The quaint Tougas Family Farm near Boston was just recognized by USA Today as one of the best places in the whole country for apple picking. And the apple does not fall far from the tree — Massachusetts is actually the birthplace of American apple orchards with the very first apple orchard planted on Beacon Hill in 1625!
Today, three New England apple orchards are among the U.S.’s top ten, and one is less than an hour away from Boston!
…And the winner is?
A seasoned panel of experts narrowed down America’s 5,000 apple orchards to 20. Then, in true democratic style, thousands of USA Today readers voted for the top ten. Coming in at number ten is Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, Massachusetts.
Tougas is recognized alongside Jaswell’s Farm in Smithfield, Rhode Island (ranking #9) and Libby and Son U-Picks in Limerick, Maine (ranking #6). If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, New Englanders can rejoice! With so many delicious apple orchards to pick from, we should have no problem getting our daily value of apples.
Only about forty minutes from Boston, Tougas makes a lovely weekend excursion. The second-generation fruit farm carries over 30 unique apple varieties. Apple picking season at Tougas runs from August through October.
Go apple picking New England-style at Tougas Family Farm
Tougas publishes a schedule of apple availability throughout each month. Apple picking in New England peaks in October, so expect almost twenty varieties in the month alone. Many apples are unique to Tougas, and ones they “guarantee you won’t find at the supermarket!”
In addition to apple picking, Tougas has many other fall traditions to get in the spirit of the cozy season. Visit the pumpkin patch, dine at the Grill Shack and Donut Hut, or say hello to the barnyard animals outside the Tougas Farm Store.
Outside of pumpkin spice time, Tougas Family Farm offers other seasonal activities, like picking berries and peaches in the summer. There’s always something fresh happening!
Tougas Family Farm’s apple picking hours from August to October are:
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Fill your barrel at 234 Ball St, Northborough, MA 01532!