Apple season has arrived around Rhode Island, giving families a good excuse to head into the country, fill a bag or two, and remember that cider doughnuts eaten at an orchard barely count as doughnuts.
Pick-your-own seasons vary by apple variety and weather. But they're in full swing right now, arriving ahead of schedule in many areas due to a warm summer.
U.S. growers are expected to produce about 263 million bushels of apples in the 2026-27 crop year, down 7%from last season and 3% below the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association.
The outlook varies sharply by region: In Washington, the top apple-producing state by far, the apple crop is forecast to dip just 2%, while spring freezes are expected to cut production by 58% in Pennsylvania and 48% in Virginia. Gala is expected to remain the nation's most widely grown apple, followed by Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Fuji.
Patch rounded up orchards and other family-friendly fall attractions in and around Rhode Island. Offerings may include hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farm animals, cider, doughnuts and enough photo opportunities to document every flannel shirt in the family.
Apple availability can change quickly, especially after a busy weekend. Call ahead or check the orchard's website for picking conditions, hours, admission prices and rules about bringing bags, pets or outside food.
Address: 150 Austin Ave., Greenville
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 401-949-1456
Address: 50 Swan Road, Smithfield
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 401-231-9043
Address: 915 Mitchell's Lane, Middletown
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 401-847-3912
Apple picking isn't the only reason to spend a fall afternoon on a farm. Corn mazes and pumpkin patches around Rhode Island are also open or preparing to open for the season.
Address: 11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 401-942-9741
Address: 39 Cucumber Hill Road, Foster
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Phone: 401-397-7500
Address: 255 Middle Road, Portsmouth
Hours: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 401-835-8813 and 401-683-1444
Did we miss an orchard, pumpkin patch or corn maze in Rhode Island? Email joseph.hosey@patch.com with the name, location and website, and we'll consider adding it to the guide.
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