Stargazing, Quince Festival, Dog Days, Chocolate Tastings, Gingerbread House Competition, and More: New England Fall Events Top Picks for Nov 4-10, 2015

Once Halloween comes and goes we can't help but feel a little wistful as the fall event schedule begins to narrow and most events move indoors. We're never happy to bid farewell to our beloved harvest events and outdoor festivals!

We've pulled together a list of some worthy events for this coming weekend and we hope you will take advantage of the variety of activities while we have them.

At this point in the fall season, we here at New England Fall Events will turn our attention towards event wrap ups from our many events we attended. We'll keep publishing over the next few months and we'll remind you of these special festivals again as we get closer to their return next year.

Thank you all for your support of New England Fall Events all season long! We were proud to double our fall event listing this year to include over 1200 individual New England events on our schedule.

Our local farms, museums, theatres, community centers, seasonal businesses, and local attractions keep raising the bar each season and we continue to be impressed by the range of fantastic activities and festivals for celebrating our favorite time of year.

New England Fall Events also is very fortunate to have two more contributing bloggers this year who made it possible for us to cover more of New England and even greater variety of events this season--thank you to Shel Tscherne and Deb Wojicki for their time, energy, and shared enthusiasm for our region, our local traditions, and for bringing the best of the season to our wonderful fans.

New England Fall Events' Top Recommendations for this Weekend's Fall Fun

As the fall event season draws to a close, we still have a solid selection of activities for this coming weekend. You'll find more events on our website and a smattering of events in the coming weeks (but not nearly as many as we approach Thanksgiving).
Here are our Weekend's Top Picks (as always, you'll find even more online). 

Here are our recommended activities for November 3rd-10th, 2015:

Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas Exhibit
Guilford, CT       Click for details
Wednesday through Sunday,
November 4th - December 13th, 2015

Lakes Region Uncorked
Meredith, NH       Click for details
Thursday, November 5th, 2015

Stargazing Night At Frosty Drew Observatory
Charlestown, RI       Click for details
Friday, November 6th, 2015

RI Comic Con 2015
Providence, RI       Click for details
Friday through Sunday, November 6-8th, 2015

CraftWestport 
Westport, CT       Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, November 7th & 8th, 2015

Quince Festival at White Silo Winery
Sherman, CT       Click for details
Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Christmas Festival and Gingerbread House Competition
Boston, MA       Click for details
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 6-8th, 2015

Free Friday at the The Discovery Museums
Acton, MA       Click for details
Friday, November 6th, 2015

Family Autism Event at Children's Museum in Easton
North Easton, MA       Click for details
Friday, November 6th, 2015

Three Centuries of Thanksgiving Tour at Strawbery Banke
Portsmouth, NH       Click for details

Saturdays and Sundays, November 7th & 8th, 2015

Bounty: Thanksgiving at Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA       Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, November 7th & 8th, 2015

Cordials and Chocolates Class at Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury, NH       Click for details
Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Spirits in the House 1960s Retro Party
West Hartford, CT       Click for details
Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Dog Days at Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge, MA       Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, November 7 & 8th, 2015

Victorian Tea at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion
Norwalk, CT       Click for details
Sunday, November 8th, 2015

Wagon Ride Weekends at Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock, VT       Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, November 7th & 8th, 2015

Heading out for some fall fun this weekend? 

Need help mapping out where to go? New England Fall Events’ state page maps are handy for scrolling and spotting farms near home or near your road-trip destination.

Find Orchard and fall attraction maps for
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine,

Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they'll begin to close for the season.

Guide to Dog-Friendly Fall Events Across New England

During the fall we know that it can be tricky to spend a whole day at a harvest fair or pumpkin festival when you have a furry friend at home. We can relate--we're pet people too!
Why not enjoy some fall fun with your pooch?

We've drawn up a list of top New England fall events and festivals that welcome your leashed pup to come along.

We promise we're not being species-ist but most of the social pet events are geared for your sweet doggies

Remember to check out our list of dog-friendly apple orchards and farms in New England as well as the etiquette tips for bringing your pup along.


