A Brookdale Fruit Farm staff employee just told me that there’s some good apple picking at its “U-Pick” apple orchard in Hollis, N.H.. At this writing, the best apple picking opportunities are for MacIntosh, Honey Crisp and Gala, according to that employee. She also told me that the third week of September is when things really “start to kick” in with more varieties of apple ready to pick, as well as an overall better experience with hayrides, pumpkins, a corn maze, etc.
During the peak season Brookdale typically features the following apples: Baldwin, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Jonamac, MacIntosh, Macoun, Matsu, Northern Spy, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Rome, Snow Sweet, and Spencer.
Besides excellent apple picking, this is a fantastic, seventh generation farm stand, established in 1847! We have found the produce to consistently be some of the best around, and you’ll find a comprehensive variety of merchandise including local eggs and honey, grass fed beef, pies, jams, bread, cheeses, plants, cooking items, gifts and New Hampshire made items. They also have an excellent ice cream stand featuring Annabelle’s Ice Cream. If you’re not familiar with Annabelle’s, Food and Wine recently included this Portsmouth, N.H.-based business in its “Best Ice Cream Spots in the U.S.” article.
Brookdale is a big farm, quite different from the little roadside stand I remember as a kid. Truth be told, I like Brookdale better now as they simply have more to offer — including the great variety of apples. All in all, this is a wonderful cheap travel New England fall road trip!
Happy apple picking, and please make sure you call Brookdale at 603-465- 2240 before embarking on a day trip there to get the latest updates on apple picking and other farm activities.
Brookdale Fruit Farm is located at 41 Broad St. in Hollis, N.H. Tel. (603) 465-2240
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