Travel Guides Weekend Getaways
Laura Jones
Fall is one of the best times of year for those of us with a sweet tooth. On Halloween, the average American eats 3.4 pounds of candy (and we say, “Have at it!”). However, if you’re looking for something with a little less sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth in the run-up to October 31, apple picking is where it’s at. This classic fall activity isn’t just about eating apples, though. It’s about being outdoors in the crisp air, hanging out as a family, and taking part in other fall activities that apple-picking farms often offer.
There are hundreds of places you can pick apples all across America, but one destination in New England stands out above the others: Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, Massachusetts. This lovely farm is run by father-daughter team Andrew and Chelcie Martin, who manage 186 acres of fruit crops. The farm also offers a wealth of fall-themed entertainment for adults and children alike.
Apples, hay rides and mazes
Honey Pot Hill publishes a fruit schedule (subject to change; fruit isn’t always punctual), so you can head to the farm when your favorite apple varieties are ready to be picked. The Vista Bella variety is ready in late July, and the season runs right through to December when the Evercrisp variety ripens. You can also pick blueberries, peaches, and plums from late summer into fall. To pick your own, simply choose how big a bag you want to fill and head into the lush orchards.
When your bag is full — or your kids are bored — it’s time to check out some of the other activities Honey Pot Hill has to offer. There are hayrides on the weekends, three mazes to get lost in, and farm animals, including mini ponies and goats, to see. You can buy cider and donuts in the farm store, and on weekends, there’s a hard cider tent with live music playing.
