By: Hana Fitchlee
Although fall does not technically arrive until September 22nd, it is time to pull out the flannel shirt and dust off the boots because fall is unofficially here! There are plenty of fall themed activities in Western New York to help kick off the season from hayrides to pumpkin patches and my favorite, apple picking. There is nothing like walking through the orchard on a crisp fall day, collecting a bushel of apples to take home for snacking and making apple pie. Apple picking isn’t complete without apple cider and a cinnamon sugar donut (or two). I have compiled a list of the u-pick apple orchards around Western New York that you should add to your fall bucket list this year.

1. LynOaken Farms / https://lynoakenfarms.com
Open for u-pick daily through October 31st.
This u-pick orchard is filled with a variety of classic and unique hybrid apples that you won’t find just anywhere. Honeycrisp and Mcoun are among my personal favorites. When you are done picking apples, you’ll want to head over to the u-pick pavilion to check out their assortment of baked goods. You won’t be able to get enough of the mouth-watering apple cider donuts! For the 21 + crowd, you can walk over to Leonard Oakes Estate Winery located on the property to wind down with a glass of wine or spiced rum slushie.

2. Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill / https://www.smithsorchard.com
Open for u-pick Saturdays and Sundays starting September 18th
Kick off the apple picking season at Smith’s Orchard where you can find all of the great classics— McIntosh and Cortland. The cider will be flowing from their 100+ year old cider press where you can pick up a gallon to-go. Don’t forget to enjoy a cider slushie and donut made fresh daily!

3. Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards / https://www.beckerfarms.com/u-pick
Open for u-pick through October 31st. Free admission Monday – Friday. Tickets required on weekends and Columbus Day.
Enjoy the ultimate apple picking experience with activities for people of all ages. Fall Fun on the Farm runs every weekend and includes a chicken barbeque, live music, apple picking, fresh hand rolled donuts + more! Kids will have a blast on the playground, mega-slide, jungle gym, jumping pillow, and pedal carts. While adults can explore 340 acres of the countryside with access to a beer garden, brew pub, corn maze, and animal exhibits.

4. Blackman Homestead Farm / https://blackmanhomesteadfarm.com
Open daily for u-pick starting September 17 through October 12. Reservations required for Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day
Blackman Homestead Farm is nestled on the picturesque escarpment in Niagara County. During the fall harvest season, you can enjoy apple picking in their beautiful orchards on the rolling hills of the escarpment. Others go to taste old family recipes that have been perfected and used to make delicious fruit butters, apple sauces, and fresh pressed cider. Stop by on a the weekends to enjoy cider slushies and a Blackman Cider Co hard cider.

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