Friday, August 12th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Sunday, August 14th, 2016
Hounds and Sounds Music Fest
Uxbridge, MA
Click for details

Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Paws for a Cause at LL Bean Discovery Park
Freeport, ME
Click for details

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
Dog Days at the Maple Street Pool
Essex Junction, VT
Click for details

Saturday, September 3rd, 2016
Bow Wow Bark in the Park
Bristol, CT
Click for details

Friday, September 9th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, September 10-11th, 2016
Doggy Maze Daze at Marini Farm Corn Maze
Ipswich, MA
Click for details

Saturday, September 10th, 2016
Greyhouse Reunion and Walk-a-thon
Uxbridge, MA
Click for details

Sunday, September 11th, 2016
Pet Rock Festival and Fundraiser
Leicester, MA
Click for details

Walk for Greyhounds and Chili Cook-off
to support Fast Friends Greyhound
Walpole, NH
Click for details

Somerville Dog Festival
Somerville, MA
Click for details


Saturday, September 17th, 2016
MSPCA-Angell Walk for Animals
 Hyannis, MA
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, September TBA 2016
Dog Walkers Weekend at Mike's Maze
Sunderland, MA
Click for details

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Sunday, September 18th, 2016
Boxer Bash
Hopkinton, MA
Click for details

Annual Melrose Dog Festival
Melrose, MA
Click for details

Saturday, September 24th, 2016

B.O.N.E.S. Annual Beagle Bash and Spa Day

Auburn, MA

Click for details

Woofstock Dog Festival
Hudson, MA
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, October  1st-2nd, 2016
Pet Weekend at the CT Renaissance Faire
Norwich, CT
Click for details

Saturday, October 8th, 2016
Fall Dog Party at Dog Mountain
St. Johnsbury, VT
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, October 8-9th, 2016
Harpoon Brewery OctoberFest
Windsor, VT
Click for details

Friday, October 14th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Saturday, October 15th, 2016
Mansfield Pup Crawl
Storrs, CT
Click for details

Sunday, October 16th, 2016
Baypath Humane Paws and Claws 5K
Hopkinton, MA
Click for details

Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Horses Helping Horses Fall Beach Ride
Ipswich, MA
Click for details

Sunday, November TBA 2016
Dog Walkers Weekend at Mike's Maze
Sunderland, MA
Click for details

Saturday and Sunday, November 5th & 6th, 2016
Dog Days Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA
Click for details

Guide to Dog-Friendly Fall Events Across New England

During the fall we know that it can be tricky to spend a whole day at a harvest fair or pumpkin festival when you have a furry friend at home. We can relate--we're pet people too!
Why not enjoy some fall fun with your pooch?

We've drawn up a list of top New England fall events and festivals that welcome your leashed pup to come along.

We promise we're not being species-ist but most of the social pet events are geared for your sweet doggies

Remember to check out our list of dog-friendly apple orchards and farms in New England as well as the etiquette tips for bringing your pup along.

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Friday, August 12th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Paws for a Cause at LL Bean Discovery Park
Freeport, ME
Click for details

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
Dog Days at the Maple Street Pool
Essex Junction, VT
Click for details

Saturday, September 3rd, 2016
Bow Wow Bark in the Park
Bristol, CT
Click for details

Friday, September 9th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Saturday & Sunday, September 10th-11th, 
Doggy Maze Daze at Marini Farm Corn Maze
Ipswich, MA
Click for details

Sunday, September 11th, 2016
Pet Rock Festival and Fundraiser
Leicester, MA
Click for details

Walk for Greyhounds and Chili Cook-off
to support Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption
Walpole, NH
Click for details

Somerville Dog Festival
Somerville, MA
Click for details

Saturday, September 17th, 2016
MSPCA-Angell Walk for Animals
 Hyannis, MA
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, September TBA 2016

Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT

Dog Walkers Weekend at Mike's Maze
Sunderland, MA
Click for details

Sunday, September 18th, 2016
Boxer Bash
Hopkinton, MA
Click for details

Saturday, September 24th, 2016

B.O.N.E.S. Annual Beagle Bash and Spa Day

Auburn, MA

Click for details

Woofstock Dog Festival
Hudson, MA
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, October  1st & 2nd 2016
Pet Weekend at the CT Renaissance Faire
Norwich, CT
Click for details

Saturday, October 8th, 2016
Fall Dog Party at Dog Mountain
St. Johnsbury, VT
Click for details

Saturday & Sunday, October 8th & 9th, 2016
Harpoon Brewery OctoberFest
Windsor, VT
Click for details

Friday, October 14th, 2016
Monthly Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms
Leominster, MA
Click for details

