As the air turns crisp and the leaves shift, few fall rituals feel more quintessential than heading out to a local orchard or pumpkin patch. In Westchester County and just beyond, there are several spots where you can pick your own apples, hunt for the perfect pumpkin, enjoy hayrides, and soak in the beauty of the season. Here’s a roundup of favorites from Amie Pisano:
Top Apple Picking Spots in Westchester:
1. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem, NY)
A local favorite, Harvest Moon offers more than 30 apple varieties for picking. Their farm store is open daily, and during fall festival weekends, apple picking and more are available via a ticket. Along with apples, you’ll find cider donuts, fresh produce, and a cozy farm atmosphere.
Good to know:
- Check their website for which weekends require advance tickets.
- Dogs (other than service animals) are not allowed.
2. Outhouse Orchards (North Salem, NY)
Just down the road from Harvest Moon, Outhouse Orchards offers apple picking (12+ varieties), pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and a fall festival running August through early November. Their fall season is lively, family-friendly, and packed with events.
3. Stuart’s Fruit Farm (Granite Springs, NY)
A beloved Westchester tradition, Stuart’s is family-owned and one of the oldest farms in the county. They offer apple picking, pumpkins, weekend hayrides, and a farm stand with baked goods, cider donuts, and pies.
Good to know:
- There is no orchard fee, and parking is free.
- Payment is cash or check only.
4. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
One of the most well-rounded farms in the area, Wilkens has apple and pumpkin picking, a weekend corn maze, and multiple farm shops with pies, cider, jams, and baked goods. There’s no admission charge, and hayrides are free.
Nearby Favorites (Just Beyond Westchester)
If you’re up for a short drive, these Hudson Valley spots are worth the trip:
- Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY) - Apples, pumpkins, hayrides, petting zoo, events, and more.
- Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY) - A Hudson Valley destination with apple picking, seasonal events, and a farm store.
- Apple Ridge Orchards (Warwick, NY) - A charming option with a scenic setting further north.
Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivities:
Most apple orchards also host pumpkin patches in October. Some standouts include:
- Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard - Pumpkin patch included in their fall offerings.
- Stuart’s Fruit Farm - Pumpkins available throughout October.
- Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm - Pick-your-own pumpkins with no admission fee.
- Outhouse Orchards - Pumpkin picking as part of their fall festival.
Make the Most of Your Visit
- Go early in the season for the best selection.
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash — not all farms accept cards.
- Check each farm’s website for rules, hours, and event updates.
Nothing beats fall in Westchester. From orchards to pumpkin patches, these seasonal traditions are part of what makes our community so special.
If your fall plans go beyond weekend outings, like buying, selling, or finding your next home, I’d love to be your guide. Reach out so I can help you navigate the Westchester real estate market with ease and confidence.
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