The team here at ShoreBread is still getting over the end of the summer season, but just the knowledge that it is officially apple picking season on the Eastern Shore has completely turned our moods for the better! If you have never visited a local orchard to pick your own fresh apples, you are truly missing out. Apple picking at a local orchard is an experience in itself, from the occasional wagon rides to the orchard, to picking fresh local apples from trees that your neighbors have grown, to then taking apples home to enjoy in a variety of ways. Plus, it can actually become a competition among family: who can pick the most apples?, who can reach the highest branches?, who can make the best apple pie from said apples? and so on. Below, we have compiled a list of local orchards on the Eastern Shore in Maryland and Delaware. Please visit their websites to learn about special events happening at their farms during the month of October. Happy apple picking and may the best apple win!
Fifer Orchards
1919 Allabands Mill Road
Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934
302-697-2141
Apple picking at Fifer Orchards will be available through late October on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am – 5pm. Variety updates will be posted to the Fifer Orchards Facebook page as different areas of the orchard are open for u-pick. Apple picking at Fifer Orchards includes a tractor and wagon ride to the orchard and back!
T.S. Smith & Sons
8887 Redden Road
Bridgeville, DE 19933
302-337-8271
http://www.tssmithandsons.com/
The apple u-pick at T.S. Smith & Sons is available each Saturday through the month of October. Please call ahead for available time and location, weather permitting. Also, be sure to check in at the farm market for homemade apple donuts!
Blades Orchard
4822 Preston Road
Federalsburg, MD 21632
410-829-0334
Blades Orchard is officially open for u-pick apples on Saturdays from 9am-4pm and Sundays from 12pm-4pm, weather pending. Call ahead to find out which apple varieties are available for picking. This is the best family fun and you can take home apples for baking, cider and more. Bonus!
Millburn Orchard
1495 Appleton Road
Elkton, MD 21821
800-684-3000
http://www.milburnorchards.com/
Family owned and operated since 1902, these apple trees are mature and ready to be picked! This family adventure begins with a free wagon ride into the orchards and bags will be provided upon your arrival. The orchard is open each Saturday and Sunday for apple picking from 10am-5pm. According to the Millburn Orchard ripening chart, some of today’s varieties include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Cameo, and more.
M&C Vessey Farm
31783 Vessey Orchard Road
Westover, MD
410-957-1644
The u-pick apple orchards are open anytime the farmstand is open! Normal hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 8am-6pm and Sunday from 8am-4pm. Just pick the size basket you want and walk right to the orchard. They even have rolling carts available. Call ahead for optimal planning!