Saturday, October 15th, 2016
Mansfield Pup Crawl
Storrs, CT
Click for details

Sunday, October 16th, 2016
Baypath Humane Paws and Claws 5K
Hopkinton, MA
Click for details




Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Horses Helping Horses Fall Beach Ride
Ipswich, MA
Click for details

Jack-o'-Lanterns, Pumpkins on the Pier, Apple Fests and Food Trucks: Top New England Events for Oct 1-7, 2014

Welcome October! Nothing says fall like looking at the calendar and seeing that we have landed in the loveliest month of the year. It seems like everywhere you look the leaves are working their way into brighter hues and even a drive to the store is made more scenic with the arrival of fall colors. In short, it's time for a road-trip!

Even if you want to hit the road for a day-long drive don't know where to end up, New England Fall Events provides you with quick and easy guides for every New England state. 

Walk out on the Walnut Beach Pier
to enjoy the jack-o-lantern display

One of our very favorite annual festivals is coming up this Sunday October 5th--The Pumpkins on the Pier Festival in Milford, CT. When a MA-based friend of mine asked me for a worthwhile road-trip (under 2 hour drive) for her family with children ages 3 and 6, this was my top choice. For one, even though their travel time will be just shy of 2 hours the festival provides a full-day of varied activities starting at 11am and running through 7pm ending with a laser light show so they'll be there for hours and the kids will be tuckered out for the drive home. 

With pie-eating contest (for adults and kids), magicians, plentiful activities like pumpkins golf, carving, play areas, pumpkin painting and a pumpkin patch you'll happily spend hours here. Best of all is the lovely display of jack-o'-lanterns lined up along the pier stretching into Long Island Sound--it's just a beautiful event. We have festival tips and will give you the low-down on Pumpkins on the Pier on our blog feature.

Gorgeous foliage at last year's Apple Days

Another favorite event of ours this weekend is Apple Days at Old Sturbridge Village.  Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, this charming celebration of the apple offers tastings of antique apples, make your own sachets, DIY orange and clove pomanders, cider boil down demonstrations, cider making demos, and ox-powered cider mill, lovely foliage, hiking trails, old-fashioned games and much more.
We love this 1830 New England living history museum and it's a lovely place to spend a fall day.

It's Pumpkin Season! With endless ways to admire, eat, and carve up those cheerful orange globes, remember that New England Fall Events has a list of Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins for every New England state. Please support your local farms and swing by to enjoy their pumpkin bounty.
Quick and Easy Guide to Pumpkin Patches in New England.

Where is New England Fall Events Headed this Weekend?

Six Flags transforms into Fright Fest

With October underway, we're heading off to Connecticut for a few days to cover some events for our companion website Halloween New England but we'll pop by the Southington Apple Festival and Pumpkins on the Pier on our way back.

We may even swing through Six Flags New England to take in their special fall Fright Fest activities for a second time and we'll carve out a few hours for more apple picking!

New England Foliage Report from Jeff-Foliage:

Leaving Errol, NH ~ Jeff Foliage

This week Jeff Foliage gives us a Fall Foliage report from Maine:

"Maybe you missed it? The peak fall colors have arrived!
Frosty temps earlier in September have created favorable conditions for turning colors. We drove from Rangeley Lake Maine on Sunday the 28th and all along Route 16 into NH, we saw high color straining towards peak fall color. We got a flat and this caused us to …" Click here to read Jeff's full report.

New England Fall Events' Top Recommendations for this Weekend's Fall Fun

Here's a sample of some wonderful events to keep on your radar heading into the weekend! Find even more terrific events listed on every New England state’s Fall & Activities guide and Food & Harvest Festival Guide.

Here are our recommended activities for Oct 1-6:

Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park and Zoo
Providence, RI  Click for event details.
Opens Thursday, Oct 2nd and runs nightly through November 2nd, 2014

Penguin Book of Witches Party at the Salem Witch Museum – FREE
Salem, MA   Click for event details.
Thursday, Oct 2nd, 2014

Pumpkins on the Pier Festival – FREE
Milford, CT  Click for details.
Sunday, October 5th, 2014
Read about why Pumpkins on the Pier is one of our favorite annual events!

