One of the best ways to spend a fall afternoon is picking your own apples. There are some great
Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck
orchards and farms with pick-your-own apples in the area, and Jersey Shore Style has some picks for you! Remember, wherever you’re going, call the orchard before you leave – there’s a chance they won’t be available for pick-your-own, due to lack of supply or weather or any other condition! Most orchards also only accept cash, so make sure to have some on hand.
Why should apples be a staple of your fall diet? Aside from the numerous health benefits, apples are an easy, portable snack. NJ Health and Beauty has a great primer on locally-grown apples, along with a handy list of the type of apples should be used for baking, eating, etc.
Eastmont Orchards (Colts Neck): Eastmont is open to pick-your-own customers beginning around mid-July and ending around the beginning of November. Currently, they have apples and pumpkins up for picking – click for the appropriate schedule. Their phone number is 732.542.5404; listen for the constantly-updated automated response to find out what’s growing that day. Afterwards, head over to Delicious Orchards up the road for some fresh apple cider and shopping!
Battleview Orchards (Freehold): Battleview harvest locally grown fruits. Right now, apples and pumpkins are in-season – view their pick-your-own schedule for more detailed information. Their famous Country Store has a bakery, gourmet foods, gift baskets, fresh produce, and fresh apple cider and cider donuts. Additionally, the orchard will be offering hayrides beginning the weekend of September 24th and lasting through October. Give them a call at 732.462.0756.
Terhune Orchards (Princeton): Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, cider, pies, farm animals, field trips, farm market, gift baskets and more can be found at the Mount Family’s 200 fruit- and vegetable-producing acres. The farm also offers Fall Family Fun Weekends until the end of October: from 10am – 5pm, visit the orchards for pony and wagon rides, a corn stalk maze, and a barnyard full of animals! Admission is $5 (children under 3 are free); the Farm Store and winery are open without admission. Plus, aside from the apples and pumpkins, the farm is currently growing their fall raspberries – get some while you still can! Check out their pick schedule and call them at 609.924.2310.