The perfect way to welcome fall is to spend the day in an orchard, picking farm fresh apples from one of the many locations across the North Fork.
Local farms offer a number of different varieties, some ready to eat off the branch while others are best for cooking.
Many farms like Wickham Fruit Farm on Main Road in Cutchogue also include hayrides to get the family to the orchard fields – which are ripe for the picking come October. Farm goers can also enjoy fresh apple cider at most locations
When picking apples, grab onto the underside of the apple, and twist it toward the gently into the branch. If ripe, the apple should break off easily in your hand, said Tom Wickham while instructing a group of harvesters last weekend.
Orchard Locations
*Farmers recommend calling ahead of time to ensure that fields are open.
Davis Peach Farm, 561 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, (631) 929-1115
Harbes Family Orchard, 5698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, (631) 298-0800
Lewin Farms, 812 Sound Ave, Wading River, (631) 929-4327
Woodside Orchards, 729 Route 25 Aquebogue and 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport, (631) 722-5770
Wickham’s Fruit Farm, 28700 Main Rd, Cutchogue, (631) 734-6441
Windy Acre Farm, 3810 Middle Country Rd, Calverton, (631) 727-4554
