It's Apple Picking Season!

Believe it or not, a supermarket apple can sit up to 14 months before finding its way to into your trolley. Sure, it’s red and shiny, but the shine is probably sprayed-on wax. And the uniform, unblemished skin is no guarantee of great taste.

Compare that apple to a perfectly ripened one picked straight from the tree, and, well, there’s no comparison. Think apples and oranges.

The good news is there are three orchards in Hartford County that offer pick-your-own (PYO) apples and the season is now.

Apple picking is a great way to start off the fall season. It is a wonderful event for the family that pleases both children and adults. It is something to do outside before the weather turns cold, and the added bonus, you get to climb trees!

Not to mention, most of the farms have quaint little stores full of Halloween decorations, baked goods like pies and cider donuts and lots of apple cider. Some of them will also carry mums and local fruits and vegetables that are still in season.

There are quite a few places to pick apples in our area. Here are a few:

Clark Farm at Bushy Hill Orchard              
29 Bushy Hill Road
Granby, CT  06035
860-653-4022
Over 15 varieties of PYO apples. Wagon rides, fresh cider, & donuts. Blueberries, peaches in fall, raspberries, bakery & ice cream.

Karabin Farms             
894 Andrews Street
Southington, CT  06489
860-620-0194
Scenic wagon ride to PYO apples & pumpkins, Sat. and Sun., Sept. and Oct. Christmas trees weekends Dec. Country store open daily Apr.-Dec. Weekends Jan.-Mar.

Lost Acres Orchard              
130 Lost Acres Road
North Granby, CT  06060
860-653-6600
PYO apples, wagon rides on weekends in Sept. & Oct. Farm store and bakery open all year. Fresh-picked fruit in season. Three major quilt events a year. Call for hours.

Rogers Orchards - Shuttle Meadow Farm             
336 Long Bottom Road
Southington, CT  06489
860-229-4240
PYO apples. Fun for the whole family, kids too! Fri.-Sun. & Mon. holidays in Sept & Oct. 10-5 weather permitting. Farm market with pies & cider donuts.

Rogers Orchards-Sunnymount Farm             
2876 Meriden-Waterbury Road
Southington, CT  06489
203-879-1206
PYO apples. Fun for the whole family, kids too! Fri.-Sun. & Mon. holidays in Sept & Oct. 10-5 weather permitting. Farm market with pies & cider donuts.

Information about pick-your-own farms is taken from the state Department of Agriculture website. You can find more information about area farms there. Not only does it list the farms in each county, but you can find pumpkin patches, corn mazes, Christmas tree farms, fruit festivals and more. According to the site, peaches, pears and rasberries are also still in season, so you might be able to pick those as well.

Please let us know if you have another pick your own farm or orchard to recommend.