Fall, the season of pumpkin spice and APPLES! Upstate New York is well-known for it’s seemingly endless vineyards coupled with a myriad of wine tours. However, once the summer comes to a close you can count on the fall to be filled with wonderful fruit filled opportunities for family and friends. Brush off those field jackets, lace up those boots, and grab a beanie for the adventure awaits!

Where: Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard – 2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084

When: Apple Hill Campus is Open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm

Picking Schedule: September to Mid October

Cost: Free to enter, free samples, and plenty of free parking. Pay for purchases.

What to do: What’s truly unique and special about this apple orchard is the “pick and stay” environment. When picking your apples there’s a pleasant little tractor ride to the designated picking areas where you’ll be met with endless rows of apples. Find your perfect tree and you’ll be all set in a matter of minutes. A bag of 15 honey crisp cost us $8 dollars (comparably, 1 of these apples at Wegmans can cost you 1.25). Instead of piling back into the car you’re encouraged to visit the many shops on Apple Hill Campus. These include the Country Store (filled with local jams, cheeses, honey, and more), the Bake Shop & Café (apple cider donuts, hot apple cider, chili, soups, salads, and more), the 1911 Tasting Room (I highly recommend sampling the Founder’s Reserved “Hopped” hard cider and for the adventurous the Horseradish Bloody Mary), and the Kids Area (with “apple ponies”, rides, and games for your little ones). Go pick and stay at the Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard.

Website: www.beakandskiff.com

Next up: Part 2 – Apple Harvest Festival & the First Peoples’ Festival