Beardsley's Cider Mill and Apple Orchard - Shelton
Beardsley's is a smaller apple orchard, tucked away amongst the many historical farms in Shelton. Its rustic brown wooden barn and farmhouse building hide an orchard of over 5,000 apple trees. The orchard's dwarf and semi-dwarf trees with branches never growing higher than 10-12 feet are easy to pick. Beardsley's also has a farm store with all sorts of delicious foods: apples, of course, thick, local honey, homemade bakery products and the chief attraction: freshly pressed apple cider straight from the orchard's cider mill. Call for available varieties and picking times.

March Farm - Bethlehem
The trip itself to this wonderful 100-year old family farm is a feast for the eyes: scenic, gently winding country roads along and across fast creeks lead you up to the farm. Apple trees cover 50 acres of hills on both sides of the road. The farm store sells fresh, seasonal produce and all sorts of apples and homemade bakery products in addition to giant pies, cider-flavored donuts, and rich cookies. There is a playscape on site as well as farm animals for the little kids to befriend. Open daily 10 am to 6 pm

Blue Jay Orchard - Bethel
Apples, pumpkins, farm store with cider mill, educational tours for schools. This year their pick-your-own apple crop was wiped out due to weather conditions. They still sell apples and other items in their storefront however.

Averill Farm - Washington Depot
Averill Farm is a local Litchfield County favorite. Everyone seems to stop by in the Fall to pick-their-own or to snack on the fresh home-made apple cider donuts. Tables and chairs are set up outside by the orchards where you can sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of the Litchfield Hills. They have pumpkins and gourds and other Fall items as well. Pick your own apples include Macintosh, Braeburn, Cortland, Empire, and more; 21 varieties in all!

Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm - Sharon
One of my favorite photos of my kids was taken here with the scenic background we all love in the Litchfield Hills. Lots of variety for picking. Bring bug spray - the gnats can be annoying - but not enough to keep you away. You can stop into their store on the way out and pick up jams, pies and fresh apple cider. Always make sure to call for schedules and availability – picking times for different varieties vary, some farms and orchards may open mid-September only. Ellsworth Hill offers pick-your-own apples, pears, and corn as well as apple cider and a corn maze

Silverman's Farm - Easton
Come and pick your own apples and have the kids enjoy meeting some of the Silverman's farm animals too. They have goats, llamas, sheep and even buffalo! Before you leave, pickup some fresh apple cider or a fresh pie to take home. J and D kettle corn is available on the weekends. 

Originally published 8/31/12. Updated 9/9/2017.
Photo credit: Gold