Apples have been a fan favorite in America for just about as long as the nation has existed! In the 1600s, European settlers brought apples to North America. They planted the first apples in Boston. From there, America’s obsession with the fruit blossomed! Considering the legendary adventures of Johnny Appleseed and the growing popularity of over 5,000 bustling apple orchards throughout the United States, this versatile fruit has woven itself into the fabric of our country’s history and culture.
Today, the United States is home to some of the most remarkable apple orchards in the world, each with their own unique offerings. Having said that, Washington State and New York stand out from the rest for being the leading producers of this sweet, crisp, and refreshing fruit. Now, let’s embark on a journey to unearth the top five apple orchards in the United States. Continue reading to dig into the rich history of apples and get to the root of why these five orchards are some of the most renowned in the country!
5. Chazy Orchards: 9486 US-9, Chazy, NY 12921
Though there are over 7,500 apple species in existence, you won’t be able to find all of them at your local grocery store. That is because only 2,500 apple varieties are grown and sold in the United States!
©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
One of the first locations we’ll discuss is Chazy Orchards. First established in 1904, this apple orchard has since grown to become the largest McIntosh apple orchard in the world! Beyond that, they also hold records for being one of the oldest operating orchards in the country, with over 100 years of experience under their belt. Because of this, Chazy Orchards offers an interesting perspective for those curious to learn more about the rich heritage and evolving culture of apple farming in America.
Located in upstate New York, the best time to visit Chazy’s is between mid-September and late October. This ensures the most optimal apple-picking experience. Plus, they have a variety of other products to choose from, including world-famous, homemade apple pies and some heavenly donuts, too!
4. Julian Farm and Orchard: 4381 Julian Hwy, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Fun Fact: One of George Washington’s favorite hobbies was pruning his apple trees. In fact, he grew and cared for over 215 apple trees during his presidency!
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Nestled in the scenic town of Julian, California, is Julian Farm and Orchard. This fruit farm stands as a testament to the rich history of apples in America and offers one of the most diverse arrays of apple species for guests to choose from. Traveling with little ones or those who might not care to spend their entire day picking apples? That’s okay, because Julian’s also boasts a large petting zoo, rock climbing walls, hayrides, hay bale mazes, yard games, and even ax throwing! This makes it a one-stop-shop for a fantastic, unforgettable family outing! Plus, the picturesque picnic area provides the perfect spot for families, couples, or even those visiting alone to stop for a quick bite or simply enjoy the scenery. Make sure to visit sometime between September and October to get the most out of your apple-picking adventure!
3. Mercier Orchards: 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
On average, it takes about 36 apples to create just one gallon of apple cider!
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Established in 1943, Mercier Orchards sits on a whopping 300 acres of land and hosts a variety of delicious pick-your-own fruits. Having said that, the star of the show is, without a doubt, their apples! Mercier Orchards is a complete experience that takes apple picking to a whole new level. Along with hundreds of rows of apple trees, the grounds also feature a farm-fresh cafe, farmer’s market, cidery, and winery, making this farm much more than just a place to stop and pick apples. To guarantee a taste of the freshest, juiciest produce, plan to visit during their peak picking times, which are between August and October.
2. All Seasons Orchards: 14510 IL-176, Woodstock, IL 60098
Pictured above is the notorious Honeycrisp apple species, but did you know that the only apple native to North America is the crabapple? This small, crisp fruit is extremely sour and somewhat spongy, which is likely why many people opt to snack on other, more sweet, apple species over this one!
©Julie Marshall/Shutterstock.com
Woodstock, Illinois, is known for much more than its legendary appearance in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day! Featuring over 15,000 Honeycrisp apple trees, a large corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and numerous barnyard attractions, All Seasons Orchards is one of the most fun apple orchards in the Midwest. With over 30 years of experience, this fruit farm has been a local fan favorite since 1993. Keep in mind that their peak picking time for apples is between September and October, so plan in advance to have the most fun this fall season!
1. Swans Trail Farms: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
The Evergreen State? More like the Apple State! Washington produces over 90% of the country’s organic apples and is the top apple producer in the United States, producing 66% of our total supply!
©Kirk Fisher/iStock via Getty Images
Last but certainly not least is Swans Trail Farms. Considered to be one of the best apple orchards in America, this family-owned and operated farm has been in business in Snohomish, Washington, since 1984. With humble beginnings as dairy farmers, this farm grew exponentially over the years. Today, it is the site of the now-famous Washington State corn maze, a giant pumpkin patch, corn fields, strawberry fields, and, of course, apple trees! With hopes of educating people of all ages on where their food comes from, Swans hosts many events throughout the year, including a fall festival, picnics, field trips, and more! If your hopes are set on apples, though, make sure to visit during their peak picking times, which is anytime between September and October.
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