Apple lovers head to Orange County for peak harvest season

GOSHEN — The Hudson Valley is known for its tasty apples, and this season has yielded a bumper crop.
The apples are ripe for the picking in September and apple growers are opening their orchards to crowds looking to pick their own. There are more than 25 varieties of apples grown on over 1,000 acres, and the activities offered are just as vast.
In the heart of Orange County’s apple picking country, the three-day Sugar Loaf Fall Festival draws visitors from near and far. This year’s festival will be held on Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 7, 8,and 9. The event features food, craft vendors, live music and a beer garden.
Popular pick-your-own orchards include:
Pennings Orchard169 State Route 94 South, Warwick
Pick your own apples and pumpkins daily, September through October. Activities include farm market, beer garden, pumpkin fields, hayrides, farm animals, kiddie maze and more.
www.PenningsOrchard.com
Soons Orchard23 Soons Circle (just off Route 17M), New Hampton
More than 50 varieties of home grown apples, peaches, nectarines, apple cider and vegetables. Enjoy homemade pies, cookies, and donuts. Fall weekends include hayrides.
www.SoonsOrchards.com
Apple Ridge Orchards101 Jessup Road, Warwick
Many varieties to pick while enjoying breathtaking scenery. Tractor-pulled hay wagon rides, pet and feed friendly farm animals, corn maze and famous observation hives on site.
www.AppleRidgeOrchards.com
Apple Dave’s82 Four Corners Road, Warwick
Free wagon rides and puppet show. Winery, picnic area, farm animals, herb and rose gardens. Relax by the ponds or sample the latest creations of the Distillery and Applewood Winery.
www.AppleDavesOrchards.com
Overlook Farm Market5417 Route 9W, Newburgh
Fall weekends feature hay maze, petting zoo and fishing at the pond. Bakery and deli on site. Four miles north of I-84. Promises a “no-razz-a-ma-tazz” experience to enjoy nature without the crowds.
www.OverlookFarmMarket.com
Masker Orchards45 Ball Road, Warwick
Drive right to the tree and bring your picnic gear for an idyllic day in the country. Live music, pony rides, country store. For the kids, there are barnyard baby animals, pony rides and wagon rides.
www.Maskers.com