From apple picking to leaf peeping, there are a lot of great reasons to head out and enjoy some crisp air and sunshine in Western MA these days.
Here are just a few local favorites. If you have recommendations, we'd love to hear them! Drop us a line on Facebook or Instagram @delaprealestate and let us know your favorite fall spots!
APPLE ORCHARDS
Here are some of the places we love--for picking, stocking up, and even enjoying some Art in the Orchard!
Apex Orchards
225 Peckville Road, Shelburne, MA
From the spectacular views to the incredible apples (be sure to try the Ambrosia variety!), Apex is truly worth a visit.
From their website:
"We grow a wide array of tree fruits, including apples, peaches, nectarines, apricots, quince, pears, Asian pears, blueberries, table grapes, Christmas Trees and pumpkins. We plan on adding additional crops in the future. We pride ourselves in the diversity of fruit that we sell. We think you’ll be impressed too! Our fruit is sold in stores throughout the local area, at farmers markets, and of course, right here at our farm store. Western Massachusetts is without a doubt one of the top fruit growing regions in the world. The soil, the micro-climate, and the varieties all combine to give our customers the best tasting fruit possible."
Bashista Orchards
160 East St., Southampton
From their website:
"Over 50 varieties of apples, peaches, pears, plums & cherries! Try our awesome Cider Donuts, Apple Cider (natural & non-pasteurized), Store baked pies & breads, Country gifts & crafts, Local vegetables in season, Fresh locally produced maple syrup & maple candy, Raw honey & Cider Vinegar."
Clarkdale Fruit Farms
303 Upper Road, Deerfield
From their website:
"Clarkdale is a fourth-generation fruit farm located in the beautiful hills of Deerfield, Massachusetts. Our farm store is open daily from 9am-5pm with a large selection of fresh-picked tree fruit. PYO apples daily from 9am-4pm. Over 100 varieties of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries and grapes are harvested from August through October. We still have heirloom apple varieties from trees planted by the first generation of Clarks in 1915, and continue to plant new varieties every year. We practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and strongly believe in sustainable agriculture. We press our own sweet apple cider from October to February."
Park Hill Orchard
82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, Ma
From their website:
"We currently tend 90 varieties of perennial fruit in the form of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, cherries, pears and apples. Our apples are set up for Pick-Your-Own harvesting and we sell them at our farmstand here and at several farmer's markets."
Pine Hill Orchards
248 Greenfield Rd, Colrain, MA
From their website:
"Pine Hill Orchards is open year round! We are a family owned and operated farm in beautiful Colrain, Ma. On 80+ acres we grow apples, peaches, plums, blueberries, pumpkins, and more!"
Quonquont Farm
9 North St, Whately, MA 01093
From their website:
"Quonquont Farm is a pick your own orchard and event venue in Whately, Massachusetts. Come and pick flowers, blueberries, peaches, and apples in season or buy fresh-picked fruit or flowers, as well as a variety of locally made products like maple syrup, honey, unique gifts, and much more at our farm stand."
FALL FOLIAGE
If you are looking for great places to take in some "local color", check out the "Favorite Fall Foliage Hikes" from The Trustees--a great overall resource for places to explore in Massachusetts.
KID-STYLE FUN
Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm
23 S Main St., Sunderland, MA 01375
Who are we kidding? This place is fun for everyone--not just kids.
From their website:
"Visitors to Mike’s Maze will encounter activities, games, and amusements to entertain the entire family. Located on a working farm at the foot of Mount Sugarloaf, visitors enjoy gorgeous views of the New England foliage. Every year we concoct a brand new maze, along with themed games that will challenge you to solve puzzles and problems, and lead you on your exploration through the corn! Be prepared to laugh and learn as you wander the 8-acre maze, encountering installations and trivia at every turn! While you’re here, you can take part in our many Attractions; ride on a horse drawn wagon, fire the mighty potato cannons, pick out your own Halloween pumpkin, and stay for lunch at the Corn Cafe, serving farm fresh food all day."
FARMERS MARKETS
If you're looking to enjoy some fresh produce or fall flowers, don't forget the local farmers markets, which are still going strong. Here are some good ones, but you can also check out the local map to find one close to you.
Northampton Tuesday Market
Tuesdays from 1:30 - 6:30pm, April 20 through November 9, 2021, behind Thorne's Marketplace in Northampton.
Greenfield Farmers Market
Saturdays from 8am - 12:30pm, May 1 to Oct 31, 2021, at Court Square in Greenfield.
Great Falls Farmers Market
Wednesday from 2-6pm, May through October, at Peskeomskut Park in Turners Falls.
Amherst Farmer's Market
Saturdays from 7:30am-1:30pm, April through November, on the Amherst common.