It’s the unofficial start of fall and one of the best ways to celebrate the changing season is a visit to a local orchard. September and October are all about apples. Many North Fork farms offer a variety of u-pick apples that can be eaten straight from the branch or added to pies.
Here is your 2019 guide to u-pick apples on the North Fork. Note that farmers recommend calling ahead of time to ensure that fields are open.
Harbes Family Orchard
The 15-acre Harbes Family Orchard in Riverhead is open for apple picking on weekends in September and October. The farm offers 27 different varieties of apples, including gala, sansa, honey crisp and golden delicious. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a corn maze and hayrides.
The annual Harbes Orchard’s Annual Apple Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The two-day event features an apple cider doughnut eating contest, an apple-rolling competition, live music and more.
No pets or outside food and drinks are allowed on the farm.
Harbes Family Orchard is located at 5698 Sound Ave. Riverhead; (631) 298-0800
Lewin Farms
Lewin Farms offers u-pick apples in September and October. The fields are open until 4:30 p.m. daily, except Tuesday when the farm is closed. In addition to apples, Lewin also has u-pick peppers, eggplant and pumpkins through October.
The five-acre corn maze is generally open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays starting in early September and continuing through late October. It is designed to be challenging and takes between 20 to 35 minutes to complete, depending on how many dead ends you hit.
Note: Animals are not allowed in the orchard and it is cash only. There is an ATM at the farm stand.
Lewin Farms is located at 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton (631) 929-4327
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
One of the North Fork’s oldest and largest family operated farms, Wickham’s offers u-pick apples on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wagon rides are also available on Saturdays during apple-picking season, providing a fun way to get to the orchards and see the farm.
Other items such as apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, pies and preserves are available at the farm stand. Wickham’s is closed on Sundays. No pets are allowed.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is located at 28700 Main Rd. Cutchogue; (631) 734-6441
Windy Acres Farm
This family owned and operated farm in Calverton has several varieties ready for picking come September and October. U-pick is available on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The farm stand also sells fresh eggs, flowers, doughnuts and more. And there is a children’s play area.
Windy Acres Farm is located at 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton; (631) 727-4554
Woodside Orchard
A hub of all things apples, Woodside Orchard has been family owned and operated since 1982. Its Jamesport location is open for picking from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends from mid-September through Columbus Day Weekend. Its Aquebogue location is open for picking Monday through Friday 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesdays) from mid-September through Columbus Day Weekend.
Stop in to the Aquebogue location for hard cider tasting and doughnuts.
Woodside Orchard is located at 729 Main Road, Aquebogue; (631) 722-5770. Its Jamesport location is on Manor Lane.
