Pumpkin and Apple Picking

Three of my favorite stops for apple picking, pumpkin picking, fresh fall treats and more:

1. If your house if full of children this fall, Hank’s is a terrific place to take the family for apple and pumpkin picking; and there’s a market full of fresh vegetables, fruits, pies and lots of homemade treats and decorations to bring home.  You’ll find gourds in every shape and color to decorate your holiday table, mums and oversized pumpkins for indoors or out. While you’re shopping you can enjoy fresh, sweet, roasted corn.  There are hayrides, playsets and mazes for an afternoon of family fun.
   Hanks Pumpkin Town
   240 Montauk Highway
   Watermill, NY
   (631) 726-4997
   www.hankspumpkintown.com
2. With more than 20 varieties of apples to choose from The Milk Pail is a wonderful place to pick your own apples for any fall recipe.  The easy-to-reach dwarf apple trees make for easy pickin’s and the pumpkin patch is a delight.  The market includes fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers – all grown on site. Arguable, the best cider in the Hamptons is sold here. Great for young adults and gourmands.  
   The Milk Pail
   50 Horsemill Lane
   Water Mill, NY
   (631) 537-2565
   www.milk-pail.com
3. A corn maze, u-pick pumpkin patch, corn cannon and a variety of fresh produce makes Fairview another terrific destination to spend the day with children of any age.  They also offer terrific gift baskets – perfect for a hostess gift!  You choose from a variety of fresh, local ingredients and they do the rest.
   Fairview Farm
   69 Horsemill Lane
   Bridgehampton, NY
   (631) 537-6154
   www.fairviewfarmatmecox.com