New Paltz, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is a picturesque destination for those seeking a delightful apple picking experience. From late August to October, this region becomes a playground for apple enthusiasts as orchards open their doors to visitors who eagerly explore the vast, sun-kissed fields in search of the perfect fruit. With a variety of orchards to choose from and several apple types to discover, New Paltz offers a memorable adventure that perfectly captures the essence of the autumn season.
Apple Picking in New Paltz
Situated in the heart of the Hudson Valley, New Paltz is a charming town known for its delightful fall tradition – apple picking. From late August through October, both residents and tourists can indulge in a variety of apple types available at numerous orchards. During this season, apple enthusiasts can experience peak ripeness, savoring the freshest and most flavorful apples the region has to offer.
Exploring Apple Picking in New Paltz, New York
Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, New Paltz offers an array of striking landscapes, fascinating history, and recreational activities, with apple picking being a prominent favorite. The town is home to several quaint orchards, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy a fun-filled day as they explore the diverse and scrumptious flavors of New York State apples.
Dressel Farms
One such popular apple-picking destination in New Paltz is the Dressel Farms, which has been a family-owned and operated business since 1957. Spread over 400 acres, it offers a wide variety of apples, including McIntosh, Empire, Honeycrisp, and more. Apple picking at Dressel Farms is available from September to October, at a pricing of $22 per 1/2 bushel bag. Apart from the apples, the farm also offers pick-your-own strawberries, pumpkins, and further features a farm stand with fresh produce, homemade ice creams, and apple cider.
Wilken’s Fruit and Fir Farm
Wilken’s Fruit and Fir Farm, located just a short drive from New Paltz, is another great option for a family outing. Established in 1916, this 180-acre farm specializes in growing apples, peaches, and pumpkins. A dozen apple varieties are available for picking at Wilken’s, such as Gala, Fuji, and the much-loved Golden Delicious. Apple picking prices vary depending on the bag size, with half-peck bags starting at $15. In addition to apple picking, visitors can also enjoy tractor rides, a bakery, and a new activity for 2021: a sunflower maze.
Jenkins and Lueken Orchards
Similarly, Jenkins and Lueken Orchards is another family favorite in New Paltz. Established in the 1960s, it covers over one hundred acres of land and grows a variety of fruit such as apples, pumpkins, and tomatoes. Apple varieties available for picking include Macoun, Jonagold, and Crimson Crisp, among others. The specific pricing of apple picking varies according to supply and demand, but typically ranges between $14 and $30. Additional activities offered on the farm include fun hayrides and picturesque picnic areas.
Twin Star Orchards: A Unique Apple Picking Experience in New Paltz
Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, New Paltz, New York, Twin Star Orchards has been offering a unique and delightful apple-picking experience since 1979. With over 200 acres of land and 30 apple varieties, visitors can savor the rich flavors of New York State apples such as Goldrush, Baldwin, and RubyFrost. Apple picking costs $1.25 per pound, with a $5 minimum per person. Twin Star Orchards also offers wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and a tasting room for local craft beverages, including hard ciders and wines.
Explore More Orchards in the Scenic New Paltz Area
Extend your apple picking adventure by visiting other popular apple orchards in the picturesque New Paltz area. Dressel Farms, Jenkins & Lueken Orchards, and Wilklow Orchards are all within a short drive of each other and offer a variety of apples to pick throughout the season. As you enjoy the crisp, cool air and the bounty of apples, don’t forget to taste the fresh apple cider and warm cider doughnuts, which are a favorite among visitors.
Explore the surrounding New Paltz area
A visit to the historic Huguenot Street should not be missed, as it is a National Historic Landmark district featuring seven original stone houses dating back to the early 1700s. The street offers guided tours, events, and a glimpse into the history of the area. Additionally, the Mohonk Preserve boasts beautiful hiking trails and gorgeous views of the Shawangunk Ridge and Mohonk Mountain House. If you’re in search of some local art, the Unison Arts Center showcases sculptures and various exhibitions.
