Local farms offer hands-on harvesting
New York state has more than 700 apple growers and some 10 million apple trees. Dutchess Tourism compiled a list of area farms offering apple and pumpkin picking.
Fishkill Farms at 9 Fishkill Farm Road in Hopewell Junction offers 17 varieties of apples plus fruits, vegetables and pasture-raised eggs. On weekends, enter on East Hook Road. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free but there is a $5 per car charge on weekends and holidays. Call 845-897-4377 or visit fishkillfarms.com.
Meadowbrook Farm at 29 Old Myers Corners Road in Wappinger Falls, a three-generation family farm and market, has apple-cider donuts, cider, sweet corn, tomatoes, salsa, homemade pies and baked goods, eggs, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Pick your own on weekends only. Call 845-297-3002 or visit meadowbrookfarmmarket.com.
In addition, Adams Fairacre Farms on Route 9 in Wappinger will host its annual Harvest Fest on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting for children. Call 845-454-4330 or visit adamsfarms.com.
