Portland Picks for Autumn Apple Pickin'
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Nothing kicks off the fall season in Maine quite like apple picking with the family.
Apple picking strikes all of our senses to bring us back to crisp autumn days in search of that perfectly ripe apple. Maine is apple country and once August hits, this fall fruit is ready to go.
The season begins in August and runs well into October, making it one of America's favorite fall pastimes for families of all ages. We're fortunate to have over twelve different varieties of apples and even some hybrids that add some extra pizzazz to your cakes and pies.
We collected some of our favorite apple orchards within driving distance of Portland that offers so much more than just a few bushels of apples. So grab those farm shoes and your wagon and head over to some of the region's most celebrated apple orchards.
Sweetser's Apple Barrel
Sweetser's Apple Barrel has been an apple picking staple for over 200 years. They have tons of incredible apple varieties available for picking and orchards of native peaches. You can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some treats from their farmer's market. They have some freshly pressed ciders, fresh bakes cookies and pastries and local honeys and Maine maple syrup.
Hansel's Apple Orchard
Hansel's is one of the Portland area's favorite apple farms that kicks off their pickin' season right after labor bay. The mature trees at this farm delivers some of the most incredible McIntosh apples you'll find. When you arrive, choose your basket size and collect anywhere from a few to a few bushels of these gorgeous apples. This gives the kids their own little basket to collect the sparkling apples that catch their eye. This is a classic orchard to give you your fall fix.
Randall's Orchard
If family friendly is your top priority, Randall's Orchard is worth the drive. Stop by and browse their impressive fleet of apple trees or check out what fresh produce this family farm has to offer. Sip on some cider, take a walk through the farm or even gather a few bouquets of fresh cut flowers! This is one orchard that you won't want to miss this year.
Pie Tree Orchards
If you don't mind a weekend drive, Pie Tree Orchards is a great apple adventure to kick off your fall festivities. They have hayrides, a view that will absolutely take your breath away and a farmer's market full of goodies and treats. This family farm also grows their apples au-natural and within the national organic guidelines for produce.