Apple Picking on the North Fork

Apple picking on the North Fork of Long Island is one of the most fun things to do in the fall. Did you know New York is only second to Washington State in apple production? Long Island is one of the smallest producers of apples in the state. In the fall, the North Fork of the most beautiful times to visit. There is pumpkin picking, apple picking, and apple cider; generally, it’s harvest time for all farmers.

Here are some of my favorite farms and orchards, with information on what each offers. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to determine the best time of day, and what varieties of apples are available.

Remember, when coming to the North Fork for apple picking or wine tasting, stay at Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast.

Breeze Hill Farm, Peconic

Breeze Hill farm orchard has 1,000 apple trees, including Ginger Gold, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Call for the best times, and they will direct you to the best areas for picking. They are open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays; U-pick is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. they are located at 31215 County Rd 48, Peconic; (631) 876-5159

Harbes Family Orchard

The Harbes Family Farm offers agritainment. That is entertainment on the farm. The 15-acre Harbes Family Orchard in Riverhead is part of their 78-acre farm and is open for apple picking in September and October. The farm offers over 20 varieties of apples: Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Gala, Zestar, Blondee, and Ultimate Gala. Your taste buds will thank you. No pets or outside food and drinks are allowed on the farm. The u-pick orchard is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Their location is: 5698 Sound Ave. Riverhead; (631) 298-0800

Hayden’s Peach Orchard, Wading River

Hayden’s has new owners but may keep the old name. Apples and Peaches are what this Wading River farm is known for. Some of the varieties they offer are Ambrosia, Cortland, Gala Golden, Jonagold, and Macoun. The farm stand is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with u-pick provided only on weekends. Their location is: 561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River; (631) 929-1115

Lewin Farms, Calverton

Lewin farms is a family farm and one of the oldest farms, now in the hands of the fourth generation. They were one of the first u-pick farms on LongIsland. This new generation is continuing that long tradition. They have a wide variety to offer with many u-pick fields. You can cut your tree here at their farm at Christmas. There is also a five-acre corn maze open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays starting in early September and continuing through late October. No pets are allowed in the orchard. Cash only, and you can use their ATM located on their premises. Their location is: 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton; (631) 929-4327

Wickham’s Fruit Farm, Cutchogue

“Wickham’s Fruit Farm is a historic, bicentennial farm, beautiful to behold against the sparkling waters of Peconic Bay.” from their website. Wickham’s is not only one of the oldest but one of the largest farms on the North Fork, with approximately 300 acres, of which 200 are orchards. Wickham’s fruit is grown on some of the oldest continually cultivated land in the country; much of the farm dates from 1661.

For the environmentally conscious, this farm has done its part in curbing development. A substantial portion of the farm has had the development rights sold. That cannot be developed and will be “forever agriculture.”

Wagon rides are also available on Saturdays during the apple-picking season, providing a fun way to get to the orchards and see the farm. Other items, such as apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, pies, and preserves, are available at the farm stand. No pets are allowed. U-pick is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Their location is: 28700 Main Rd. Cutchogue; (631) 734-6441.

Windy Acres Farm, Calverton

This farm stand also sells fresh eggs, flowers, and doughnuts. Open weekends 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Their location is 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton; (631) 727-4554

Woodside Orchard, Aquebogue, and Jamesport

Woodside Orchard, a hub of all things apples, has been family-owned and operated since 1982. There are two locations: Both have U-pick groves and baked goods, and the Aquebogue location offers hard cider tasting. Jamesport is open on weekends, and Aquebogue is for weekday picking. No opening date has been announced yet, but it is typically in the second week of September. Check their website for the latest info. 729 Main Road, Aquebogue; Their location is: 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport; (631) 722-5770

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GUIDED BREWERY AND VINEYARD BIKE TOURS THROUGH THE NORTH FORK’S WINE COUNTRY

two bicycles on stands in a vineyard — Enjoy a leisurely ride through the idyllic countryside of the North Fork Wine Country on a Vineyard Bike Tours.

Pedal your way to the taste of the North Fork wine country; explore breweries, wineries, and more. Enjoy a guided “Vineyard Bike Tours” brewery and vineyard tour through the North Fork’s Wine Country. The North Fork has well-organized guided bicycle tours of the area’s wineries, breweries, and farm stands. You’ll enjoy riding through the tree-lined streets of the various hamlets and enjoying the scenic views of the Peconic Bay. You’ll see historic landmarks and beautiful vineyards.

The organizers pay attention to the details of your dietary request and make sure your trip is well documented. Riding through the North Fork is like no other experience you’ve had. Normally you’d be zipping past important landmarks without knowing their history and significance. They are passionate about cycling and bring that to their creation of this event.

Vineyard Bike Tours

Cruise the North Fork Long Island from the seat of a single or tandem Hybrid bicycle (Helmets Included)
Enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic refreshments throughout your tour experience to stay energized while riding from location to location.
Professional guides will direct you through the beautiful North Fork landscape, leading you from winery to brewery and more.
Gain privileged access to wander vineyard fields.
Enjoy extra-virgin olive oil & fine vinegar tastings to infuse your pallet with local flavors.
Visit local farm stands and purchase freshly made jams, pies, fruits, and vegetables for your home.
Stroll down Love Lane after the tour for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience
Take advantage of a support vehicle to transport any purchases
Expert guides will capture moments from your day; photos will be available for free download

Duration: Approximately 5 Hours
When: Sundays, August 7,14,21,28 at 10 am -3:30 pm
Where: East End Bike Tours
Distance: Approximately 14-18 miles (dependent on the selected route)
Cost: $ 96-$155

“This bike tour was by far the best part of my North Fork Weekend. I can’t say enough good things about it.”

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM HERE

FALL ON THE NORTH FORK

Its fall the leaves are changing slowly because the weather is so wet. It has been raining for what seems like every other day. Its causing the winemakers a lot of pain At this time of year what they want is SUN, sun for ripening the grapes. So at this point they are praying and hoping.
The farm stands are busy selling their harvest: apples, pears and pumpkins and many have corn mazes.
The day-trippers are out in full force and Route 48 has become slower than usual. Not to worry, this is all winding down now that November is here.

LONG ISLAND RESTAURANT WEEK

This week is Restaurant Week( November 1st – November 8th) on the North Fork. A reminder that on Saturday you can enjoy the advantages of Restaurant Week after 7pm. You can get more info here http://longislandrestaurantweek.com/

NFBBA HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR

The North Fork Bed & Breakfast Association is having their annual Holiday House Tour on December 5th, 2009. There are nine B&Bs chosen to be part of the tour. They are divided into two groups, the Champagne Tour and the Merlot Tour and the prices will be $75 and $25 respectively. The irony here is that Arbor View House whose rooms the tour groups are named after was chosen to be on the Merlot Tour. No mind next year we will be on the Champagne Tour and visitors will see the suite the tour is named after. Full details can be found at the Arbor View House website.