Apples, Apples, Apples! 2016

  • Visit North Central

‘Tis the season to live up to our name here in Appleseed Country! And what a great season it is! We have some of the best orchards Massachusetts has to offer. Below is a video on how to pick apples.

Here are some Apple Fun Facts taken from www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/index.htm:

  • The pilgrims planted the first apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • The crabapple is the only apple native to North America.
  • Apples contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium and are excellent sources of fiber, anti-oxidants, and the mineral boron – which promotes healthy bones.
  • Massachusetts boasts over 75 varieties of apples, including local favorites such as McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Gala and Honeycrisp.

Now, Let’s take a tour of some of our orchards!

First up is Bolton Orchards located at 125 Still River Road in Bolton. Bolton Orchards is not the typical Pick Your Own orchard, but they are worth mentioning because of their amazing specialty food store with local apples and cider available year round. They have a full-service deli and produce department as well as a bakery, flowers, gift baskets and old-fashioned ice cream. They are open daily 8am-6pm.For more information, call (978) 779-2733 or visit www.boltonorchards.net.
Our second orchard is Carlson Orchards at 115 Oak Hill Road in Harvard. With over 100 acres of apple orchards for friends and family to enjoy, Carlsonhas Pick Your Own hours daily from 9am-4pm. They also have a farm store on premises that is open year round. For more information, call (978) 456-3916 or visit www.carlsonorchards.com.

Next up is Clearview Farm at 4 Kendall Hill Road in Sterling. Pick your own apples, peaches, pumpkins, blueberries and raspberries. Enjoy hayrides and all kinds of country-made products. The farm is run by the descendants of Mary Sawyer of the world-famous nursery rhyme “Mary’s Little Lamb.” Open daily from 9am-6pm. For more information, call (978) 422-0442 or visit www.clearviewfarmstand.com

Our next farm is not your traditional apple picking orchard. It’s Davis’ Farmland located at 145 Redstone Hill Road in Sterling. Yes. Davis Farmland now has their own orchard of MacIntosh and Cortland apples. So come enjoy the animals while you pick their delicious apples. For more information, call (978) 422-6666 or visit www.davisfarmland.com

Hollis Hill Farm is the newest orchard in Appleseed Country. This site of the former Marshall Farm is a 100-acre farm in Fitchburg. Apple Picking season starts in mid August and lasts until late October. Pumpkins are available in the fall along with Hay Rides, Apple Cider, Caramel Apples and Cider Donuts. They also offer a retail store with home-grown beef, bacon, chicken, and fresh eggs along with local honey and Maple Syrup from their very own sugar shack. Picking hours are daily from 9am – 6pm.For more information, call (978) 696-3130 or visit www.hollishillsfarm.com.

Lanni Orchards located at 294 Chase Road in Lunenburg has an interesting story to go along with it. Lanni was established when Pasquale Lanni, his wife Rosa, their four sons and one daughter emigrated from Avellino, Italy, and purchased the land that is now known as Lanni Orchards in 1963. The 180-acre farm has 70 acres of apples, peaches, corn, raspberries, vegetables, berries, pumpkins and flowers. Their retail store sells gourmet gift baskets available year round. Create your own basket for any special occasion. Picking hours are 8 am to 6 pm with last entrance at 5:30 pm. For more information, call (978) 582-6246 or visit www.lanniorchards.com.

Next up is our partner at the Appleseed Country Fair! Yes, it’s Red Apple Farm located at 455 Highland Avenue in Phillipston. The farmstand and country store are filled with delicious apple pies and dumplings, fruit-topped ice cream, farm-fresh produce and a variety of farm-made products. Pick your own apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, pumpkins, gourds, potatoes, and Indian corn in season. Come and see the new Country Barn Function Hall, available for all your event needs. Open daily 9am-6pm. For more information, call (800) 628-4851 or visit www.redapplefarm.com.

Last up is Sholan Farms located at1125 Pleasant Street in Leominster. Sholan is very special since it is the last working apple orchard in Leominster, the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed. sholan is also unique because it is owned by the City of Leominster and operated by the Friends of Sholan Farms; a community supported, non-profit organization managed by a group of dedicated members and volunteers. The organization is managed independently from the City of Leominster and does not receive, or rely on City funding. Their funding comes from their products (apple, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) sales, festivals, tours, sponsors, and private donations.Pick your own apples, raspberries, and blueberries. They are open daily from 10am-5:30pm. For more information, call (978) 840-3276 or visit www.sholanfarms.com.

Visit our Now Picking page to see weekly updates for apple picking availability. Also, call ahead before making your apple picking trip. We post information to the best of our knowledge at the time, but things can change.