Where To Pick Your Own Apples
If you’ve never tasted an apple plucked directly from the branch, then you’re missing out on one of the unique pleasures of living in New England. There is simply no comparison to a store-bought apple. That perfect crisp crunch and bright, sweet juice are only found during fall while strolling through bucolic orchards or perusing the shelves of the farmstand. There are many pick-your-own orchards in New Hampshire, but here’s a quick roundup of some of our favorites.
Alyson’s Orchard
57 Alyson’s Ln., Walpole, NH
Alyson’s grows everything from berries and peaches to plums and nectarines, but this 450-acre orchard (with 50 acres of fruit-bearing trees) is best known for its apples. Choose from over 50 types of apples, including heirloom varieties, standard classics and the latest varieties. When you’ve had your fill of apple picking, let the kids visit with the goats, play a game of bocce or just enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous orchard.
Applecrest Farm
133 Exeter Rd., Hampton Falls, NH
Applecrest Farm is widely considered to be New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard. This fourth-generation farm also grows a number of different fruits, pumpkins and gourds, but there’s a reason apples are its namesake — they have 220 acres of orchards growing more than 40 varieties. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., they offer pick-your-own fruit and cut-your-own flowers, bluegrass music, horse-drawn hayrides and more.
Hazleton Orchards
20 Harantis Rd., Chester, NH
Enjoy picking your own apples on a beautiful orchard, while supporting a family farm. While you’re in the area, you definitely don’t want miss their farm stand (located at 280 Derry Rd.) and their delicious apple cider! Plus, Hazleton Orchards’ U-Pick options change throughout the season, so there’s always something different for you to pick.
Mack’s Apples
230 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH
Mack’s Apples (also known as Moose Hill Orchards – that name is another story) farm has about 400 acres with 100 of those dedicated to apples. The Mack family had continuously farmed the land since 1732, and was the oldest family-run farm in the Granite State. There are also lovely walking trails and both ice cream and farmstands. At the farmstand, you’ll find honey, pumpkins, squash, local maple syrup and many other items.
Poverty Lane Orchards
98 Poverty Ln., Lebanon, NH
Specializing in heirloom varieties plus your familiar favorites, Poverty Lane also grows cider apples for the related Farnum Hill Ciders. These hard ciders are available in other stores, but nothing beats picking your own apples followed by a growler fill for the adults. The farm store also sells regular cider and other products. There are free weekend wagon rides (weather permitting and with new safety precautions in place), picnic tables and plenty of room for kids to play.
Brookdale Fruit Farm
41 Broad St., Hollis, NH
Established in 1847, Brookdale offers nearly every kind of fruit and vegetable, including 19 varieties of apples. Make sure you take the time to visit the large Best of NH award-winning farm store that sells the farm’s honey and produce, plus specialty foods, baked goods, local items and much more.
Smith Orchard
184 Leavitt Rd., Belmont, NH
Started by Rob and Wende Richter in 1985, Smith offers an array of apple picking choices like Ginger Gold, Macintosh, Yellow Delicious, Cortland, MacGown and more. Their 80-year-old trees are still growing strong – 50 of their trees were planted by the orchard’s original owner, Charlie Smith, in 1929. They may not be as red as the new varieties on the market today, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in taste.
DeMeritt Hill Farm
20 Orchard Way, Lee, NH
DeMeritt has everything from vegetables and Christmas trees to blueberries and pumpkins, but this orchard might be most famous for its apples. Choose from standard classics and antiques to the latest varieties like the Hampshire Mac. They also have a bakery, several miles of trails and farm animals for you to check out. If you visit in October, don’t forget to check out one of the most creative and unique haunted attractions in the world, Haunted Overload.