Apple Picking in the Wellesley Area

Ah, fall. Crisp air, cool nights, pumpkin-flavored everything and ripe red apples you can pick yourself. What’s not to love?

There are several great apple orchards within an hour of Boston at which to spend a lovely fall afternoon. Here are our top picks:

Belkin Family Lookout Farm - (89 Pleasant St. South Natick, MA)

• Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Price: Admisison is $8 weekdays, $14 weekends.

Winning for its close proximity to Boston, (about 20 miles) Lookout Farm offers not only “U-pick” apple picking where you can select the apples you want yourself, but also an array of family and children’s activities like pony rides, and a farm animal zoo. Check out their apple guide to see which apples you’ll find in season when you go.

Shelburne Farm - (106 West Acton Road, Stow, MA)

• Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Price: No admission fee. Half-bushel, approx. 20 lbs., $26, One peck, approx. 10 lbs., $18.

Twenty miles west of Boston sits Shelburne Farm has 50 acres of apples and pumpkins you can pick yourself. For kids, there’s a moon bounce, hay maze, hay mountain, pedal tractors, and tractor play area, and a pony ride, which costs $5. See the farm’s schedule for weekly events and more.

Russell Orchards and Farm

• Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Price: $3 weekdays, no admission on weekends. Cost is $15 for a 10 lb. bag of apples.

To the north of Boston is Russell Orchards, which is a bit longer of a drive, but worth it if you’re interested in trying out apple wine, more than 25 varieties of apples, and 120 acres of other farm-raised fresh fruits and vegetables. The wine counter is open for tastings every Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. and every weekend from 12:00-5:30, so plan accordingly.

Where is your go-to apple picking farm close to Brookline? Tell us in the comments!

Photo credit: sharon kitchens via Flickr