The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in New England as you, most likely, have an apple orchard located within close proximity of your home.

Did you know, however, that there are more than 120 varieties of apples to be found in New England with about the same number of apple orchards open to the public?

There’s really an apple in New England for every taste…

Looking for apples in organic form? Thankfully, the Holistic Orchard Network lists several New England organic orchards. More consumers are seeking organic apples to avoid the higher concentration of pesticides generally found on conventional apples. Many apple lovers also feel that organic apples have a better taste and higher nutrient density, including vital compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants.

Interested in heirloom apples? New England has them, too. Heirloom apples can be defined as apples that were popular decades or even centuries ago. Locally, heirloom apples like the Westfield Seek-No-Further, Roxbury Russet, Golden Russet and Baldwin have their roots — literally and figuratively — in New England. Clarkdale Fruit Farms, a fourth generation farm in Deerfield, Mass., carries heirloom apples with incredible lineage, dating back to first generation of farmers cultivating the fruits here. The farm features more than 100 varities of apples, pears, cherries, plums and grapes! In Lebanon, N.H., Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Lane Ciders also carries some heirloom apples as does Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook, N.H. and Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vt.

Looking for an apple orchard in your county, or at a New England destination you plan to visit? The New England Apple Association has come up with a comprehensive list of apple orchards in New England. This directory is easy to navigate as you can click on a New England map to find apple orchards, state-by-state: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Apple orchard listings have designations of “Pick-Your-Own” and/or “Fruit Stand Available,” contact information and other products sold, as well as the apple varieties available at each farm stand.

While the list is absolutely invaluable for finding apple orchards in New England, I would call ahead to your chosen apple orchard destination to make sure apple picking is available, the operating business hours of apple picking, and what types of apples are present at the time you plan on arriving.

If you enjoyed this fall travel article, you might also like reading:
Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield, Mass., is more than just an apple orchard
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The best New England fall foliage destinations
50 fun affordable New England fall travel ideas
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Phantom Farms embodies the classic New England farm stand
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A fall walk at Walden Pond in Concord, Mass.
A fall road trip to Adams Farm in Cumberland, R.I.