The leaves are finally turning, the air is crisp and Rhode Islanders are pulling on their sweaters— it’s fall in li’l Rhody. With autumn comes the most popular activity of the season: apple picking. However, this year has been a difficult one for apples and apple orchards. With the extreme dry weather and sudden cold fronts in spring, not to mention a major gypsy moth outbreak, Northeast apple crops suffered, turning out a smaller crop this year than expected. This affects not only the farmers, but eager apple pickers across New England too.
With fewer apples and a shorter picking season for 2016, we’ve rounded up an abbreviated list of orchards that still have apples for the picking (as of October 12). Get out there while you can!
Pippin Orchard
Founded in 1964, Cranston’s own Pippin Orchard offers more than just apple picking. You’ll find veggies, homemade salsa and baked goodies year ‘round. This week there are still apples available. Pick from 10 to 4 daily, for just $24 a (big) bag. Count us in!
751 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston
401.943.7096
facebook.com/PippinOrchard
Hill Orchards
Known for hayrides through the apple trees, Hill Orchards is open on weekends through the end of October for pick-your-own apples. Different varieties are ripe at different times, so check out their website for the details on what your weekend has in store. 10 to 5 on weekends and holidays.
86 Winsor Avenue, Johnston
401.949.2940
HillOrchards.com
Barden Family Orchard
Barden Family Orchard is open daily at 9 am for apple and pumpkin picking. Sip on some cider as you stroll through the trees—you may even come across the perfect spot for a picnic. Pick-your-own or buy apples, cider and more in their indoor farm stand. Barden Family Orchard is as picturesque as you can get.
56 Elmdale Road, North Scituate
401.934.1413
BardenFamilyOrchard.com
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm is a pick-your-own’s dream. Berries in the summertime, apples and pumpkins in the fall, your trip to Middletown will be well worth it. Throw in some yummy baked goods, a gourmet market and beautiful flowers, and your house will be Rhody-farm-ready!
915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown
401.847.3912
SweetBerryFarmRI.com
Young Family Farm
A Little Compton treasure, Young Family Farm is committed to providing fresh fruits and veggies to the community, donating thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food banks. Combined with sustainable growing practices, Young Family Farm sets a new standard for farming in Rhode Island. Go see for yourself this fall!
260 W Main Road, Little Compton
401.635.0110
YoungFamilyFarm.com
If you’ve got another orchard for our 2016 “still picking” list, email us at: digital@ediblerhody.com!