cidery are available for those aged 21 and older. www.penningsfarmmarket.com
Soons Orchard, 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton: Here, the U-pick 2019 season begins Labor Day weekend. Enjoy special fall activities and shopping in the farm store. Take home some freshly baked apple pie or cider doughnuts from Scotty’s Country Kitchen. Don’t forget the cold fresh-pressed apple cider! Adults can taste hand-crafted hard ciders at the new Orchard Hill Cidery tasting room right next door. Come back for a Speakeasy event or make a reservation for one of their popular farm cooking and dining demonstrations. www.soonsorchards.com
Apple Dave’s Orchard, 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick: In addition to 11 varieties of the freshest, juiciest fruit, Apple Dave’s Orchard offers activities the whole family can enjoy. Sample the latest creations from the new distillery, enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, take a wagon ride, visit the farm store, or simply relax by the orchard’s pond or rose garden. They’ll be open daily from Labor Day weekend until late October. www.appledavesorchards.com
Lawrence Farms Orchards, 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh: At Lawrence Farms, pick a variety of produce daily from June through October. According to their online crop schedule, September is apple picking time! Paid admission includes access to the miniature New England-style village with farm yard animals, and Apple Train rides during the fall harvest season. Take in the spectacular views as you relax at one of the picnic tables and savor fresh apple cider donuts, roasted nuts, paninis, and more, from the farm’s concession stand. lawrencefarmsorchards.org
Masker Orchard, 45 Ball Road, Warwick: Masker puts a unique spin on the traditional apple picking experience by letting its visitors drive through the orchard and right up to the trees. Bring your picnic gear since you’ll want to spend the whole day relaxing in this expansive 200-acre orchard. The Country Store and orchard are open daily from September 1 through November. Weekend visits include special kid-friendly activities like baby animals, pony rides and wagon rides. www.maskers.com
Orange County Tourism recently unveiled a fun, free, totally revamped, 55-page travel guide, highlighting its tourism destinations, as well as suggested itineraries and lodging. The guide is available for digital download or by request at www.orangetourism.org/travel-guide.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
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