The autumn season wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins and apples. Choose the perfect pumpkin and pick your own apples at these local spots that are great for the whole family.
Equinox Valley Nursery
Manchester
Ideal for children, head to the yearly Pumpkin Carving Festival on Oct. 15 or stop by any day to pick out pumpkins, snack on cider donuts, take a wagon ride, and explore the corn maze. 802-362-2610 or www.equinoxvalleynursery.com
Mad Tom Orchard
East Dorset
Just 15 minutes from the center of Manchester, tucked away at the top of Mad Tom Road, find a picturesque apple orchard with numerous pick-your-own varieties that ripen at various times throughout the season. 802-366-8107 or www.madtomorchard.com
Gaines Farm
Guilford
A destination in itself located off I-91. Head to the farm for pumpkins, farm animals, haunted hayrides, an intricate corn maze, pumpkin bowling, a corn cannon, twilight maze walks, their farm store, and lots of memories. 802-257-0409 or www.gainesfarm.com
Hicks Orchard
Granville, NY
As summer changes into fall, Hicks Orchard wraps up their pick-your-own cherries season and welcomes crowds looking for their famous cider and cider donuts. Adults, go for the apple woodfired pizza and hard cider tastings. Bring the kids for apple picking, activities, games, wagon rides, and animals. 518-642-1788 or www.hicksorchard.com
Wellwood Orchards
Springfield
Catch a free wagon ride out into the orchard at Wellwood, which grows more than 20 varieties of apples. Take the time to visit their country store featuring local cheese, fresh donuts, honey, and more Vermont products. 802-263-5200 or www.wellwoodorchards.net
Scott Farm Orchard
Dummerston
This extensive property features not only more than 100 different varieties of apples available for picking, but also grows produce like sweet pears, quince, plums, berries, peaches, apricots, and pumpkins. Make a trip out of it and stay in one of the historic accommodations, including an old sugarhouse or Rudyard Kipling’s home. 802-254-6868 or www.scottfarmvermont.com
Dwight Miller Orchards
East Dummerston
A detour off Route 30 in the Springfield area is well worth it for pick-your-own organic apples and a visit to this farm stand. Look for signature items like apple cider vinegar, homemade jams, dill pickles, eggs, pasture-raised pork, and maple syrup. 802-254-9111 or www.dwightmillerorchards.com