An Apple (and Many Blueberries) a Day: Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow

It is hard to choose from all the wonderful places to pick apples as fall rolls around in New England.  However, on this gorgeous crisp day, we returned to one of our favorites: Honey Pot Hill in Stowe.  We arrived as they opened at 9 and were literally the first to arrive. (By 10:30 the crowds were in full force, so I highly recommend arriving early.)

We love the chance to see some barn animals: chickens, goats, bunnies and goats.  For 25 cents, our boys loved that you could actually feed them. 

Yet one of the best aspects of Honey Pot Hill is the chance to pick both blueberries and apples in late August and early September.  At this point you can pick Gravensteins, Akane, Sansa and Ginger Gold apples.  Each bite of the apples, as well as the silvery blueberries, made us question why we ever buy them at the grocery. The blueberries are so flavorful that it is worth buying extras to freeze and use throughout the year. As for us, we plan to make applesauce, apple cake and apple cobbler. Honey Pot Hill also has a Hedge Maze and a Tractor ride, but we tend to skip the extras. However, we never miss the chance to try one of their warm, tender apple cider donuts.  They are available at the store. You can also purchase sweet peaches, fresh pears and caramel apples.

After eating our full of fruit, some how we always find room for lunch. Two years ago we loved the experience of Nancy's Airfield Cafe. Honestly, the food wasn't as memorable as the chance for our first son to watch planes land. I don't know of any other restaurant that is literally on an airfield. However, this year, as both of our son's have egg allergies, we decided to pass and headed instead to a fabulous find: Stephen Anthony's in Marlboro. Stay tuned for a future post.

Last notes-bring cash or a check (they don't take credit cards) and call ahead to check what is available for picking that day.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards, 144 Sudbury Road, Stow 978-562-5666