Do you want a fresh, juicy apple straight from the tree? Vermont's apple orchards are perfect for your autumn cravings. But, with so many choices, picking the right one can be tough. Don't worry! I've found the some of the best apple picking spots in Vermont for you!
From old family farms to beautiful hillside orchards, you'll find the perfect spot. Enjoy the fall colors and fill your basket with tasty apples.
Vermont apple picking is more than just picking fruit. It's a full fall experience. Imagine drinking fresh apple cider with views of Lake Champlain. Or eating a warm cider donut while walking through rows of apples.
Ready to find the best apple orchards in Vermont? Let's go!
Key Takeaways
- Vermont has many apple orchards for pick-your-own experiences
- Apple picking season is from late August to October
- Orchards offer treats like cider donuts and maple syrup
- They grow many apple types, including rare heirlooms
- Apple picking is great for seeing fall foliage
The Vermont Apple Picking Experience
Vermont apple orchards mix tradition with natural beauty. The state's climate and soil are perfect for growing tasty apples. Apple picking in Vermont is a memorable fall activity.
Why Vermont is an Apple Lover's Paradise
Vermont's apple orchards stand out. Champlain Orchards grows over 175 types of fruits, including 146 apple varieties. They use solar power for most of their operations. This makes Vermont a favorite spot for apple lovers.
Best Time for Apple Picking in Vermont
The apple picking season in Vermont is from late August to October. September is the best month to pick apples. You'll find many types, from Honeycrisps to Granny Smiths.
What to Expect During Your Orchard Visit
A visit to a Vermont apple orchard is more than picking apples. You can ride wagons, explore corn mazes, and shop at farm stores. Enjoy apple cider, cider donuts, and join harvest festivals. Some orchards have picnic areas with mountain views. It's a mix of nature, food, and fun.
- Pick from over 100 apple varieties
- Enjoy fresh cider and homemade treats
- Participate in harvest festivals and events
- Take scenic orchard tours
Top Apple Orchards in Vermont
Hackett's Orchard in South Hero
Vermont's apple orchards are a mix of history, variety, and beauty. I've found some of the best and I'm excited to share them with you. These are just a few of many orchards in Vermont. Honestly, they're all delightful so enjoy!
- Champlain Orchards in Shoreham is a must-see. It has 146 apple varieties on 220 acres. It's a fruit lover's dream and almost runs on solar power.
- Shelburne Orchards is perfect for a scenic visit. It started with 500 trees in the 1950s and now has over 8,000. The views of Lake Champlain are stunning.
- Allenholm Farm in South Hero is great for history lovers. It's Vermont's oldest commercial apple orchard. It shows the state's rich agricultural history.
- Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston is a dream for those who love heirloom apples. It has over 130 varieties and has been around since 1791.
- Mad Tom Orchard in East Dorset is known for its mountain views and apple details. Their Crimson Crisp and Gala apples are especially good.
| Orchard | Location | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain Orchards | Shoreham | 146 apple varieties |
| Shelburne Orchards | Shelburne | Lake Champlain views |
| Allenholm Farm | South Hero | Oldest commercial orchard |
| Scott Farm Orchard | Dummerston | 130+ heirloom varieties |
| Mad Tom Orchard | East Dorset | Mountain views |
Each orchard offers a unique experience. You can find everything from vast variety selection to stunning views. Whether you're looking for a specific apple or a fun day out, Vermont's orchards have it all.
Family-Friendly Orchards for a Perfect Day Out
Vermont's apple orchards are more than just places to pick apples. They are great for family fun, with lots of activities and beautiful views. Let's look at some top family-friendly orchards in Vermont.
Orchards with Additional Activities for Kids
Allenholm Farm is Vermont's oldest apple orchard. It has been run by the Allen family since 1870. Kids can play with farm animals in the petting zoo.
Burtt's Apple Orchard is a bit newer but just as exciting. It has 40 apple varieties and a fun corn maze.
Best Picnic Spots in Vermont Orchards
Many orchards have great picnic spots. Champlain Orchards has 146 apple varieties and beautiful views of Lake Champlain. Scott Farm Orchard is historic and perfect for a family picnic.
