Apple-picking season has begun! A New England Fall wouldn't be complete without spending an afternoon picking apples, taking a hay ride and enjoying cider doughnuts.
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Below is a list of pick-your-own apple orchards in Greater Lowell and a bit south.
Note: Please do not bring your dog to the orchards; they cannot allow dogs into the orchards per health regulations, so you'll have to leave your four-legged friend in the car.
Apple Picking Tips from Parlee Farms:
Apple season in New England typically lasts from late August through October, although the exact timeframe can vary year to year depending on that unpredictable New England weather.
The key to picking apples is to Lift & Turn. Gently turn the apple upward until it releases. Do not yank or pull the apple as it causes nearby apples to fall, as well as damages the spur needed to form next year’s apple. And always pick in designated rows, as not all apples ripen at the same time.
To see what is available at your favorite farm, always check their website prior to visiting the farm.
Click this interactive map for locations, directions, etc.:
TYNGSBORO
Parlee Farms
95 Farwell Rd, Tyngsboro
(978) 649-3854
The Fall Season at Parlee Farms includes Pick-Your-Own Apples, Flowers and Pumpkins. Farmstand Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, Labor Day & Columbus Day 10am-5pm. Picking Hours vary by day and availability so always check TODAY’S FARM NEWS for the most current information. Hayrides, animals to feed, and cider doughnuts.
DRACUT
Farmer Dave's
437 Parker Rd, Dracut
(978) 349-1952
Check their Facebook page for the latest details on when apple picking will open. Cider doughnuts and other baked items and corn maze. Hayrides available on weekends, with limited capacity (those who can walk to the orchard, about 5 minutes, are asked to walk to allow space for seniors, those with limited mobility, and families with young children).
GROTON
Autumn Hills Orchard
495 Chicopee Row, Groton
(978) 448-8388
Autumn Hills Orchard has over 30 varieties of apples on their picturesque farm. Apple picking Wednesday through Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. Bring your own bag (they have them, if needed) and pay by the pound. Check their Facebook page for daily updates.
HARVARD
Carlson Orchards
115 Oak Hill Rd, Harvard
(978) 456-3916
Apples, pumpkins and more will be available throughout the fall daily from 9 AM - 3 PM. Farm store with doughnuts, ice cream, baked goods, and fruit is open until 6 PM. Check the Pick Your Own page or their Facebook page or Instagram for daily updates.
Doe Orchards
327 Ayer Rd, Harvard
(978) 772-4139
Pick-your-own apples starting soon and will be daily from 10 AM - 5 PM. Note that days and hours may change as the Fall season continues; check their website or Facebook page or Instagram for the latest updates. Farm stand with apples, honey, cider, maple syrup, and pumpkins.
Westward Orchards
178 Mass Ave, Harvard
(978) 456-8787
Pick your own apples starts in early September and will be available daily 10 AM to 4 PM with orchard closing at 5pm. Cider doughnuts and farm store (please wear masks inside). Check their Facebook page or Instagram for the latest updates.
STOW
Carver Hill Orchard
101 Boxmill Rd, Stow
(978) 897-6117
Open Thursday through Sunday from 9 AM - 5 PM with last entry to the orchard at 4 PM. Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and vegetables. Farm store with picked fruit, vegetables, cider, doughnuts, cheese and baked goods. Check their Facebook page or Instagram for updated hours.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
138 Sudbury Rd, Stow
(978) 562-5666
Pick-your-own apples will be opening soon and will run 9 AM to 4 PM daily. Farm store with apples, corn, tomatoes, doughnuts, caramel apples, baked goods and ice cream. Hayrides available on weekends (extra fee). Large and small hedge mazes (additional cost) and farm animals. Check their Facebook page or Instagram for the latest update and daily specials.
Shelburne Farm
106 West Acton Rd, Stow
(978) 897-9287
Open 9 AM-5 PM daily. 100+ varieties of apples plus peaches, pears and pumpkins. Farm animals, playgrounds, hay rides, farm store and cider doughnuts. Check their Facebook page or Instagram for the latest update.
WESTFORD
Drew Farm
31 Tadmuck Rd, Westford
(978) 807-0719
Open daily 10 AM-5 PM. Apples and pumpkins. Mums available for purchase. Cider doughnuts available for purchase weekends only. Check Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.
Farmer Dave's at Hill Orchard
4 Hunt Rd, Westford
(978) 692-9894
Entrance to the pick-your-own orchard is off of Chamberlain Rd. Pick-your-own on weekends only from Labor Day to Halloween, 10 AM to 4 PM. Farmstand with picked fruit, honey, pies, vegetables, jams and more open from 10 AM-5 PM. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates, since hours/days can change.
Scanlan Orchards
22 Texas Rd, Westford
(978) 692-8881
This no-frills orchard is open weekends from 9 AM to 6 PM Labor Day through late October. 26 varieties of apples are available.
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