Apple Days at Old Sturbridge Village 
Sturbridge, MA  Click for event details.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2014

Southington CT Apple Festival and Fireworks – FREE
Southington, CT   Click for event details.
Friday through Sunday, October 3rd - 5th, 2014

Champlain Mini-Maker Faire at Shelburne Farms
Shelburne, VT   Click for event details.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2014

Pumpkin Festival at DeMeritt Hill Farm – FREE
Lee, NH   Click for event details.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4th & 5th 2014

Adam Fears and Adam Craig headline Country Music Concert for a Cause
Easthampton, MA   Click for event details.
Saturday, October 4, 2014

NH Lakes Region Barrel Tasting Weekend at Hermit Woods Winery
Meredith, NH   Click for event details.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4th & 5th 2014

Bike Applecycle Maine 
Lymnan, ME  Click for event details.
Sunday, Oct 5th, 2014

NH Food Truck Festival at Redhook Brewery
Portsmouth, NH  Click for event details.
Sunday, October 5th, 2014

Heading out apple picking this weekend? New England Fall Events has complete guides, features, maps, and contact info for New England PYO apple orchards. Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Need help mapping out where to go? New England Fall Events’ state page maps are handy for scrolling and spotting farms near home or near your road-trip destination. Orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they close to allow more time for fruit to ripen.

Quick and Easy Guide to Finding Pumpkin Patches across New England

It's pumpkin time! 

We put pumpkins everywhere--one on every doorstep, a centerpiece on the coffee table, next to the computer monitor, a sweet gourd on the kitchen sink windowsill to remind us to savor the moment...and the season. 

Nothing puts a smile on our face like a fat orange pumpkin so we are very happy to start picking out our pumpkins as soon as we can!


Remember, when you use this guide and purchase your pumpkins from the farms on our lists, you are supporting local food producers, small farms, contributing to the local economy, and reducing the carbon footprint--one pumpkin at a time. 

New England Fall Events has created guides for Pumpkin Patches
and PYO Pumpkins for every New England state. 

Click on your state for a quick link to your guide:

Connecticut Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins 

Maine Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins 

Massachusetts Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins 

New Hampshire Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins 

Rhode Island Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins 

Vermont Pumpkin Patches and PYO Pumpkins

New England Costume Store Guide 2014

It's hard to believe that October will arrive in just two days!

We know how popular Halloween is and there are no shortage of opportunities for kids and adults to dress up in costume and celebrate the season!

Our companion website Halloween New England has you covered with year-round local costume shops as well as seasonal pop-up costume stores.

Here's a quick guide to find costume stores your New England state!

Connecticut Costume and Halloween Stores

Maine Costume and Halloween Stores

Massachsuetts Costume and Halloween Stores

New Hampshire Costume and Halloween Stores

Rhode Island Costume and Halloween Stores

Vermont Costume and Halloween Stores

Fluff, Fall Fests, Funghi, Pumpkin Chuckin', PTown Theater, and Game of Thrones: Top Events for Sept 24-30, 2014

Holy cow is this a white-hot weekend for fall festivities! You will either love us for tuning you in to some quirky, offbeat picks or you will hate us for making you choose between so many deserving activities—ignorance is bliss after all. (Of course, we hope you love us.)

Where is New England Fall Events Headed this Weekend?

Poolside theater venue at the renowned
Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

We’ve had the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival circled on our calendar for nearly a year now. We are thrilled to experience this acclaimed 4-day festival featuring many of the lesser-known, rarely-produced, or newly interpreted Williams’ plays often in unconventional settings (inside a home, at a boat slip). New England is incredibly fortunate to host a festival of this stature right here in our own backyard (or peninsula as it were). Tickets are limited for the performances running Thursday through Sunday and we hope you will have a chance to go. If you do make it, let us know and we’d love to meet up with you!

A full day of fun at Autumn-Fest

Saturday will be a whirlwind of fun with our day starting off with the Autum-Fest in Bridgewater, MA--their 26^th year of bringing fall fun to the residents of Bridgewater and beyond. Autumn-Fest will be jam-packed with kids’ activities, performances, crafts, vendors, train rides, live music, bouncy houses, petting zoo, and more all on the expansive, grassy quad at Bridgewater State University. We're super excited to check out this free community festival first-hand and we hope you'll join us.

What the Fluff? Festival in Somerville (MA) celebrates Fluff inventor Archibald Query who developed MarshmallowFluff right in Somerville’s Union Square in 97 years ago. This year is being called “SteamFluff” as it takes on a steampunk theme.

