Within the past few months I have been to a fair share of farms.  I’m always looking for an activity for the boys and I to do and going apple and pumpkin picking were on the top of my fall list. We enjoyed each and every orchard we traveled to for a different reason. There are still an abundance of farms to explore but I think we’ll save those for another season!

Old Bishops Orchard, Cheshire Connecticut

After years of renovations, Old Bishops Orchard re-opened this season. Being one of the only handicap accessible farms in Connecticut, you can pick your own berries and pumpkins and mums are available to purchase. We indulged in warm apple cider donuts fresh from the oven and freshly churned ice cream that was one of the best scoops I’ve ever had (went with the classic chocolate)! Apple pies were ordered to go so we could enjoy at home! Not only did we have a great time but the owners were so sweet and kind and made you feel right at home. The farm is opened through December where you can purchase Christmas trees so there is still plenty of time to plan your adventure. Specialty : Country Market Treats.

Hickory Hill Orchards, Cheshire Connecticut

Hickory Hill has been operating for over 35 years and it shows. The farm is known for their 33 acre apple orchard and there are helpers along the whole way to guide you in the right direction. You’ll want to grab a red wagon and a few bags for apple picking on top of the hill as the bags fill up and become heavy quickly.  As you descend on your journey down the trail, you’ll pass a variety of apple trees ready to be picked.  The fallen ones are yours to try!  Specialty : Apple Picking.

Old Cider Mill, Glastonbury Connecticut

If you are looking for one apple cider donut this season, Old Cider Mill is it. There is a little trailer prepared with hot apple fritters coated in cinnamon sugar. Best I’ve ever had. They are crunchy on the outside and warm and crumbly on the outside. The trailer is cash only but the market will do cash back. There is a petting zoo for the kids and pumpkins and apples to buy. Specialty : Apple Fritters.

Jones Family Farm, Shelton Connecticut

At Jones Family Farm, there are two areas to enjoy: the Winery and the Pumpkin Patch.  Although the winery looked super cute, with two kids in tow and a bedtime quickly approaching, we only headed to the pumpkin patch.  Make sure you put in Pumpkinseed Hill into your GPS if you are just looking for pumpkins as there are two destinations about 5-10 minutes apart (we made that mistake!) The patch is very kid-friendly with many wooden houses and structures set up for play, a zoo of animals to watch, a corn maze to run around, hay rides and a real life pumpkin patch.  It’s a place you can really spend all day. If you cannot make it to the winery just like us, there is a mini vineyard house with bottles of Jones Family Wine set up to buy and take home (even though I gravitate towards red, I went with the white because the label caught my eye).  Specialty : Pumpkin Patch and Kid Friendly Activities.

Silverman’s Farm, Easton Connecticut

Silverman’s has the total farm experience.  With a country market, pumpkins, and apples to pick, you can check all the fall boxes and begin your decorating. A petting zoo sits right across the street where there are goats, buffalo, geese and many more animals to see. You can even buy a bucket of food for $5 to feed the animals which James loves to do! On certain weekends you can take a tractor ride around the grounds, seeing foliage on the 50 mile view. Specialty : Everything in one place.