When is the best time to go apple picking in New York?

Well, what varieties of apples are your favorite? If you’re a Ginger Gold fan come picking in August. If you love Royal Galas and Honeycrisp be sure to visit early September.  My favorite apple is Empire, and they come out in mid-September with all our school groups.  Just after that our Cortland apples will make a great apple sauce. Our customer mid-season favorite apple varieties are Jonagolds and Golden Delicious. You have to try the Pride of NY new apple variety Snap Dragon in early October. Apple season grand finale trio features Fuji, Rome Beauties, and flavorful Ruby Frost. On the pick your own details page of the Hurds Family Farm website you can find what apples are being picked at the farm now, a full list of the varieties at our farm, and a link to Apples From NY where you can find out what your favorite apple says about your personality.

What is “agritainment”?

Agritainment are the many outdoor activities that farmers create for kids and families to enjoy while they are spending time on the farm. The Ninja Warrior inspired Wild Apple Obstacle Course is made from repurposed farm equipment. The Big Apple Bounce is an air pillow where kids can jump with a beautiful view of the Mohonk Mountains. Young budding prospectors will love our new Gem Mining which is conveniently located near the Rubber Duck Derby and entrance to two of our nature trails. The hayride can help you get around our 120 acre apple orchard, but for fun our cow train zig zags around some of our apple trees and pumpkin patches. All of our farm activities are listed on the agritainment pages of our website, one for each season.

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How do you know when an apple is ready to be picked?

Our farm map has the typical times our varieties are ready based on our historical date, of course the weather really determines when an apple is ready to pick. As your walking through our apple orchard there will be signs underneath the tree telling you the type of apple and if it’s ready to be picked. When you go up to an apple on the tree is should easily come off in your hand without pulling, but a lift and turn with the palm of your hand. Check out our How to Pick an Apple Video.

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Can I buy a pumpkin in September to carve for Halloween?

Why not….If the sun has turned the pumpkin golden orange it is ready to take home with you. It is best to wait until closer to Halloween to carve your jack-o-lanter. You can also take home with you a pumpkin, apple, or farm themed children book available in our Dutch Barn Market. Check out our special events to see what's happening during our Pumpkin Fiesta Weekends.

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Where is the best place on the farm to eat?

One scenic spot is under our Amish made pavilion which overlooks our apple orchard, kids coral with many games for children, the giant slide on sand mountain, the pedal kart track, our new pond, bouncy pillow, and is located right next to our Dutch barn market. Families or groups can also rent party tents which include picnic tables for fresh air dining. Anywhere you decide to stop and eat while walking around our apple orchard will have picturesque views of the New Paltz Gunks, famous mountain climbing attraction. Our Big Apple Café has fresh apple cider donuts made daily along with great lunch items made with our farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out Our Family Blog for some of our favorite picnic locations.

How much time will I spend on your farm with my family?

Come prepared to spend an entire day here with the number of wholesome outdoor activities we have for children of all ages. It’s a great place for grandparents and grandkids to spend quality time together in the heart of Ulster County. If you are in a hurry you can pick some apples and a pumpkin with a quick a hayride in less than an hour. All season long there is fresh produce available in our barn. We are just a right off the New York state thruway, but you are surrounded by beautiful rural farm country.  For more information you can explore the Hurds Family Farm “Plan Your Visit Page”.

Does your apple farm offer any group discounts?

Any groups that prepurchase 50 or more apple picking bags or wristbands will get $1 off every bag. We offer special apple picking party packages for birthdays, reunions, and other events. School groups can create a field trip package that is just right for their students. Reservations can be made on our website or by phone. The Hurds Family Farm season group pass includes a family of 5 and is good for the entire Fall Season, and there are smaller season passes for smaller families too.

Is your farm the closest pick your own farm to New York City?

Hurds Family Farm is only about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the big apple. We are not the closest to NYC but we are one of the most popular talk-about-able farms. Our Ulster County apple farm is known for the family friendly activities within this pick your own apple farm. Hurds Family Farm is a key part of the Hudson Valley Apple Trail because of our 20 years of commitment to providing the best fall farm experience for our loyal customers from New York City and the local Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties.

What will my child learn on a school field trip at your apple farm?

Where do I begin? Students will learn with our grocery bag botany game that we eat parts of a plant, our food comes from the soil, and is nurtured for by farmers. Kids will have a hands on experience learning how to pick apples out in the orchard. Sharing is caring at Hurds Family Farm when together children they take turns coming down our giant slide and playing on our pedal kart track. The pride of NY ABC s of nature trial gives students a lesson in farm products grown in New York State from Apples to Zinnias.  Older kids can practice their map reading skills in a 2 acre NY grown corn maze.

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