Best Apple Picking On The North Shore And In Merrimack Valley

It seems that as soon as the wind changes and the leaves turn, we begin to think of pumpkins, apples and winter squash. Don't arrive late because farms are ripe for the apple picking.  Here's a list of family-owned farms on the North Shore and in Merrimack Valley focused on fresh apples and family fun. Take note of each farm's October events after picking a bushel or bag of apples and be ready for the hayrides, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

Related: Boston Area's Best Places To Go Apple Picking

Brooksby Farm
54 Felton St.
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 531-7456
www.brooksbyfarm.org

An abundant selection of orchard ripe apples are available at Brooksby Farm now through mid October. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Brooksby has a variety of fresh farm products awaiting in its bakery and farm store. Take in the atmosphere and aroma of fresh-baked cider donuts and homemade fudge. Jams, honey, fresh pies and other baked goods are made on the premises and ready to fill holiday baskets and complete any homecoming feast. Its barn is home to llamas, pigs, goats and sheep, rounding out the visit to the farm this season.

Photos: Fun Fall Activities

Connors Farm
30 Valley Road
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-1245
www.connorsfarm.com

Come to Connors Farm and pick your own. Connors is a bustling farm with a host of family events and activities, no matter what season of the year you choose to visit. One of the most loved and well-known farms north of Boston, each year, Connors includes new themes and events especially during the fall. Apple picking is only one of the orchards on this working farm. Get a quick bite at Bob's BBQ Pit, Connors Country Kitchen or The Corn Crib before heading off for fresh delicious apples by the bushel. Be prepared for non-stop fun for the family.

Russell Orchards
149 Argilla Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
(978) 356-5366
www.russellorchards.com

Jersey Mac and Pristine apple varieties are brimming over in the Russell Orchards. Be prepared for the great outdoors and then hunker down in its famous winery. The winery has grown into a local must-visit for wine tasters; home of its original hard cider and unique fruit wines made on the premises. Russell's barnyard animals are almost as popular as its cider donuts, but you should make that decision for yourself when you schedule a trip this fall. Baked goodies made from scratch are available to satisfy every tummy after a day of apple picking in the orchard.

Related: A Guide To Apple Picking In Boston

Boston Hill Farm
1370 Turnpike St.
N. Andover, MA 01845
(978) 681-8556
www.bostonhillfarm.com

Boston Hill Farm is the one-stop shop for Macintosh, Cortland or Macoun apple varieties. With so many orchards to choose from, it's a guarantee you'll have plenty of fresh apples for homemade pies, jellies or apple cake. All of those picked apples may get a bit heavy, so hop on the hayride back to the homestead and rest those weary feet. This will be a great day among the orchards with ice cream, a tempting bakery and a petting zoo. Working farms like Boston Hill are always an adventure for the family.

Ingaldsby Farm
14 Washington St.
Boxford, MA 01921
(978) 352-2813
www.farmfresh.org

Ingaldsby Farm is waiting for you to pick your own apples. Stop by its farm stand for fresh vegetables and notice its nursery full of fresh flowers. Make the trip home with a few bushels, rosy cheeks and a full day of fresh air. The whole family is guaranteed to get a good night's sleep after such a wonderful excursion in the orchards. Patrons can't say enough about the vast assortment of fresh vegetables and its nursery of flowers, so don't be too surprised if you bring home more than those luscious apples. Ingaldsby is open daily for 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Related: Boston Area's Best Places To Go Apple Picking