Lifestyle
5 Apple Orchards Near Boston to Spend a Day Out of the City
If you haven't noticed yet, fall in New England has officially arrived. With the changing leaves and the reemergence of a certain drink, one of the best ways to spend your weekend is to go apple picking with a group of friends.
Living in Boston may have you thinking that this is close to impossible, but there are plenty of farms that are a train and Uber ride out of the city. All of these trips cost around $20 for transportation, which isn't too bad in the grand scheme of things. Here are five apple orchards near Boston to bring some major fall vibes to your Instagram.
1. Brooksby Farm
You can get to this spot by going on the Newburyport Commuter Line from North Station and getting off at the Salem stop. From there you can take an Uber Pool for around $12 Remember, the more people you go with the more people to split the Uber Pool fare with.
This farm is a perfect spot if you want to stock up on fresh fall favorites. There's a pumpkin patch, pick your own apples, and a massive farm store packed with everything maple and apple. Make sure to see their farm animals, my favorite are the sheep.
2. Connors Farm
To get to this local favorite, you can take the Newburyport Line from North Station to the North Beverly stop. After a quick $9 Uber Pool you'll be at the autumnal wonderland that is Connor's Farm.
Fireworks, a haunted corn maze, and hayrides are only a small sampling of all of the wild and crazy things this farm has planned for this fall. I would highly recommend heading over to this spot for a day you won't forget.
3. Boston Hill Farm
A bit farther out of the city than the other farms on this list, to get to Boston Hill Farm you have to take the Haverhill Line from North Station to Andover and then order an Uber Pool that should be around $11.
That extra effort is totally worth it though, this 12 generation family owned and operated farm is promising "apple and pumpkin picking, our own homemade apple cider donuts, live music from Ronnie Chase and Russ Bennett, BBQ, petting zoo, ice cream and much more" through the end of October.
4. Belkin Family Lookout Farm
This Natick farm is one of the oldest continuously working farms in the United States, and it's only a quick train ride and an Uber away. Take the Framingham Line to Natick Center and a $6 Uber Pool, and you're at this gorgeous historic orchard.
History isn't the only thing that Belkin Family Lookout Farm is offering, however. With a plethora of produce to pick, as well as a taproom that now serves beer, this farm is a perfect spot to relax and hang out with friends.
5. Russell Orchards
This north shore farm is an $8 Uber Pool ride away from the Ipswich stop on the Newburyport Commuter Rail Line. Located in Ipswich, it's a great spot if you want to explore a classic coastal New England town.
Russell Orchards isn't only offering apples, however. Every weekend the orchard offers wine tastings at their winery, where they make everything on premises with their own fruit. With the promise of apple cider doughnuts and local wine, this spot is great for a relaxing fall outing.
If you're worried about what to do with all of the apples you pick on these outings, don't worry we've got you covered.