Apples & Cider

Fall Hudson Valley Vacations | Apple Picking & Cider Drinking

As the late summer transitions into fall at the Minnewaska Lodge, we encourage you to partake in the best Harvest season things to do in the Hudson Valley - pumpkin and apple picking! Many come from near and far with their loved ones to indulge in the fresh, crisp apple varieties at the local orchards. Throughout the transition of the season, you’ll notice the dark shades of green turn into beautiful shades of marigold, amber, and scarlet red on the trees as you walk along the orchard trails. While on Hudson Valley vacations, we strongly suggest visiting the orchards nearby to get your fill of the traditional fall activity and, of course, apple cider donuts to boot!

Wrights Farm

During your September and October Hudson Valley vacations head to Wrights Farm to spend the afternoon picking your own apples and pumpkins in the spirit of the Harvest season. The farm encourages visitors to take a scenic hike to view the fall foliage, have a picnic, tailgate, and of course, pick apples while in the orchard! The on-site Wrights Farm Market has a large display of pumpkins and squash out front and is open daily 8-4:30 p.m. You’ll be able to sample artisan jams, salsas, and fudge as you browse through the caramel creations, fresh produce, candy apples, delicious baked pies, cookies, among many other items. Before you leave, be sure to try the hot apple cider donuts as they are the show-stopper here!

 

Dressel Farms

Throw on your light sweaters and flannel as you head to Dressel Farms in New Paltz, NY, for an afternoon of picking apples during autumn’s peak. Starting on the weekends in September take a hayride to the orchard where you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of apples including Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Golden and many others. There’s no pressure to pay for a whole bag of apples before picking, as you’ll be able to pay for the apples by the pound. If you’re looking for a quick stop to grab an apple cider, homemade ice cream, honey, cider donuts, or bag full of apples swing by the Roadstand open 9-5:30 p.m. daily. Beginning late September and lasting through October, you’ll be able to pick your own pumpkins as well.

 

Cider Breweries in the Hudson Valley

After sipping on hot apple cider all day make a transition to hard cider to keep the good times rolling into the evening. There’s nothing better on a fall day than treating yourself to a crisp hard cider ale on your Hudson Valley vacations.  Here’s a list of the top 3 places to grab a hard cider during your stay at Minnewaska Lodge:

Autumn Getaways to Minnewaska Lodge

For more information on the local breweries in NY, check out the Self-Guided Brewery Tour on our website. Enjoy a peaceful fall escape to the Shawangunk Mountains before the holidays hit as you’ll become too busy with family gatherings and holiday shopping to relax. Whether you’d like seasonal forest views from a private deck, balcony, or expansive window, we provide many options to take in the fall foliage. Book your Hudson Valley vacations during the apple and pumpkin Harvest season⁠— you’ll thank us later!