This article appeared in the September/October 2014 issue of Organic Hudson Valley.  A direct link can be found under Links to Articles.

When autumn comes around, there is nothing that beats that first taste of a fresh, crisp apple from a local orchard. The Hudson Valley is known for its apple orchards and all the activities they offer, from “pick your own” opportunities to baking pies for family and friends.

The apple is celebrated in the region, with the Hudson Valley Apple Festival, held in Germantown, New York in September. Among the apples being celebrated are some varieties that originated in the Hudson Valley region, including Jonathans, which came from Woodstock and the Northern Spy apple from Fishkill.

New York is the second largest apple-producing state in the country, second only to Washington. The valley produces about eight million bushels of apples annually. The apple has its New York origins dating back to when governor Peter Stuyvesant planted an apple tree. Apples then spread north into the Hudson Valley. The main apple areas in the valley are in southern Ulster County, along the west side of the Hudson River and northern Dutchess and Columbia Counties.

The area is filled with farms that welcome visitors, both local and out-of-towners alike, in addition to the many local stores that stock apples grown locally, such as Adams Fairacre Farms, which has multiple locations throughout the Hudson Valley. Apples are available at orchards already picked as well as at numerous farm stands throughout the area, many of which also sell apple products that include cider and baked goods.

Most orchards have their own web sites where information is available about the types of apples they grow, how they grow them and where they can be purchased. There are also orchards offering apples with minimal chemical use during their cultivation.

Apple Picking and the popularity of eating locally have led to the Hudson Valley Apple Trail. “The Hudson Valley Apple Trail is a group of seven family owned and operated apple orchards nestled in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains,” according to the Facebook page for the trail. “An easy 25-mile loop located off the NYS Thruway (I-87), Exit 18 (New Paltz) links these farms together. Each orchard offers pick-your-own-apples as well as other produce, and a farm stand. You will discover many local favorite products such as sweet apple cider, pies, fruit butters, jams, stone fruit, and much more. Each farm has its own special character. Together these farms offer a variety of outdoor activities to please every member of your family: hayrides, corn mazes, and children’s play areas. Our farm families have worked hard through the generations to make our orchards a great place for your family outing.”

More information on the Hudson Valley Apple Festival can be found at http://www.hudsonvalleyapplefestival.com.