Originally published on 10best.com
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards – LaFayette, NY
This family-owned orchard has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911 to plant apples on a hillside along Rte. 20. The rest, as they say, is history. Gala, McIntosh, Ginger Gold and Paula Red are just a few of the varieties offered from late August through late October. Live music events, Cider Fests, Orchard Runs and a Kids’ Magic Show add entertainment to the apple picking.
The first apple orchard in the U.S. was planted in 1625 near Boston’s Beacon Hill. Today, more than 7,500 growers are producing apples in all 50 states (according to the U.S. Apple Association). That’s 240 million bushels of apples each year. Since each individual apple must be hand-picked during the autumn harvest season, many orchards open their gates for visitors to come and pick their own, often with added autumn entertainment.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Apple Orchards are as follows:
- Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards – LaFayette, N.Y.
- Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Winery – Fenton, Mich.
- Deal’s Orchard – Jefferson, Iowa
- Libby & Son U-Picks – Limerick, Maine
- Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, Ga.
- Tougas Family Farm – Northborough, Mass.
- Carter Mountain Orchard – Charlottesville, Va.
- Mt View Orchards – Mount Hood, Ore.
- Solebury Orchards – New Hope, Penn.
- Weston’s Antique Apples – New Berlin, Wis.
Congratulations to all these winning orchards!