Dining options in New Paltz
When hunger strikes, New Paltz has no shortage of delicious dining options. For a casual lunch, head over to the Main Street Bistro, known for their homemade soups and sandwiches. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, A Tavola Trattoria offers farm-to-table Italian cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients. For dessert, visit Krause’s Chocolates, a family-owned candy shop that has been a New Paltz staple for over four generations.
New Paltz Events and Festivals
Throughout the apple season, New Paltz also hosts various events and festivals that showcase their local harvest and community. In late September, the Taste of New Paltz festival celebrates local businesses and the flavors of the region, with local restaurants, wineries, and breweries participating. In October, the Hudson Valley Apple Harvest Festival offers ongoing apple-picking adventures, live music, food trucks, and crafts vendors perfect for a fall weekend.
Fall Getaway in New Paltz
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of autumn than by taking a day trip to New Paltz, a charming town located in the Hudson Valley region of New York. With an abundance of activities including scenic hikes, historical walks, and the simple pleasure of apple picking in the crisp fall air, New Paltz offers something for everyone during this picturesque season.
Apple Picking: A New Paltz Staple
One of the most popular attractions during the fall season in New Paltz is apple picking, as the area’s fertile soil and unique microclimate provide the perfect conditions for cultivating a vast variety of apples. Following your day of adventure, indulge in the delightful tradition of sinking your teeth into fresh, hand-picked apples, creating a seamless connection between the natural beauty and culinary experiences that New Paltz has to offer.
The McIntosh Apple
Among these varieties, the McIntosh apple is known for its bright red and green skin, with a tender white flesh. Its mildly tart and sweet flavor makes it perfect for eating fresh, as well as for making delicious applesauce or apple butter.
The Honeycrisp Apple
Another popular apple variety in New Paltz is the Honeycrisp. This apple boasts a crunchy texture and a unique honey-sweet taste with a hint of tartness. It is an excellent choice for snacking, but it’s also terrific in a salad or cooked dish, as it retains its shape and texture when heated. The Honeycrisp apple is also a favorite for its long shelf life, making it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of fresh fruit for an extended period.
The Cortland Apple
The Cortland apple is yet another favorite variety that you can find at the orchards in New Paltz. Known for its juiciness, crisp texture, and sweet-tart flavor, the Cortland apple is perfect for fresh snacking, salads, and baking, thanks to its ability to resist browning after being sliced. Its mild flavor also makes it suitable for pairing with other apple varieties in recipes like pies, crisps, and strudels.
The Empire Apple
Empire apples, a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious varieties, are also commonly grown in the New Paltz region. These firm, crisp apples have a sweet-tart taste and are incredibly juicy, making them ideal for snacking and salads. Their level of sweetness also lends itself well to baking, as it brings out a delicious, natural flavor that complements many dessert recipes.
The Gala Apple in New Paltz
One of the most popular apple varieties found in New Paltz’s orchards is the Gala apple. This versatile fruit is known for its thin skin and fine-textured, sweet flesh, making it an ideal snacking apple, particularly for children. Its capability to hold its shape well when baked also makes it perfect for pies, crisps, and tarts. With a great variety of apples in New Paltz, people from all around come to experience an unmatched apple-picking adventure, satisfying the tastes and preferences of every apple enthusiast.
Preparing for Apple Picking in New Paltz
When setting out for an apple-picking adventure in New Paltz, it’s important to choose the right clothing to ensure a comfortable experience. Since apple picking occurs mainly during the fall season, the weather can vary from sunny and warm to cold and rainy. To accommodate unpredictable weather conditions, it’s wise to dress in layers to easily adapt to changing temperatures. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes with good traction for navigating the uneven terrain in the orchards.
Proper Apple Picking Etiquette
In addition to dressing appropriately, it is crucial to follow proper apple picking etiquette to ensure a successful outing. When picking apples, be sure to gently twist and lift the fruit from the branch, rather than tugging or yanking it off. This prevents damage to the tree and future crops, as well as keeping the apples in good condition for consumption. It is also wise to pick apples from the outside of the tree first, as these tend to ripen earlier than the fruit closer to the trunk. Look for firm apples with a consistent color, avoiding those with bruises or noticeable soft spots.
