Core values: Apples you can pick - and eat
Justine DeRosa, 15, of St. James, left, and Julia Boitano, 15, of Smithtown take a break while apple picking at Lewin Farms in Wading River in October of 2009. It was taken by Justine's mother, NaDean DeRosa, also of St. James. Credit: NaDean DeRosa
Cooler temperatures can't help but make you think of crisp apples, warm cider - and where to get both. If you're of a mind to pick your own, you're in luck, because Long Island farmers grow thousands of apples in familiar and not-so-familiar varieties.
Labor Day weekend, Mike and Grisel Cipriani traveled from East New York to pick apples at The Milk Pail in Water Mill.
"We try to come two or three times during the season," says Grisel, 34, who owns the High-Definition Fitness Center in Brooklyn. Besides their son, Michael, 7, they're often joined in the orchard by friends, family - even neighbors. And they don't leave without buying cider.
"It tastes nothing like the stuff you buy in the grocery store," says Mike, 36.
In Cutchogue, Jual Miah spent two leisurely hours picking apples and peaches with three friends at Wickham's Fruit Farm.
"The orchard reminds me of being home in Bangladesh," says Miah, 25, of Queens. "It was hot, but a lot of fun picking."
Fair warning: The apple season is running ahead of schedule this year. Some varieties at Milk Pail are ready about 10 days earlier than usual, says co-owner Jennifer Dupree. If you're heading out to pick your own, don't wait too long - and it's a good idea to call ahead to check which varieties are available.
See ExploreLI's guide to apple picking on Long Island
