As the leaves start to turn and pumpkin spice fills the air, there's no need for a car to venture on a fantastic fall adventure. We've rounded up a selection of charming farms, all just a quick public transportation ride away with quick cab or share ride accessibility. From apple picking to pumpkin patch strolls, these destinations promise a day of seasonal delight without the hassle. It's time to make the most of this fall season!
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem, NY): This farm offers apple and pumpkin picking and is accessible by taking the Metro-North Harlem Line from Grand Central Terminal to the Croton Falls station. From there, you can arrange for a short taxi or rideshare to the farm.
This is our favorite farm for apple picking because we also do our pumpkin picking during the same visit-win win! We also have the kids wear their Halloween Costumes because WHY not???
Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY):Fishkill Farms is known for its sustainable practices and offers apple picking and other seasonal activities. You can take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon, and then take a taxi or rideshare to the farm.
Alstede Farms (Chester, NJ): While slightly over 2 hours from Manhattan, Alstede Farms is accessible by taking a NJ Transit train from Penn Station to the Gladstone station. From there, you would need to arrange additional transportation to reach the farm.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY): This farm offers apple and pumpkin picking and can be reached by taking the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to the Peekskill station. From Peekskill, you can use local transportation or a taxi to reach the farm and it takes about 15 minutes.
Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ): Demarest Farms provides apple and pumpkin picking and is accessible by taking a NJ Transit train from Penn Station to the Hillsdale station. The farm is within walking distance from the station.
Got your apples? Here is a quick and easy apple pie recipe to make with all those apples you will get:
Classic Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium-sized apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork, until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one disc of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently place the dough into the pie pan, letting any excess dough hang over the edges.
- Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Crimp the edges of the pie to seal the crusts together. You can also create a decorative edge using your preferred method.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Make a few small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling to set.
Slice and serve the apple pie on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
For a visual guide and additional tips, you can find the recipe along with step-by-step photos at Sally's Baking Addiction - Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
