A Guide To Fall Pumpkin Picking
With all of its multiple uses, it's no wonder the pumpkin is the ultimate symbol of fall. This autumn staple can be used for carving, jack-o-lanterns, making pies, or roasting seeds. The pumpkin can also be used as a great reason to get out in the autumn air and spend the day on a farm, weeding through the patches for the perfect one. If you're only willing to go as far as the nearest subway stop, check out our list of florists that sell pumpkins in the five boroughs. But if you're looking to make a trip, the tri-state area offers plenty of spots to take the family or friends if you're looking for a hayride on a perfect fall day.
Concklin Orchards
About an hour outside of New York City, this Rockland County orchard allows you to pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch, or from a collection of already-picked pumpkins. There's a corn maze for the kids as well as a snack stand.
2 South Mountain Road
Pomona, N.Y. 10970
theorchardsofconcklin.com
Applewood Orchards & Winery
Applewood Orchards & Winery of Orange County has all your autumn needs met. You can pick your own apples and pumpkins from the field, enjoy a tractor-pulled hay ride, have a picnic, put the kids on pony rides or check out the petting zoo. Applewood has also served as a birthday party or wedding destination.
82 Four Corners Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845 986 1684
applewoodorchards.com
Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms
Within the reach of the Long Island Rail Road lies Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms. This family business has all the making for a Halloween celebration. After you pick your own pumpkin, you can make your way through an indoor haunted maze and check out the ghoulish scarecrows. Indulge in a cup of apple cider and a candy apple. Hayrides are free!
6 Bagatelle Rd
Dix Hills, New York 11746
(631) 549-1159
shmittsfamilyfarms.com
Overlook Farm Market
About four miles from the highway in Orange County lies Overlook Farm Market, where weekend harvests feature a petting zoo, a hay maze and fishing at the pond in addition to apple and pumpkin picking.
Route 9W
Newburgh, N.Y. 12550
(845) 562 – 5780
overlookfarmmarket.com
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Hop on a MetroNorth train to Yorktown or take a lovely drive up the Taconic State Parkway (the farm is right off the highway), where you'll find Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm. Pick your own apples, peaches and pumpkins and enjoy a cup of apple cider. The fields are also open for picnics in the fall. Pick your own pumpkins in October and choose your own Christmas tree just after Thanksgiving.
1335 White Hill Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-5111
wilkensfarm.com
