By Dave Zucker & Claudia Larsen, with additional reporting by Michelle Gillan Larkin
With the temperature dipping and the leaves changing, fall is officially here in Westchester County, and that means flannels, apple cider donuts, and, of course, pumpkins!
Whether you’re already searching for the ultimate jack-o-lantern or just want to decorate your home with some festive fall gourds, these Westchester County farms and orchards have what you want, plus additional fun activities and tasty treats.
130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem
914.485.1210
Harvest Moon’s apple picking is obviously its main attraction of the season, but the pumpkin patch is open daily, though reservations are required on weekends and Columbus Day. Guests can also enjoy hayrides, live music, and other children’s activities while adults hit up the cider bar, Hardscrabble Cider.
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Yorktown Heights
At this working farm and environmental-education center, visitors can pick their fill (Friday to Sunday) of winter squash (spaghetti, delicata, butternut, Georgia candy roaster, kabocha) and pumpkins straight from the vine. So long as Mother Nature provides, plan to pick beets, green beans, and herbs, from oregano to thyme. Also, snip the stems of dahlias, celosia, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias for a DIY bouquet that will bring more joy than any you buy in the store.
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North Salem
$12 per car
Outhouse Orchards is a family-owned operation that stretches back to the early 1800s, when the farm primarily produced dairy. Starting in the early 1900s, the Outhouse family began to grow fruit commercially. Nowadays, families can pick apples, pears, and, of course, pumpkins. Visitors can take a hayride around the farm, then buy a ticket to solve the puzzle hidden in clues throughout the corn maze.
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Yorktown Heights
If you’re in search of a leisurely pumpkin-picking experience that still has activities, head to Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm. Pick your pumpkin and traverse the corn maze before stopping by the bakery, which also stocks lunch foods, followed by the apple farm market and the country gift market. Those 21 and up should go to the farm’s White Hill Vineyard for tastings of the Wilkens’ house-made wine.
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Looking for a family-fun day trip? All these locations are just an easy drive away.
Poughquag
Barton Orchards is the place to go for pumpkin picking and the place to stay for a day of family fun. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick away, then stop by the concession stands and farm market before listening to local live music. Attractions there include a twisting corn maze, a fun park on festival weekends only.
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Hopewell Junction
Fishkill Farms is 270 acres of U-pick delight. Pumpkins can be picked from the patch that happens to be the first stop on the wagon tour. The farm also hosts Fall Harvest Festivals every weekend in September through October, during which visitors can take wagon rides, listen to live music, decorate jack-o-lanterns, and partake in fresh-pressed cider and donuts.
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Pennings Orchard opens for daily from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations are required (unless a large party is bussing in). During this fall season, hayrides, kiddie mazes, and the dairy barn are just some of the fun you can expect in addition to the pumpkins and apple picking.
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New Hampton
At Soons Orchards, pumpkin picking is available every weekend, plus Monday and Friday holidays, and reservations can be made online. Bring your clippers, as you’ll be picking straight off the vine! Also be sure to also check out the orchard store, bakery, and Cider Mill Tap Room, or reserve a seat at one of the orchard’s famous farm dinners.
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Granite Springs
Stuart’s Farm in Granite Springs allows guests to pick their perfect pumpkins, other gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn — albeit from the farm stand this year. Other activities include a bakery where donuts, pies, and other treats can be purchased, and hayrides. Be sure to come back closer to the holidays to pick out your very own Christmas tree.
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