Autumn Adventure: Apple Picking at Wilkens Fruit & Fir - A Perfect Day Trip from NYC
It is that time of year when the vibrant colors of have us embracing the beauty of the season. We recently ventured back up to Peekskill, which has become one of our favorite Upstate locations, with three visits in just three months. Our latest journey took us to Wilkens Fruit & Fir, where we had the pleasure of picking our own apples. If you're planning a visit to this orchard, we've got some valuable tips to make the most of your experience.
About Wilkens Fruit & Fir
Situated in the heart of Yorktown Heights, a mere train ride away from the bustling heart of New York City, Wilkens Fruit & Fir is a picturesque family-owned orchard with a rich history of serving the community since 1916. What once started as a modest apple orchard has flourished into a multifaceted destination. Beyond apple picking, the orchard offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and a country market brimming with homemade delights, farm-fresh produce, and seasonal decorations. The sprawling 100-acre orchard provides the perfect backdrop for a day filled with autumn adventures.
How to Get There from New York City by Train:
Take Metro-North Hudson Line: Head to Grand Central Terminal in New York City and catch the Metro-North Hudson Line. This scenic train ride offers a preview of the fall foliage as you travel along the Hudson River.
Arrive at Peekskill Station: After approximately one hour on the train, you'll reach Peekskill Station. This picturesque town on the Hudson River is the closest station to Wilkens Fruit & Fir.
Uber to the Orchard: From Peekskill Station, you can arrange an Uber Wilkens Fruit & Fir, which is about a 20-minute drive away. A friendly reminder that in Upstate, it takes about 20 minutes to get an Uber, so order your ride a stop or two before landing in the station.
TIP!: Upon arriving at Wilkens, we noticed that the line to get in was quite long, especially on a beautiful day. To avoid long wait times, we recommend either parking or getting dropped off a few streets away and walking the balance of the distance. It's a scenic walk, and you'll get a glimpse of the beautiful surroundings.
Apple Picking Tips:
Wear Comfortable Layers: Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, especially in layers, and suitable footwear for navigating the orchard terrain. As the sun shines brightly, don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen to keep comfortable throughout your day.
Start at the Back: Our seasoned apple-picking tip is to head to the back of the orchard first. Fewer people tend to venture that far, so the best apples are still in abundance. As you make your way back, your bag will fill up with these juicy treasures, making your apple-picking experience both productive and efficient.
Bring an Extra Bag: At the farm, you have the opportunity to purchase a peck of apples to take home. Of course, apples can be heavy, so consider bringing an extra bag to distribute the weight when it's time to leave.
As you enjoy the scenic train ride to Peekskill and make your way to Wilkens Fruit & Fir, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Apple picking at this charming orchard is a perfect way to celebrate the autumn season. So, gather your loved ones, hop on that train, and savor the crisp air and delicious apples at Wilkens Fruit & Fir in New York. Your fall adventure awaits!