Head Out Into the Fresh Air and Pick Some Apples at These 8 Long Island Farms

As the sun sets on summer and autumn approaches on Long Island, area residents flock to the East End to celebrate the change of seasons with a perennial favorite family activity: Apple picking.

So load up the car, make room for bushels of apples, and don’t forget to grab some fresh, homemade apple cider donuts and wash them down with some cider. Of course, don’t forget your masks and be prepared to follow social distancing mandates meant to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Hank’s Pumpkintown
The apple orchard will open for the season on September 12 with social distancing and mask requirements in place. The orchard offers a wide variety of apples and posts weekly updates showing which kinds will be available for picking.
Location: 240 Montauk Highway, Watermill

Harbes Family Farm and Orchard
Apple picking returned this month and September also brings the return of the annual Apple Harvest on September 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It features a corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides and more. All guests (except children 2 and under and those with special needs) are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Location: 5698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead

Lewin Farms
Enjoy locally grown fresh apples starting in late August throughout October. Customers can call to find out about U-Pick date availability from day-to-day. Guests must maintain social distancing and anyone with symptoms will not be allowed to enter the fields.
Location: 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton

Milk Pail Farm
The Milk Pail Farm apple season starts on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and runs through October. It’s open Fridays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with over 20 apple varieties for picking.
Location: 1346 Montauk Highway, Watermill

Seven Ponds Orchard
The orchard is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for U-Pick apples and berries. The farmers market also offers freshly baked goods for sale.
Location: 65 Seven Ponds Road, Watermill

Wickham’s Fruit Farm
Apple picking will be available throughout October and is usually scheduled Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The farm recommends calling ahead in the morning to confirm whether or not U-Pick will be open and check fruit availability. Masks and social distancing are required in the fields.
Location: 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue

Windy Acres Farm
The farm stand is open as is the U-Pick, although it’s best to check their Facebook page for updates on what fruits are available and what time they will be opening.
Location: 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton

Woodside Orchards
The orchards are expected to open for apple picking in mid-September and remain open through Columbus Day weekend. The Aquebogue location is open 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, while Jamesport is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There’s outdoor seating compliant with COVID-19 restrictions for hard cider tastings, cookies and doughnuts. Masks are required.
Location: 729 Main Road, Aquebogue and 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Long Island Press. Click here to see the original story.

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