Orchards Offering Wagon Rides and Farm Tours
Shelburne Orchards is huge, with 60 acres. It offers wagon rides on weekends. Champlain Orchards has farm tours and uses solar power. Allenholm Farm in the Champlain Islands also offers wagon rides.
| Orchard | Family-Friendly Features | Apple Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Allenholm Farm | Petting zoo, picnic area | Multiple varieties |
| Burtt's Apple Orchard | Corn maze, pumpkin patch | 40 varieties |
| Champlain Orchards | Farm tours, picnic spots | 146 varieties |
| Shelburne Orchards | Wagon rides, cider pressing | Multiple varieties |
These orchards are perfect for a day of apple picking, learning, and fun. Whether you want wagon rides, farm tours, or a quiet picnic, Vermont's orchards have it all.
Unique Apple Varieties Found in Vermont
Vermont's apple orchards are full of different apple types. Over 150 types grow across the state. Each orchard has its own special flavors and qualities.
The McIntosh apple is very popular, making up half of Vermont's apples. But there's more to try. Cortland, Empire, and Gala apples are great for eating fresh or juicing. For pie lovers, the Northern Spy is a must-try.
Heirloom apples are special in Vermont. At Cobble Knoll Orchards, I've tried over 80 varieties. The Baldwin and Blue Pearmain apples are must-try for apple fans.
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Sweet, juicy, crisp | Fresh eating, juicing |
| Northern Spy | Tart, aromatic | Pies, baking |
| Cox Orange Pippin | Spicy, hints of cherry and anise | Fresh eating, cider |
| Franklin Cider | Sweet, refreshing, mild | High-end cider making |
For cider fans, try Kingston Black and Newtown Pippin apples. They help make Vermont's cider, which is about 1,000,000 bushels a year. Whether picking or buying, Vermont apples are a unique taste experience.
Apple Orchards in Vermont: A Comprehensive List
Vermont's apple orchards are a treasure trove for pick-your-own apple enthusiasts. I've explored orchards across different Vermont regions, each offering unique experiences. Let's dive into some of the best Vermont apple orchards, organized by location.
Northern Vermont Orchards
In the northern part of the state, you'll find gems like Hackett's Orchard in South Hero. This Vermont apple orchard boasts breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. Burtt's Apple Orchard in Cabot is another must-visit, featuring an impressive 40 apple varieties.
Central Vermont Orchards
Central Vermont is home to Hunger Mountain Orchard in Waterbury Center, known for its scenic beauty. Peck Farm Orchard in East Montpelier offers a classic pick-your-own apple experience with a variety of apple types.
Southern Vermont Orchards
In southern Vermont, don't miss Mad Tom Orchard in East Dorset or Green Mountain Orchards in Putney. These orchards offer not just apples but also other fruits and farm-fresh products.
| Region | Orchard Name | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern | Hackett's Orchard | South Hero | Lake Champlain views |
| Northern | Burtt's Apple Orchard | Cabot | 40 apple varieties |
| Central | Hunger Mountain Orchard | Waterbury Center | Scenic beauty |
| Central | Peck Farm Orchard | East Montpelier | Classic pick-your-own experience |
| Southern | Mad Tom Orchard | East Dorset | Variety of farm products |
| Southern | Green Mountain Orchards | Putney | Multiple fruit options |
Each orchard location offers a unique slice of Vermont's apple-growing heritage. Whether you're in the north, central, or southern region, you're sure to find a perfect spot for your next apple-picking adventure.
Beyond Apples: Other Fall Treats at Vermont Orchards
Vermont orchards are more than apple picking spots. They offer a variety of autumn treats. These farms are great places for fall fun and sweet treats for all.
Cider Donuts and Fresh-Pressed Apple Cider
Cider donuts are a must-try at Vermont orchards. At Stine Orchard in Monkton, I enjoyed donuts made with their apple cider. They are freshly fried on-site. Yates Family Orchard in Hinesburg has a special treat called the Dreamee with their apple cider donuts.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Many orchards have pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Burtt's Apple Orchard in Cabot has a playground and apple slingshot. It's great for family fun and finding the perfect pumpkin.
