If fall feels like the season you wait for all year, the crisp mornings, leaves crunching under your boots, the smell of apples and cider donuts wafting through the air, then Orange County, N.Y. is where you want to be.
It’s the kind of place where every farm visit feels like stepping into a postcard or a Hallmark movie come to life. From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to wineries and hidden gems, here’s where to make your fall getaway unforgettable.
🧺 Apple Dave’s Orchards – Warwick
Since 1975, Apple Dave’s Orchard and Distillery has been a go-to spot for fall in Warwick. The farm is known for its sprawling apple trees and rolling pumpkin patch but it’s the extra touches that make it memorable: garden paths, a lake with mountain views, a puppet show and a farm store stocked with local goods.
Beyond the orchard fun, Apple Dave’s Orchard and Distillery has a thriving farm store filled with Halloween décor, local goods and everything you need to bring fall home. The new distillery adds even more flavor to the mix, serving up seasonal cocktails made with garden-grown ingredients, craft beers on tap and an expanded food menu that keeps both kids and adults happy.
🐾 Insider tip: Time your visit for late afternoon. As the sun sets over the orchards, the view from the chairs by the lake feels like pure fall magic.
🍷 Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery – Warwick
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery takes apple picking and elevates it into an all-day affair. Spanning 120 acres in the foothills of the Hudson Valley, this spot blends history, flavor and atmosphere in a way few places can.
Start in the orchard, where you’ll find one of the most diverse U-pick selections on the East Coast with over 50 varieties ranging from heirloom favorites to crisp modern staples. From there, wander through rose gardens and pollinator preserves before grabbing a seat on the lawn with a glass of Doc’s Cider (fun fact: it was New York’s first hard cider, crafted here in 1994).
Weekends are buzzing, with live music, tractor rides and a café that serves up farm-to-table salads, wood-fired pizzas and hearty sandwiches. It’s apple picking, but with all the extras you didn’t know you needed.
🥃 Fun fact: Warwick Valley was the first craft distillery licensed in New York since Prohibition. Their Black Dirt Bourbon & Rye, along with American Fruits brandies and liqueurs, are a must-try for spirit lovers.
🥕 Lawrence Farms Orchards – Newburgh
If you want a farm that feels both classic and full of surprises, Lawrence Farms is it. Family-owned since the late 1800s, the orchard has been doing “pick-your-own” for more than 30 years and their variety is unmatched. Depending on when you visit, you could leave with apples, pears, grapes, plums, peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, broccoli or even raspberries. It’s a farm where every visit looks a little different.
But it’s not just the produce. The farm’s charm lies in its playful atmosphere. Kids love the goats and “show chickens,” the hay bale maze and the whimsical “Little Village”: a pint-sized farm town inspired by old New England that feels like stepping back in time. Parents can take in the sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and the low-key, family-friendly vibe. And everyone loves the homemade apple cider donuts, especially when paired with a scoop of local ice cream.
🍦 Insider tip: Visit on a weekend in September when the orchard is overflowing with apple varieties then reward yourself with donuts and ice cream.
🍏 Soon’s Orchard – New Hampton
Family-owned since 1910, Soon’s Orchard is one of the longest-standing farm destinations in the Hudson Valley. It’s known not only for its apples but also for its rich farm market full of pies, baked goods, honey and local produce. Their pick-your-own apples cover a wide range of varieties throughout the season, and if you’re a cider fan, their pressed-on-site sweet cider is legendary.
🥧 Don’t miss: Their pumpkin whoopie pies and fresh-baked breads.
🍁 Pennings Farm – Warwick
Pennings Farm combines the charm of apple picking with a lively community vibe. After filling your bags with apples, stay for live music, craft beer at the on-site beer garden or a bite from the farm-to-table café. The orchard has been family-run since 1943 and now spans 100+ acres with a huge variety of apples and pumpkins. It’s a place where you can easily spend the whole day.
🍻 Relax factor: Order a pint at the beer garden and enjoy the orchard views.
🍂 Plan Your Fall Visit
Fall only comes once a year, and there’s no better way to spend it than wandering orchards, sipping cider and soaking in the views that make Orange County so special. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a weekend escape, the season’s best memories are waiting here.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
