Vermont Apple Picking – Our Favorite Places to Harvest the Bounty

Apple picking in Vermont is as good as it gets!

There is something about the chilly fall air, the aroma of apple cider donuts, and the crispy crunch of newly fallen leaves underfoot that warms the soul. You can take pretty much any side road to find a local farm that lets you pick its bounty in the harvesting seasons, but here is a list of our team’s favorite spots to take the family for a day of apple picking and eating around Vermont.

Adams Apple Orchard and Farm Market

Adams Market is definitely a local favorite. Located in Williston, they put on a variety of activities during the fall harvest, such as a petting zoo, musical entertainment, and hands-on activities for the entire family. The market is open daily from 9am until 6pm from the end of April through December 24th. The orchard is open from September 1st through mid-October, from 10am until 5pm daily.

Chapin Orchard

Located in Essex, Chapin Orchard is a great spot to pick a variety of apples. They are open daily from 9:30am until 5:30pm from Labor Day through Halloween. Stop in (usually on Thursdays) to watch cider making in action on their renovated antique press. The orchards are within an easy walking distance of the store, but children will enjoy the tractor ride nonetheless.

Shelburne Orchards

While Shelburne Orchards primarily grows apples, they also grow other crops, such as peaches, plums, sour cherries, and table grapes. The apple picking season includes hayrides, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh pressed apple and ginger apple cider. Shelburne Orchards also distills apple brandy, with a tasting room slated to open in the 2018 season. Stop by from September 1st through late October. The orchards are open from 9am until 6pm, Monday through Friday and from 9am until 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Shelburne Orchards also sells apple trees if you would like to grow some at your home.

Burtt’s Apple Orchard

Located in Cabot, Burtt’s Apple Orchard is open daily from 9am until 6pm. In addition to apples, you can also pick your own tart cherries and pumpkins. Fresh cider doughnuts, cider, and vinegar are available at their stand. Burtt’s also offers plenty of fun for children, such as an apple slingshot, a playground, and a sandbox. Winners of the golden apple hunt will win a free doughnut.

Boyers Orchard and Cider Mill

Visit Boyer’s from 9:30am until 5pm daily from early September through late October to pick apples. Located in Monkton, Boyer’s grows and sells over 50 varieties of apples, plums, pears, and tart cherries. A variety of pies, cakes, turnovers, and breads are available in the bakery during apple season. Be sure to check out the maple sugar house, which doubles as a tasting room for the hard ciders and wines produced on the farm.

The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop

Bennington’s Apple Barn is open daily from 8:30am until 5pm from May 1st through late November. Their large red barn is packed with Vermont products, souvenirs, and delicious baked goods. Pick your own apples or berries, but save plenty of room for treats such as maple ice cream, local cheeses, and much more.

Wellwood Orchards

Wellwood Orchards is a family owned and operated farm located in Springfield. They grow a large variety of apples, plus strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, and pumpkins. Take a wagon ride to the apple orchards on weekends from Labor Day through Columbus Day. They are open from 9am until 5pm daily. Children will enjoy the petting zoo’s variety of friendly animals.

Allenholm Farm

Allenholm Farm is a seventh generation Vermont apple orchard located in South Hero. They grow 25 acres of apples plus other fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries. Allenholm is open daily from 9am until 5pm from Memorial Day weekend through December 24th. Don’t leave the farm without trying a maple creemee or homemade pie! Check out the animals in the petting zoo and rent a bike to spend the whole day exploring the island!

Hackett’s Orchard

Hackett’s Orchard is a family-owned diversified farm and market located in South Hero. They have 47 varieties of apples, fresh cider doughnuts, apple cider, cider slushies, and apple crisp. Children will enjoy a wagon ride and playing on the large playground. Check out the shop for a variety of Vermont products, such as honey, cheese, and children’s books illustrated by local artist Heidi Chamberlain.

Where is your favorite place to take the family apple picking?