Bringing the Right Gear for Apple Picking
Bringing the right gear with you to the apple orchard will also enhance your apple picking experience. Many orchards provide apple bags or baskets for visitors, but it is always a good idea to bring your own just in case they run out or charge a fee for using their containers. Canvas bags or sturdy baskets with handles work well for carrying your apples, as they spread the weight evenly and prevent bruising. If you plan on picking a large amount of apples, consider using a wagon or wheelbarrow for easier transport.
Researching Apple Varieties and Arrival Time
Before heading out to the apple orchards in New Paltz, be sure to research the specific types of apples that are in season during your visit. Different apple varieties have different harvest times, so knowing which types will be available will help you plan your trip accordingly. Additionally, consider arriving at the orchard early in the day to beat the crowds and have the best selection of apples to choose from.
Enjoying Activities at New Paltz Apple Orchards
In New Paltz, apple orchards offer a variety of fun activities for the general public to enjoy during the apple picking season. Many orchards in this quaint New York town not only provide a bountiful harvest of apples, but also exciting amenities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. To make the most out of your apple picking experience in New Paltz, be sure to explore and take advantage of these activities. Being well-prepared and following these tips will ensure a successful and memorable outing
Apple-Themed Attractions in New Paltz
Beyond the popular apple picking activities at the local orchards, New Paltz offers an abundance of apple-related experiences and products during the fall season. As you continue exploring the area, be sure to check out the numerous delicious and entertaining apple-themed attractions that bring even more charm to this picturesque town in New York.
Apple Ciders
A trip to New Paltz would not be complete without experiencing some of the delicious apple ciders the region has to offer. Local cideries such as Kettleborough Cider House and Twin Star Orchards offer a wide range of cider flavors, from classic dry and sweet varieties to more unique blends with added spices and other fruits. Visitors can enjoy tastings at these establishments or simply relax with a glass of their preferred cider while taking in the beautiful scenery. Many local restaurants and bars also feature these locally-produced ciders on their menus, so it’s easy to get a taste of New Paltz’s apple pride.
Baked Goods
When it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than the many bakeries in the New Paltz area that specialize in mouthwatering apple pies and other baked goods. One such local favorite is The Bakery, which offers an array of delightful apple-based treats and has even been dubbed the “unofficial village French patisserie”. Apple lovers can indulge in their classic apple pie, a French-style apple tart, or perhaps even an apple fritter. Each creation is made with apples handpicked from the nearby orchards, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful results.
Apple-Themed Souvenirs
For those looking to take home a unique apple-themed souvenir, New Paltz boasts an assortment of shops that carry a selection of gifts reflecting the region’s apple heritage. Visit the various farm markets and orchards in the area during your apple picking excursions and you’ll find an array of apple-themed home décor, kitchenware, and other fun items that make perfect keepsakes or gifts for friends and family. Some local artisans even create beautiful, handcrafted apple wood products that are as functional as they are visually stunning.
Apple Events and Festivals
In addition to apple picking, ciders, and delicious baked goods, the New Paltz area is home to many fun, apple-related events throughout the season. Each year in October, the town hosts the popular Apple Harvest Festival which celebrates the bounty of the local apple harvest. This family-friendly event features apple tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, and also crafts for kids. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos at some of the local farms during the harvest season, making for a perfect day filled with apple-themed fun for all ages.
Embarking on an apple picking journey in New Paltz will undoubtedly leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for this classic fall activity. By taking the time to familiarize oneself with the different apple varieties and the local orchards that cultivate them, guests will be equipped to have an enjoyable and fruitful day. Whether it’s strolling through the lush apple orchards, savoring delectable apple-based treats, or discovering unique apple-themed souvenirs, an autumn day spent in New Paltz is sure to create lasting memories to treasure for years to come.
