Want to Go Apple Picking? The Orchards Are Ready

Apple-picking season is here - so where do you go?

Here’s a list of some of our picks in and around Middlesex County. In addition to pick-your-own, most orchards sell fresh-picked apples at the farm stand, as well as cider, baked goods and more. Other activities, such as hayrides and petting zoos, are common.

Picking season has already begun at many of these orchards, and for others will start within the next couple of weeks.

Honey Pot Orchards

• Where: 138 Sudbury Road, Stow
• When: Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Details: $25 for 1/2 bushel and $16 for a peck. Pick-your-own blueberries also from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shelburne Farm

• Where: 106 West Acton Road, Stow
• When: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Details: Peaches are also available for picking, and pairs are a new option at the farm

Belkin Family Lookout Farm

• Where: 89 Pleasant St. South, South Natick
• When: Every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Details: Lookout provides a “what’s picking” map that gives visitors conditions, and the availability of certain fruits. In September and October, of course, it’s all about the apples and pears.

Bolton Spring Farm

• Where: 159 Main St., Bolton
• When: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Details: Now picking Cortland and McIntosh apples.

Highland Farm

• Where: 635 Highland St., Holliston
• When: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Details: The farm is 150 acres in size and currently has 40 acres in production with apple trees, pear trees, peach trees, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only are apples ready for the picking, so is asparagus. Note: apple picking, they expect, will start around Sept. 18.

Dowse Orchards

• Where: Route 27, Sherborn
• Details: Call for hours and conditions
• Details: Dowse says it has the “best crunchin’ apples.” Reviews tout the many varieties offered here, and McIntosh and Macoun are among the favorites

For more listings, check pickourown.org, which breaks down the farms throughout Massachusetts, detailing the vegetables and/or fruit ready for the picking at each. The farms are sorted by location and hours.

What’s your favorite place for apple picking and why? Share your comments in the comments section and help other readers head to the right orchard!