The 203's Guide: To Apple Picking In Connecticut
Why we’re #FallingForThe203...
While we are all about a Connecticut Summer, there is something truly special about Fall in New England. As the crisp autumn air begins to make the leaves dance, New Englanders gravitate towards the countryside for a much-needed change of scenery.
Connecticut shows some of it's best colors in the autumn months. We want to help you take advantage of this incredible season because one thing we know for sure is that it will be over before you know it.
This year, we’re rounding up ALL of our favorite Fall traditions and activities to create an entire series of blog posts to help YOU celebrate Fall in Connecticut! First up, Our Guide To The Best Apple Picking In Connecticut.
As you explore CT this Fall, use the hashtag #FallingFor203 to loop us in on your autumn traditions, so that in years to come we can add them to our list!
Best Pick Your Own Apple Orchards In Connecticut…
Apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides.. you get the gist! There are SO many fantastic local farms to celebrate in CT. From scenic countryside farms to family-friendly destinations, Connecticut offers epic apple-picking opportunities. In our local guide, we'll take you on a journey through the best apple-picking places in Connecticut! Grab your baskets, put on your flannels, and get ready for an unforgettable day of apple picking in Connecticut!
Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard - Shelton 
This historic spot in White Hills, Shelton, has been a family tradition since 1849. Imagine sprawling apple orchards with 13,000 apple trees! The charm of Beardsley's extends beyond apple picking; they also feature a charming cider mill where you can watch the age-old process of apple cider making and even sample their delicious fresh cider. At Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard, the weekends are your apple-picking playground!
Bishop's Orchards in Guilford, Connecticut, isn't your ordinary orchard; it's a local institution cherished for over 150 years. Nestled in the heart of Guilford, this is a must-visit destination for apple enthusiasts. Here, you can hand-pick your favorite apples straight from the trees and then explore their bustling farm market, offering an array of fresh produce, delectable baked goods, and irresistible apple cider.
A visit to Lyman Orchards is a cherished fall tradition for locals and visitors alike. The quintessential New England apple-picking destination captures everything we love about autumn in Connecticut! Lyman’s Orchards sprawls across acres of picturesque countryside and overlooks the Connecticut river. Apple picking with a view? Sign us up!
Beyond apple picking, Lyman Orchards offers a range of family-friendly activities, including corn mazes, and a charming farm market stocked with fresh produce, homemade pies, and their famous apple cider donuts.
But wait, there's more! These folks aren't your run-of-the-mill farm; they're award-winning champions, claiming the title of CT Magazine's Best Pick-Your-Own Farm in Connecticut and ranking among the Top 10 Apple Picking Spots in the entire U.S.
At Rogers Orchards, the fun never stops, especially during the fall season! From apple-picking adventures that'll have you reaching for the stars (or at least the juiciest apples) to hayrides that'll put a bounce in your step, and of course, pumpkin-picking extravaganzas. It's no wonder families and folks of all ages flock here to savor the absolute joy of autumn's bounty! Rogers Orchard has pick-your-own apples open for visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We grew up on Silverman’s cider… annnd we STILL can’t drive by this iconic destination without stopping to snag an apple cider sippy cup (if you know, you KNOW)! Let’s just say, it’s not Fall until we’ve made a trip to Silverman’s!
With twenty different varieties of pick your own apples (good luck making a decision), endless varieties of pumpkins to choose from, a fun petting farm, hayrides, and a full-blown farm stand that also offers fruits and veggies in the spring and summer… This family-owned farm is your one-stop shop for all things Fall.
Silverman's Farm is all about that family-friendly atmosphere, meaning everyone from the littlest-locals to the grown-ups can join in the adventure.
Belltown Hill Orchards - South Glastonbury 
Looking for a tranquil and authentic apple-picking experience in Connecticut? We’ve got you covered! This hidden gem, nestled in the scenic countryside, offers a serene setting where visitors can hand-select a variety of apples while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. We love that Belltown Hill Orchard’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the apples you pick are not only delicious but also grown with care for the environment. The Pick-Your-Own fields are open until late October, featuring a whopping selection of over 24 juicy apple varieties. The orchard also boasts a charming farm market where you can find freshly baked pies, local honey, and other delectable treats.
Averill Farm - Washington Depot 
Experience the charm of a tenth-generation family farm nestled atop the stunning hills of Northwest Connecticut's Litchfield Hills. Beyond the apple orchards, Averill Farm offers visitors the opportunity to explore their charming farm stand, where you can find an array of fresh produce, homemade jams, and apple cider pressed on-site. It's a delightful stop to stock up on local goodies.
Dondero Orchards - Southington 
Nestled in the heart of Southington, Connecticut, Dondero Orchards is a beloved family-run orchard that has been providing a delightful apple-picking experience for generations. Their well-tended orchards offer a wide variety of apples for visitors to hand-pick, making it a perfect destination for apple enthusiasts of all ages. At Dondero Orchards, the apple-picking adventure extends to a charming country store, where you can find fresh apple cider, homemade pies, and other locally sourced products. It's a one-stop-shop for all your fall cravings. Open every day 8 am - 5 pm