Slim Pickings: Don't Wait to Pick Apples at Smolak Farms

This year’s apple-picking season at many farms across New England - including Smolak Farms - is already looking a lot different than last year’s superb apple-picking season.

“I apologize that we have not been able to keep everyone happy,” wrote Michael Smolak, owner of Smolak farms in an open letter. “I thank you all for your patience, continued business and support over the years and pray that our 2015 apple season will be a block buster again!”

Smolak said this year’s apple season has been a challenging year for everyone in the apple industry.

“ In 2013 Mother Nature blessed us with the best crop in our history, one that we were able to share with you into early November,” Smolak wrote in an open letter. “Due to last year’s cold winter and cold, wet and late spring, the quality and quantity of our apples is not as good as last year. Of course, we keep our fingers crossed for the perfect crop every year, but it is not always within our control. Because of this, we are forced to change things up a bit so we can try to please as many folks as possible.”

Smolak Farms will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5:

The Bridle Path Orchard (check website for varieties) will be open for a reduced price - $10/peck and $20 for a 1/2 bushel bag. These are for second quality apples and apple drops. There are still some very fine apples up on the trees, which will need pole pickers to reach. The same pricing will hold - anything on or off the ground. PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES - www.smolakfarms.com

On Sunday, the final orchard, the Antique Apple Orchard, will open. This is smallest of our orchards and we will offer peck bags for $25. The farm does not guarantee that there will be apples toward the end of the day. Visitors are welcome to go into the Bridle Path Orchard to pick apples.

The farm stand, with fresh donuts and baked goods, the pumpkin patch, and the corn maze will all open through the end of October.

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