Farm Stores with Local Products
Farm stores at Vermont orchards are full of local goodies. Vermont Orchards in Enosburg Falls sells gallons of cider and honey. They also have maple syrup and maple cotton candy. Champlain Orchards in Shoreham has 146 apple varieties and makes many hard ciders.
| Orchard | Specialty | Notable Products |
|---|---|---|
| Stine Orchard | Fresh-fried cider donuts | Apple cider, donuts |
| Vermont Orchards | Maple products | Cider, honey, maple syrup, maple cotton candy |
| Yates Family Orchard | Dreamee | Apple cider donuts, Dreamee |
| Champlain Orchards | Hard ciders | 146 apple varieties, semi-dry Honeycrisp cider |
| Burtt's Apple Orchard | Family activities | Nutmeg-flavored cider donuts, corn maze |
Sustainable and Organic Apple Orchards in Vermont
I love exploring Vermont's eco-friendly orchards. These sustainable farms are at the forefront of organic apple production. Many orchards here focus on environmentally friendly practices.
Vermont has 17 pick-your-own apple orchards. Five of these focus on organic or untreated fruit. This shows a growing interest in naturally grown apples.
Visiting these organic orchards is a special experience. It lets visitors connect with nature and learn about sustainable farming.
Shelburne Orchards is a standout. It's a 60-acre family-owned orchard. They've grown from 500 trees in the 1950s to over 6,000 today.
What impresses me most is their eco-friendly practices. They use Integrated Pest Management and a “Low Spray” approach. This balances productivity with environmental care.
| Orchard Feature | Number of Orchards |
|---|---|
| Pick-your-own options | 17 |
| Cider production | 9 |
| Organic/untreated practices | 5 |
| Diversified offerings | 6 |
6 orchards offer more than just apples. They also have maple syrup and honey. This variety makes the visit better and supports sustainable farming.
It's clear that Vermont's apple orchards are more than just fruit. They're helping grow a culture of sustainability and eco-friendly agriculture.
Planning Your Vermont Apple Orchard Trip
I'm excited to share my tips for planning the perfect Vermont apple orchard adventure. From scenic drives to picking techniques, I've got you covered for an unforgettable fall experience.
Best routes for scenic orchard hopping
Vermont scenic drives offer breathtaking views of fall foliage and charming orchards. Start at Allenholm Farm, the state's oldest commercial orchard. Then, head to Shelburne Orchards for stunning Lake Champlain vistas. End your day at Scott Farm Orchard, home to unique heirloom apple varieties.
What to bring for a day of apple picking
Here are my essential apple picking tips:
- Comfortable shoes for walking in orchards
- Reusable bags or baskets for carrying apples
- Cash for farm stands and small purchases
- Camera to capture beautiful orchard views
- Picnic supplies for a lunch amidst the trees
Tips for preserving your apple harvest
After your orchard tour, preserve your apples with these techniques:
| Method | Best For | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Eating fresh | 1-2 months |
| Freezing | Baking | 6-8 months |
| Canning | Applesauce | 1-2 years |
| Dehydrating | Snacking | 6-12 months |
For apple preservation workshops, check out Scott Farm Orchard. They offer classes on pie-making and other apple-based treats. Remember, proper storage is key to enjoying your harvest throughout the year.
Conclusion
You've learned about the fun of Vermont apple picking. It's a favorite fall activity that shows off Vermont's autumn beauty. The cool air and colorful leaves make orchard visits special. Get out and make a day of it!
Vermont has many apple types and places that are great for families. This makes it a top spot for apple picking.
Vermont's apple farms face challenges like frost. But they still do well, thanks to hard work. They grow apples on about 1600 acres, worth $12-20 million each year.
Farmers are using new ways to grow apples. They use bees and special weather tools to help their orchards.
Thinking about Vermont apple picking reminds me of its value. It's more than just picking apples. It's about helping local farms and enjoying the outdoors.
Whether you eat a fresh apple, drink cider, or just enjoy the orchard, it's a special experience. Visiting Vermont's apple orchards is a must-do in autumn.
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