Image courtesy of Flickr user Brandi Jordan

It's the perfect time of year for apple picking, and fortunately we are a close drive to many fantastic orchards.  Spend a day enjoying the October weather, pick your own apples, have some delicious apple cider donuts and even choose a pumpkin!  Then don't forget to go back for your Christmas tree...

Blue Jay Orchards

125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel, CT

"...the farm is open for pick-your-own fun from August thru October.  Our Farm Market Store and Gift Shop is open August thru December, offering baked goods, apple items, produce, baskets and gifts" 

http://www.bluejayorchardsct.com/

Beardsley's Cider Mill

278 Leavenworth Road (Route 110), Shelton, CT

"The Beardsley's have been farming this plot of land in White Hills, Shelton CT since 1849!...In an effort to provide the growing community with a fresh, local commodity, and to preserve the farm land from being developed, we have rejuvenated the existing orchards.  We have over 5,000 dwarf and semi dwarf apple trees in our Pick-Your-Own Orchard."

http://www.beardsleyscidermill.com/

There is a great website which lists all of the orchards and picking schedules in our area: http://www.pickyourown.org/CT.htm

And for more Connecticut day trip ideas, visit our great selection of travel books in the Places section on the 2nd Floor.