newsgathers

Unearth Autumn's Bounty: Your Ultimate Apple Orchard Adventure Awaits!

Explore the Nation's Top Apple Orchard in Picturesque Connecticut

As the autumn season unfolds with its vibrant hues and crisp air, the opportunity for seasonal delights like pumpkin carving, scenic hikes, and apple harvesting takes center stage. While major apple-producing states like Michigan, New York, and Washington are renowned for their commercial output, with Wenatchee often hailed as the \"apple capital of the world,\" some of the most captivating orchards for visitors are found elsewhere. Lyman Orchards, nestled in Middlefield, Connecticut, has earned national acclaim, being crowned America's premier apple orchard at the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Lyman Orchards: A Legacy of Harvest and Recreation

Lyman Orchards secured its top ranking due to its impressive scale, extensive heritage, agricultural variety, and array of recreational opportunities. Located just a short drive from Hartford, this makes it an accessible destination for a quick autumn escape. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip soon, as apple-picking continues through November, aligning perfectly with Connecticut's peak fall foliage, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Indulge in the Abundance of Lyman Orchards' Apple Harvest

Spanning 100 acres and boasting 30,000 apple trees, Lyman Orchards stands as one of Connecticut's largest. Operated by the same family for over 275 years and across 10 generations, dating back to John and Hope Lyman's acquisition of the initial 37 acres in 1741, the orchard's operations have undergone significant evolution. Today, the farm cultivates nearly a hundred types of fruits, including strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and blueberries. The estate also features a farm market, a pick-your-own apple section with 30 varieties, a sunflower maze, a corn maze, a creamery, a restaurant, and an expansive 45-hole golf course.

Essential Tips for Your Perfect Apple-Picking Excursion

During the fall, the pick-your-own apple orchard, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting), is a main attraction. The season spans twelve weeks, from mid-August to mid-November, offering eco-certified apple varieties such as Ginger Gold, Early Mac, Ruby Red, Sunrise, Gala, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady. Bag prices range from $16 for a half-peck to $47 for a half-bushel. It's advisable to contact the \"Pick Your Own Hotline\" at (860) 349-6015 before your visit for updates on conditions and available varieties.

Beyond the Orchard: Activities and Accommodations

After gathering your apples, navigate the 4-acre corn maze, an activity that typically takes 30 to 40 minutes and is open until November 2nd, priced at $12, or $7 for children. A visit to the Apple Barrel Farm Market is a must for homemade treats like fruit jam, bumbleberry pie, and fresh apple cider donuts from the Farm Kitchen Bakery, alongside locally sourced eggs and cheeses. This market is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For dining, the 1741 Pub & Grill offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, with menus featuring farm-fresh produce and a bar selection including house-made cider and local craft beers.

Regional Exploration: Nearby Stays and Further Adventures

While many visitors take day trips from the Hartford area, those seeking accommodation near Lyman Orchards will find excellent options in Wallingford, CT, roughly a 10-minute drive away. Choices include the contemporary Hilton Garden Inn Wallingford/Meriden, with rooms starting at $182 per night, and the recently renovated Courtyard by Marriott New Haven Wallingford, which offers an outdoor patio with a fire table, from $148 per night. For continued exploration of the region, consider visiting Massachusetts' Nashoba Valley Winery or other highly-rated apple-picking destinations along the East Coast.