Cider, Doughnuts, Apple Picking and Fun: Your Guide to the Top Orchards in MA!
Sure, you could zip over to Market Basket and snag your apples in record time—but where’s the fun in that? Apple picking is the quintessential fall activity in Massachusetts, where you can channel your inner farmer while dodging the bees and pretending you know the difference between a Granny Smith and a Honeycrisp. Plus, let’s not forget the fresh hot cider and those sugary cider doughnuts! If the thought of climbing a tree for apples isn’t your jam, you can always grab a bag to take home and savor in a homemade apple pie. Our list of the ten best orchards will definitely get you pumped to plan a weekend escape from the city—just be prepared for the inevitable Instagram photos of you in a flannel shirt!
Spoiler alert: If you’re just in it for the cider doughnuts, we found this cool map Alex the Cider Donut Reviewer made with
with a ton of locations all over the state to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Cider Donut Map Of New England
Brooksby Farm in Peabody
Distance: 35 min from Boston
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday
Website: Brooksby Farm
Boston Hill Farm in North Andover
Distance: 35 min from Boston
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, store open until 6 PM, Rain or Shine
Website: Boston Hill Farm
Lookout Farm in Natick
Distance: 35 min from Boston
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10-5
Website: Lookout Farm
Dowse Orchards in Sherborn
Distance: 40 min from Boston
Hours: Apple picking is open Saturdays and Sundays 10-5
Website: Dowse Orchards
Smolak Farms in North Andover
Distance: 40 min from Boston
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 5 PM; last entry at 4:15 PM
Check Website for avaiblity
Website: Smolak Farms
Parlee Farm in Tyngsboro
Distance: 45 min from Boston
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10-5
Website: Parlee Farm
Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow
Distance: 50 min from Boston
Admission: $25 for a medium bag (covers admission for 3)
Hayrides: $2 per person (over age 2)
Hours: Weekends 9:30 AM – 5 PM, Weekdays 12 PM – 4 PM
Website: Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Carlson Orchard in Harvard
Distance: 50 min from Boston
Hours: Daily 9 AM – 4 PM – Check Facebook for daily availability
Prices: $30 for a peck bag, $40 for a 1/2 bushel bag
Website: Carlson Orchard
Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm in Millis
Distance: 40 min from Boston
Hours: 10-4:30
Website: Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm
DREW FARMS in Westford
Distance: 45 min from Boston
Hours: OPEN DAILY 10-5
Website: DREW FARMS