“Archiald Query was born in the nineteenth century and shares the steampunk desire to make something new.  An immigrant to Somerville, he knew a thing about perilous journeys.
Marshmallow Fluff itself, made the same way today as when Archie first whipped it up, is a magical substance that allows everyone who eats it to return to the time of their own childhoods.  We therefore declare SteamFluff as our vehicle for this year’s state of play.”

Well, Steampunk theme or not, all we know is that eating FlufferNutters is a New England childhood rite of passage and we plan to pay our respects to the man who gave us sticky fingers. Plus, we're a sucker for the fabulous Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band who will be adding their oopmah to the day. We'll see you there Saturday afternoon.

How far can YOU chuck a pumpkin?

The 6th Annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' has you covered in the wacky and clever categories this week. Set in a wide open field, competitors engineer DIY trebuchets to see how far their catapult can launch a pumpkin!
Last year nineteen teams from the northeast competed and nearly 2000 spectators came out to cheer them on.
With three rounds of launching in four different "weight" categories, this fun fall event also features a chili cook-off, live bands, children's activities and more. 
Pumpkin Chuckin' Event details.

New England Fall Events' Top Recommendations for this Weekend's Fall Fun

With plenty of fantastic festivities going on this weekend we don't envy you having to narrow down your fun. As always, there are even more terrific events listed on every New England state’s Fall & Activities guide and Food & Harvest Festival Guide.

Here are our recommended activities for Sept 24-30:

Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival
Provincetown, MA   Click for event details.
Thursday through Sunday, Sept 25^th & 28^th, 2014

Autumn-Fest– FREE

Bridgewater, MA  Click for details.
Saturday, September 27^th, 2014

Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival
Stowe, VT  Click for event details.
Sunday, September 28^th, 2014 

Pumpkin Festival at Escobar’s Highland Farm 

Portsmouth, RI   Click for event details. 
Saturday, September 27^th, 2014   Coupon

Game of Thrones Day at King Richard’s Renaissance Faire

Carver, MA   Click for event details. 
Saturday, September 27^th, 2014 

What the Fluff? Festival (Steampunk Edition) – FREE
Somerville, MA  Click for event details.

Wild Mushroom Festival 
Mystic, CT   Click for event details.
Sunday, Sept 28^th, 2014
Read why we recommend and love this festival - festival tips included!

Acadia Night Sky Festival
Bar Harbor, ME  Click for event details.
Thursday through Monday, Sept 25^th & 29^th, 2014

Peru Fair
Peru, VT   Click for event details.
Saturday, September 27^th, 2014.

White Mountain Storytelling Festival
Waterville Valley, NH  Click for event details.
Friday through Sunday September 26^th – 28^th, 2014 

Moon over Drumlin Fundraiser
Lincoln, MA  Click for event details.
Saturday, September 27^th, 2014

North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
Orange, MA  Click for event details.
Saturday and Sunday, September 27^th-28^th, 2014

Heading out apple picking this weekend? New England Fall Events has complete guides, features, maps, and contact info for New England PYO apple orchards. Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Need help mapping out where to go? New England Fall Events’ state page maps are handy for scrolling and spotting farms near home or near your road-trip destination. Orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they close to allow more time for fruit to ripen.

Expert Tip # 5 Successful Apple Picking is All in the Timing

      Expert Tip #5: It’s All in the Timing

On a weekday morning you may very well be sharing the rows with hundreds of schoolchildren on a field trip. If you visit on a sunny October weekend, steel yourself for longer lines, particularly if you need to be transported by tractor to the orchard. 

If your orchard of choice is in “apple country” in your state, don’t be shocked if the traffic is crawling all the way to your destination. An orchard is a fall weekend destination (think Cape Cod in July) so if you go on a weekend, be flexible and patient. 

On Mondays, the trees may be picked bare from the busy weekend—and what is left is out of reach for your kiddos to twist and pull off themselves. If you can, make your visit during “off peak” days and times, you’ll be happy you did!

Tip for Planning Your Orchard Visit - Check with your orchard to know which apple varieties are being picked at the moment. Don’t even think of heading out unless you know a) they’re not temporarily closed to allow time for fruit to ripen and b) the variety you have your heart set on is in still season and still open for picking. 

