Straight from the Tree:
Eco-Friendly
Apple Picking
Indian Ladder Farms
Endless flowers and surrounding hills alight with broad-sweeping leaf color changes attract families to this 300-acre, eco-friendly farm during the fall season for apple and pumpkin picking. They produce "eco-apples," together with University of Massachusetts and Cornell University scientists and other eco-apple growers from seven states. Eco-apples are those grown with more environmentally friendly methods, like using bees and ladybug beetles to keep crop-killing pests at bay, instead of spraying lots of harsh chemical pesticides. There is also a one-mile nature trail, sandbox for little visitors, and ample opportunities for children to pet and feed the baby animals that populate the farm: chicks, ducklings, pigs, donkeys, and ewes, among others. Other seasonal, pick-your-own treats include strawberries (May-June), blueberries (July), raspberries (August), tomatoes (August), and pumpkins (October). Pick your own hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Gabriel Farm
Come see a working organic orchard in action! This organic, family-owned farm is eager to share their delicious, organic fruit and its knowledge on organic farming versus industrial practices with visiting families. From early August to late September, you can pick your own Gilbert Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, and Rome Beauty apples. You can also try a Fuyu Persimmon, a late-fall treat. Just be sure that you make an appointment to pick, as there are specific hours and days that the Gabriel Farm family is offsite sharing their wares at local farmer's markets.
Shelburne Farms
On the shores of Lake Champlain, this family-owned farm is a proponent of buying locally. 400 trees on 10 acres of this farm are certified organic, and the remaining 70 acres are considered ecological, low-spray orchard land (producing "eco-apples"). Varieties include Paula Reds and Jersey Macs (early season), McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Liberty, Mutzu (Crispin), Macoun, Fuji, Gala, Hubbardton Nonesuch, Northern Spy, Cox Orange Pippen, Roxbury Russet, Golden Russet, Spartan, and Tolman Sweet (main season). Call ahead for picking availability. Autumn pick-your-own hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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