The Best Places To Pick Apples In Central New York

Let’s face it fall is just around the corner; you can feel it at night and smell it in the air. Fall in Central New York is by far my favorite season of the year and with fall comes apple picking season….and in my world eating season.  I love a slice of fresh baked pies, turnovers, concord grapes, and donuts washed down with a chilled glass of apple cider.

Here is a partial list of some of Central New York’s premier apple picking farms and orchards. All offer something a little bit different, so it’s worth it to visit each and every one of them.  You should also check their websites for picking schedules and events.

North Star Orchards
4741 State Route 233 Westmoreland, NY 13490
(315) 853-1024
http://www.northstarorchards.com

Cristi’s Picks: A hometown favorite without a doubt. I love the blueberry iced cookies, and the New York State aged cheeses cut right off the block. Great pruning and gardening events always free, along with wagon rides for the kids.

Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market
577 East St. Cassville, NY 13318
(315) 822-0046
http://windyhillorchard.com

Cristi's: Picks: Hard Cider Tasting…but if you sample too much, call Uber to take you home.

Abbott Farms
3275 Cold Springs Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
315-638-7783
http://www.abbottfarms.com/

Crists's Picks: Fall Fest weekends great for the entire family with wagon rides, face painting and more.

Critz Farms
3232 Rippleton Road
State Route 13
Cazenovia, NY 13035
315 662-3355
http://www.critzfarms.com

Cristi’s Picks: Enjoy hard cider made in small batches in the tasting room. Hours change by the season. Also, stop by the Sugar House, open when they are boiling. Look for the steam and you’ll know they are open. Once you’ve enjoyed pure maple syrup on pancakes, you’ll never want anything else.

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards
2708 Lords Hill Road
LaFayette, NY 13084
315-696-6085
http://www.beakandskiff.com/

Cristi’s Picks: Great day trip for the family. You can book this venue for private events, concerts. Their tasting room features their 1911 spirits, gin, hard cider, and our favorite vodka, delicious and smooth…and my wife tells me it makes the best cosmos.

Behling Orchards
114 Potter Road
Mexico, NY 13114
315-963-7068
http://www.behlingorchards.com/

Cristi’s Picks: Though I’ve never tried this, I hear they have a great Zombie Paint Ball event…so if you like the Walking Dead, this may be the event for you.

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