Looking for a guide to help you plan your apple picking this fall?

New England Fall Events offers easy to follow guides, features, maps, and contact info for your local or vacation-area New England PYO apple orchards. 

Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Find orchard markers and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

We've got your guides to Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Food Festivals, and Fall Events guides for every New England State! Visit New England Fall Events for a full list of events and family activities happening this fall.

Expert Tip # 4 Seek Out a Peaceful Apple Orchard in New England

Expert Tip #4: Seeking Peace and Quiet at the Apple Orchard

Few things are lovelier than meandering through a row of fat, juicy honey crisps on a perfect late-September day. 

For a peaceful apple picking experience, stick to the low-profile orchards—the ones that advertise apples and only apples. Often these farms are so low key they don’t even have a website and you might only hear about them through word of mouth.

One of our favorite apples-only orchards is Highland Farm in Holliston, MA. We always find the apples are plentiful with lots of fruit still on low branches. We have great fondness for the extended-day apple picking adventure but there are times when you simply want to stock up on fresh apples or don't have an afternoon to give.  

Tips for Avoiding Over-Stimulation while Apple Picking with Young Children and Toddlers

Apples-only orchards may have plenty
of fruit at child-height for easy picking 

Low key orchards may fit the bill for your little ones. Apple picking is a great excuse to carry your toddler in your Ergo or Boba carrier and, when everyone has had their fill, it’s easy to wrap up and head to the car. A low-key orchard will offer a swifter picking experience which might be ideal for a young child's first time or when they're still at an age with a shorter attention span. 

Another benefit we've noticed is that the straightforward apple orchards also tend to have more apples left on the lower branches--an important feature if your child wants to pick their own fruit. 

The busier, activity-filled orchards can get a bit picked over, especially on the weekends. There may be still be fruit for picking but what is available may be far above the heads of your tykes. Save your back and the heavy-lifting by finding an orchard with plenty of low-hanging fruit.

Though a tractor hayride to an outer orchard certainly is memorable (as the larger operations often have) it is not convenient at all if your own little pumpkin is starting to tucker out quickly and you need to hit the road but you're too far to walk back to your car on your own.

Looking for a guide to help you plan your apple picking this fall?

New England Fall Events offers easy to follow guides, features, maps, and contact info for your local or vacation-area New England PYO apple orchards. 

Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Find interactive orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

We've got the scoop on Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Food Festivals, and Fall Events guides for every New England State! Visit New England Fall Events for a complete list of wonderful events and family activities happening this fall.

Quick-and-Easy Guide to PYO Apple Orchards across New England

An abundance of apples - More varieties ripen every week!

Are you headed apple picking this weekend? 

Looking to break out of your stand-by and try a new place? 

Need an excuse for a road trip? 

Can't wait to get started now that apple picking season is in full swing?

New England Fall Events has you covered with our state-by-state guides, our individual farm pages, lists of farm features, maps, directions and more!

Your Quick and Easy Guide to Apple Picking in New England:
(click on the link below for your state's guide)

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Massachusetts

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Connecticut

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Rhode Island

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in New Hampshire

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Vermont

Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Maine

Remember, we have state guides for Hayrides, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Patches too if you’re looking to expand your farm visit beyond apples!

Expert Tip # 3 for Apple Picking in New England--With or Without Kids

Expert Tip #3: Apple Picking for Fabulous Family Photos

If capturing priceless moments of your little ones (or big ones!) on camera is top priority, try to coordinate a visit midweek or early in the season.  A super busy orchard dramatically increases your chance of capturing perfect strangers in the background of your family photos so plan accordingly!

Midweek visit not in the cards? Aim to visit a PYO orchard with fewer "extra" activities. You may have to forgo the hayride or the mini-maze but you might also find you have a whole row of apples all to yourself!

Tip for Capturing Beautiful Apple Picking Photos – Dressing in bright colors will stand out nicely against the glossy green leaves of the apple trees. Apple picking is a very favorable activity for capturing beautiful candid moments. 

Looking for a guide to help you plan your apple picking this fall?

New England Fall Events has done all the research for and compiled guide, features, maps, and contact info for your local or vacation-area New England PYO apple orchards. 

Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Find interactive orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

We've got you covered with Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Food Festivals, and Fall Events guides for every New England State! Visit New England Fall Events for a complete list of great fall events and family activities.