The crispness in the air can only mean one thing: it’s apple season. Next to taking selfies in pumpkin patches and planning Halloween costumes, apple picking is one of native New Englanders’ favorite pastimes. The only question is, where to go?
Fortunately, there are enough orchards in Massachusetts to supply the demand of cider-donut frenzied apple pickers looking for their next peck (which is approximately 10-12 lbs. for those who need to know).
Here are some of our favorite places to pick apples North of Boston.
Russell Orchards – Ipswich
Russell Orchards just opened for the season this past week! You can see what’s available for the picking on their website or Facebook page, or follow their Instagram for adorable pictures of their many farm animals.
They’re open daily 9-6 in September and October; and 9-5 daily in November.
Brooksby Farm – Peabody
Brooksby Farm is a sweet little farm in Peabody nestled behind North Shore Mall, although you would never know it was that close to the thoroughfare. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
Apple picking is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday- Sunday (closed Monday) and they are officially open for the season.
Cider Hill – Amesbury
Cider Hill in Amesbury is the site of rolling orchards and one of the best outdoor farm markets in the area. It’s also one of the pop up stops for Magnolia Blooms flower delivery.
Cider Hill is open daily for pick your own apples from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. See what’s available and pick up tickets before you go (highly recommended) from their website or follow them on Instagram.
Smolak Farms – Andover
Smolak Farms has pommes and pommes de terre (excuse our French) for pick your own this September. This 300 year old farm in Andover is a family favorite offers kids entertainment and education alongside the u-pick experience.
The farm stand is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can find more info about pick your own on their website or by following them on Facebook.
Connors Farm – Danvers
Apples, Corn Mazes, Goats and the home of Hysteria Danvers – Connors Farm has everything you need for that quintessential fall experience. You can pre-order tickets to the corn maze or pre-purchase apple bags from their website. Stay up to date on events and availability by following them on Facebook.
They are open daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Support Accessibility on the North Shore
Creative North Shore is having ongoing discussion of Accessibility and Disability Awareness leading up to the International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3 and the hopeful introduction of a Disability Parade in 2021. If this is a topic you are interested in or have thoughtful story ideas, please reach out to joeyphoenix@creativecollectivema.com
Organizations to Support
- Northeast Arc
- Disability Resource Center
- Easter Seals
- The Trevor Project
- Lynn Community Health Center
- Boston Center for Independent Living
Do you know of an organization that should be listed here? Let us know at joeyphoenix@creativecollectivema.com
