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Apple picking on Long Island

BY SYLVIA CARTER

Trees in Long Island's orchards are laden with apples for picking. Whether you favor sweet Golden Delicious or tart Granny Smith, there's one that will be the apple of your eye. Many orchards offer family-friendly activities for pre- or post-picking that range from wagon and hayrides to tours.

Most growers who offer u-pick are open seven days, but if the crop is "picked out," they may close for a day, so call to check or visit the Web sites listed before you head out.

The Milk Pail
1346 Montauk Hwy. and 732 Mecox Rd., Water Mill

631-537-2565
milk-pail.com

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (u-pick opens at 10 a.m. Sunday)

Cost: $26 for a 20-pound bag ( 1/2 bushel)

Jonamac, McIntosh, Zestar and Sansa and other snappy varieties are being picked right now. Peaches, home-baked goodies and cider also are available. Picking is off Mecox Road, the first road east of the stand on Montauk Highway. Dogs not allowed in the orchard.

Woodside Farms
Route 25, Aquebogue, and Manor Lane, Jamesport
631-722-5770
woodsidefarmsli.com

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for u-pick

U-pick begins Sept. 20, with several varieties expected to be available for harvest this season (check Web site for specifics). Homemade pies are fresh-baked Wednesday through Sunday and cider doughnuts are made daily. You may get a chance to watch cider being made. Cider slushies are a cold treat after an afternoon of picking apples.

Wickham's Fruit Farm
Route 25, Cutchogue
631-734-6441
wickhamsfruitfarm.com

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday