berlin orchards

My wife and I with our daughter (12) and son (9) visited 10 apple farms in the Bolton/Stow area in Massachusetts. On October 12 the foliage was just starting to light up the landscape. Here is what we found.The big places, Honey Pot Hill and Shelburne Farm, are east of 495 in Stow with half a dozen other apple farms or shops (Bolton Springs, Derby, Carver Hill, Old Frog Pond to name a few). Although Carver Hill had some excellent grilling sauces and preserves, we found the places in Stow to be very crowded. West of 495 in Bolton is another story.From 495 come off of exit 26 on to rt 62 West and go a little way until you see Berlin Orchards (large white building) on your right. They have everything. face painting, pumpkin painting, a hayride, play houses, a hot dog stand, plenty of port-o-potties and again, they are right off the highway. Berlin earned two blue ribbons from our family...best gift shop and by far the best apple cider donuts. This is the place to pick up any sauces, preserves, salsas, apple butter, etc. But, don't spend the day. There is more to see.Plug 116 Sawyer Street, Bolton, MA into your GPS and head for Nicewicz (Neesh-way) Family Farm. It is in the middle of no where. But, "no where" is a beautiful place with rolling hills, pastures, rock walls, sweeping vistas of vivid fall foliage and many grand old homes. We found our best deal for apples at Nicewicz and plenty of them. The hayride is free and runs all day back and forth over the hill to Schartner Farm. Schartner had a huge snack bar with picnic tables and an immense corn maze.These three farms have the best of everything you could want from a day picking apples. They are close in proximity and also very close to Charlotte's House (96 South Bolton Road, Bolton), a B&B with a great reputation. And all of it is off the beaten path.If you would like something other than burgers and dogs get back on 495 and head up to exit 27. Take rt 117 East to Slater's Restaurant (356 Main Street, Bolton). Pizza, Subs, Pasta and Smoke BBQ! We enjoyed fast, friendly service and some very tender ribs (sauce, not dry rub) at the end of a long, rewarding day.

Best place around for apple picking, the owner is friendly and often drives the tractor that pulls the hay cart. I especially like their choice of late season apples like the Fuji, Mutsu and the Jonagold.

Made a trip to Boston for a conference in the fall and decided to go apple picking. Was such a fun experience that would've been great with the kids too. Filled a half bushel bag with 6 varieties of apples for $30 and the experience was one I won't soon forget. Can also purchase cold cider and donuts and pumpkins. Not as big as some other orchards but still an unforgettable experience if you get the chance!

Located on Route 62 in Berlin, the orchard is a mix of gifts, selected foods, ice cream shop and horse rides. Seasonally, they sell their own apples and other produce. You've heard of "local food"? This is it, and worth a stop to explore the constantly changing fare.

We went to Berlin Orchards for the first time in a long time. The whole experience is so worth the trip (we live 35 mins away). The staff is very friendly. The owners are wonderful to talk to and are on the premises taking pictures of families, making everyone feel like one of theirs. The hayride is short and sweet. Our favorite driver Birdie was still there balancing apples on his head as he drives the tractor. A Great hit for the kids. The new attraction this year was the maze pile, and the pumpkin patch. There are great photo opportunities all around! We can't wait to go back next year.

A tractor pulled wagon will bring you out to the orchards, where you can load up on apples. Took my granddaughter and she had a ball. Nice spot with plenty of parkling.

Great for kids. Animals for petting. Picnic tables and porta pottis. Lots of Halloween activities, pumpkins, and crooked houses for play and photo ops. Tractor ride over to the orchard but also a pretty walk. Apples are the best we ever picked. Left to ripen on the trees for pick your own. Many varieties. Price was fair - good to support a local farmer.

The veggies and fruits are great but a bit pricey. Their deli counter is great,too.

This is a wonderful small apple orchard on a hillside with hayrides to take you to hundreds of well maintained tree and many varieties of apples to pick. There is a small shop and plenty of free parking. Very easy to get to from Route 495 and Route 62. Friendly people.