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.
Jaswell’s Farm
Hours: Wed.-Mon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays
Location: 50 Swan Rd., Smithfield, 401-231-9043, jaswellsfarm.com
The first apples of the season are ready, and picking in the orchards will continue throughout October. Apple-pickers must book a time-slot reservation (for parties of up to six people) and pay in advance on the website. If you have more than six people in your group you will need to make multiple reservations. There is no cost per person, just the cost of the bag(s), which are $25 for a peck (ten pounds) and $45 for a half-bushel (twenty-plus pounds). 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. Other goodies include fresh baked pies, cookies, cider doughnuts plus a trove of fresh-picked veggies from the fields.
Steere Orchard
Hours: Daily, 9-4:30 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 Paula Red, Jersey Mac, McIntosh, Cortland, Red and Golden Delicious, Empire and Rhode Island Greening. Each week they alternate picking sections, plus there’s produce available for purchase (including peaches!) in the farm store. AppleFest 2021 also returns October 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which include apple picking, free hayrides, a farmers market, live music, apple samples and more.
Photo by Jamie Coelho.
Barden Family Orchard
Hours: September through late October. Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. and holidays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The farm store is open until 6 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends.
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. Check which varieties are ready for picking before you go. One peck of apples is $25 ($26 on weekends) and a half-bushel is $42 ($45 on weekends). Please also read the apple-picking etiquette rules before going. 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 Redfree, McIntosh, Gala, Liberty and Cortland apples at different points in the season. Find out what’s currently in season. Take the family around the perimeter of the orchard on the mile-long walking trail. They also have peaches and nectarines available at the farm store.
Photo by Jamie Coelho.
Sunset Orchard Farm
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., including weekends and holidays
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 Empire, McIntosh, Cortland, Ida Red, North West Greening and Macoun as well as heirloom varieties. Each apple variety has its own season, and you can call ahead or visit the Facebook page to find out if they have what you are looking for. 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 Honeycrisp, Golden, Gala, Macs and Ginger Gold (now available). In October, there’s Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Crispin, Cameo and more. View their Apple Guide for more details. Sweet Berry Farm also has sandwiches, soups, salads and more for a lunch that can be enjoyed onsite. Visitors can also pick pumpkins and flowers, and purchase cider doughnuts in the farm store.
Editor’s note: This story is frequently updated.
