It’s that time of year again. As we head into autumn several area farms offer pick-your-own options to provide family fun while getting fresh, local produce.

Grab a sweater and some boots or sneakers and head to one of these locations in the area.

The small family farm at 170 Fleming Road in Meriden offers an array of fruits and vegetables, pumpkins, fresh cider, flowers and herbs. As well as the opportunity to pick-your-own from a variety of apples including Empire, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Nova and Monroe.

Check in at the farmstand. Bags can be purchased ahead of time and charged based on bag size. You will be directed to the field where picking is allowed through Nov. 28.

They are open Tuesday-Friday from noon-6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays. Phone: (203) 294-0276

The large, 300-acre family-run farm located at 141 Blue Hills Road in Wallingford offers an array of fruit including apples, pears, peaches, plums and nectarines.

With 250 acres in apple production, they also offer an opportunity to pick-your-own. Call the orchard  at (203) 269-3189 to hear what’s picking each weekend or visit their Facebook page. 

To maintain a safe number of pickers in the field for social distancing check-in to claim your spot on the wagon, which will bring you to the designated picking area and bring you back. Bring your fruit to be weighed and bought once you return from the field and enjoy. Stop by now through November.

They are open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and closed Monday-Friday. 

A family-owned farm located at 251 Wallingford Road in Cheshire offering an array of fruits including apples, peaches, plums, pears, blueberries, and quince. They also offer an opportunity to pick-your-own Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, and Sansa apples.

Once you arrive for your visit, check-in at the famstand where you’ll be directed to the rear. An instructor will go over what the farm offers, how to get around the farm and the rules. You are not required to pre-pay for the bag, but there is a 5 pound minimum. Once you return from the field bring your fruit to be weighed.

Stop by now through November. They are open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call the orchard or check the website for daily changes. If visiting the orchard with a group larger than 5 people, call for reservations. Phone: (203) 272-7985

A family farm located at 466 Academy Road in Cheshire offering an array of fruit including apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, and blueberries, cider, fresh and frozen pies, flowers, hay and more. 

They also offer an opportunity to pick-your-own Gala, honey crisp, and Granny Smith apples.

Check-in at the farmstand where you’ll be directed by a staff member. There is a 20-minute hay ride that brings you to the field and back. You’ll be charged per pound for your bag. 

Stop by now through November. They are open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call the orchard or check the website for daily changes or what is available.  Phone: (203) 272-8418

A small orchard located at 500 S. Meriden Road in Cheshire offering an array of fruits and vegetables, donuts, pies, fresh cider and ice cream – all made fresh.

They also offer an opportunity to pick-your-own from 8 different varieties of apples. And recently they planted 200 more so they will have 12/13 varieties of apples in the future.

Once you arrive for your visit, head to the famstand where you can grab your bag. You are not required to pre-pay for the bag. Head down to the field and get to picking. There are a few staff members out in the field to answer any questions. Head back to the farm when your done, have your bag weighed and enjoy your fresh crisp delicious apples. 

Stop by now through late Oct. They are open Wednesday-Sunday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. and Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Phone: 203-439-0783

The large, 1,100 acre family-owned and run farm located at 105 South St. in Middlefield grows and offers fruits and vegetables including apples, pears, squash and raspberries, bakery products, apple cider, specialty foods, flowers, deli products, and creamery.

With 30,000 apple trees spread over 100 acres, they grow 27 varieties of apples including Ginger Gold, Paula Red, and Ruby Red (Free-Red) in the early season & others like Jonamac, McIntosh, and Granny Smith. 

Once you arrive for your visit pre-pay for your container provided by the facility. Head down to the field and enjoy.

Stop by now through mid-November. They are open Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information and updates on picking conditions, call the 24-hour PYO hotline at 860-349-6015. 

The 275-acre, family-owned and run farm operates two farmstand locations. The Shuttle Meadow Farm Store is located at 336 Long Bottom Road in Southington and the Sunnymount Farm Store is located at 2876 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Plantsville.

They grow and offer fruits including apples, pears and peaches, and bakery products and more.

The orchards grow 20 varieties of apples offer an opportunity to pick-your-own including McIntosh, Gala, Jonamac, Macoun, Courtland, and Honey Crisp. Varieties vary by location. Check the website or call for a map of varieties available that weekend.

Once you arrive for your visit at the designated pick-your-own spot down the street from the store, pre-pay for your bag with the attendant in the box and head down to the field. Pick your apples and enjoy.

Stop by now through November. They are open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Monday-Thursday. Call the Shuttle Meadow Farm Store (860) 229-4240 or the Sunnymount Farm Store (203) 879-1206 for more information.

An orchard located at 894 Andrews St. in Southington offering an opportunity to pick-your-own apples including Zestar, Ginger Gold, Honey Crisp, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Northern Spy and Gold Rush.

Once you arrive for your visit pre-pay for your bag at the outside register or inside the store. The apples can only be placed in Karabin Farms 1 peck or 1/2 bushel bags. Then head down to the field, pick your apples and enjoy.

​Stop by now through October. They are open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting); and closed Monday-Thursday. Phone: (860)620-0194

The Hickories Farm: 136 Lounsbury Road. in Ridgefield.

Roberts Orchards: 125 Hill St. in Bristol

Belltown Hill Orchards: 483 Matson Hill Road in S. Glastonbury

chooks@record-journal.com

203-317-2279