Where to Go Apple Picking in Rhode Island
It's pick-your-own apple time!
Photo by Samantha Labrecque.
As the weather cools and summer days slip away, pull on a sweater or your favorite flannel and head to the nearest orchard or farm. Below are some of the top orchards in Rhode Island offering pick-your-own apples and other activities for all fall lovers. Don’t forget your face mask, and be sure to follow social distancing protocols in the orchard.
Jaswell’s Farm
Hours: Every day except Tuesday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 50 Swan Rd., Smithfield, 401-231-9043, jaswellsfarm.com
Apple picking is by reservation only and will continue throughout October, while pick-your-own pumpkins are also happening through the end of October. The farm also presses and pasteurizes its own fresh apples on the largest apple cider mill in the state. Don’t forget to try Jaswell’s candy apples (red candy, caramel, chocolate-covered caramel and gourmet-topped treats), made on site. And order curbside pickup from the farm stand for fresh baked goods and groceries from local purveyors.
Steere Orchard
Hours: Weekends 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 150 Austin Ave., Greenville, 401-949-1456, steereorchard.com
One of the biggest orchards in the state, Steere Orchard is open for picking through late fall for picking several types of apples including McIntosh, Cortland, Red and Golden Delicious, Empire and Rhode Island Greening. Each week they alternate picking sections, plus produce available for purchase (including peaches!) in the farm store.
Photo by Jamie Coelho.
Barden Family Orchard
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 56 Elmdale Rd., North Scituate, 401-934-1413, bardenfamilyorchard.com
This orchard is ready for apple pickers. Walk up the big hill and wander the sprawling grounds to fill a bag with varieties such as McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Jonagold and Honeycrisp. The farm also presses its own cider, and offers a selection of big pumpkins and sherbet-hued gourds later in the fall. Some peaches are also still hanging on trees and tomatoes are available for purchase, too. Stop by the farm market for more goodies.
Narrow Lane Orchard
Hours: Daily. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 213 Narrow Ln., North Kingstown, 401-294-3584, facebook.com/NarrowLaneOrchard
Adults and kids can enjoy a stroll through this orchard’s ten acres while picking McIntosh, Gala, Liberty and Cortland apples. Take the family around the perimeter of the orchard on the mile-long walking trail.
Photo by Jamie Coelho.
Sunset Orchard Farm
Hours: Daily in September and October. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: 244 Gleaner Chapel Rd., North Scituate, 401-934-1900, sunsetorchardsri.com
Visitors to Sunset Orchard have up to twenty-five different varieties of apples from which to choose, including Macoun, Cortland, Red and Golden Delicious. The farm’s store stocks fresh picked orchard fruit as well as homemade apple pies, non-pasteurized apple cider pressed fresh on the farm, candied apples and other sweet treats.
Sweet Berry Farm
Hours: Daily. 9 a.m. –6 p.m.
Location: 915 Mitchell’s Ln., Middletown, 401-847-3912, sweetberryfarmri.com
Sweet Berry Farm offers more than just strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. In the fall months, wander the orchards to collect all sorts of apple varieties, including McIntosh, Ginger Gold, Gala, Macoun, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Empire and Liberty, and in October, there’s Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Crispin, Cameo and more. Before heading to the orchard, stop in at the farm stand to purchase your bag for picking. Sweet Berry Farm also has sandwiches, soups, salads and more for a lunch that can be enjoyed at the outdoor tables.
Editor’s note: This story was updated September 14, 2020.
