RAGTAG PLACES: Gales Ferry - Holmberg Orchards

When I ask local moms for apple-picking recommendations, they all say Scott's in East Lyme or Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry. This past weekend we tried Holmberg Orchards and walked away with $20 in apples, an 8 lb pumpkin, and a happy but exhausted 2 year old. This makes it a great place to bring your family, if only for the reason to tire them out.

RAGTAG ANNIE likes: "A little bitty apple!"

Holmberg Orchards
12 Orchard Lane
Gales Ferry, CT 06335

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Orchard:

• They have a helpful welcome table.  The greeter provides bags and tells you which apples are available along with descriptions of the apples. They also provide general directions and guidelines for the orchard.
• They offer free tractor rides on Saturdays and Sundays during September and October. There were 2 tractors running this past weekend. During the ride you will be able to see their other crops: Blackberry bushes, gourds, tomatos, corn, etc.
• Several employees are available for help/questions at the tractor drop-off station.
• There are 2 small pumpkin patch areas. One near the entrance and the other next to the tractor pick-up station.
• Apples on 10/14 were $1.69 lb and pumpkins are $.50 lb.
• Homemade cider is for sale (unpasteurized).
• There is a Farmers Market at the entrance of Orchard Lane. They have a few grocery items available including fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and ready-made foods. Try the cookies! They were pretty amazing and had 6-7 different kinds. 
• There's a onsite tasting room for their wines and hard ciders.

Conveniences:

• There is ample parking at the orchard and it's free.
• Wagons for hauling apples and pumpkins are available for free, however they have signs warning children not to sit in them.
• Drinking water is provided for free in the fields. Just ask the employees and they'll direct you.
• Credit cards are accepted.

Things to Remember:

• The apples are all tasty, but we'd recommend picking the Empires and Cameos for eating and Winesaps for baking. Avoid the russets, they taste like potatoes. Unless you like that sort of thing!
• They don't have any cider donuts. I was a little disappointed, but the 3 cookies from the farmers market I ate made up for it.
• Bring your camera. Apple-picking provides the best action shots.
• I didn't notice a restroom, so make sure the little ones go ahead of time.
• Pets are not allowed in the orchard.