Advice on CT apple orchards and cafes?

[saltysnack]

Wanting to make a daytrip from NYC to an orchard in CT (ideally no more than 1.5 hour drive).

Any recommendations on orchards? Would like a wide variety of pick-your-own apples and a good market (baked goods, etc.) Would also like to make a day of the excursion and get lunch nearby -- a cozy cafe or diner. Nothing fussy. Preferably local farm-fare.

Thanks!

[louuuuu]

Was at Bishops yesterday... fantastic gala and macs, crisp and sweet, and more varieties coming on this weekend. Honey Crisps should be available soon... my fave. Peaches are done. Raspberries are ripe for picking. They have a huge market with baked goods (done on premises), meats, wines (including local)cheeses and farm fresh produce. wines, etc.

You can call 203 458-PICK to see whats ripe.

http://www.bishopsorchards.com/market...

Close to the Sound and the nearby shore towns of Guilford, Madison, and Branford have lotsa "cozy cafes", some with water views.

Silvermans is also good (and closer), but we prefer Bishops..

Their trees literally bear "low hanging fruit".

[javaandjazz]

Silverman's in Easton does have the delicious baked goods. I was there this weekend and the apple dumpling is totally worth it. The oatmeal cookie with ginger was good also. I have not tried any of their apple pies yet. I'm sure you could drive over to Fairfield to eat afterwards. Your best bet would probabloy be Lyman's in Middlefield, although it's a longer drive it has the "entire apple experience".

http://www.lymanorchards.com/

[bagelman01]

Also, Silverman Farms on Sport Hill Rd (RT 59) in Easton. This is Exit 46 on the Merritt Parkway and then go north to the farm.

http://www.silvermansfarm.com/

[plien69]

re the OP's "wide variety" requirement, please be aware that while Silverman's does grow a wide variety of apples, they only open up one or two varieties to pickers each day.

[bagelman01]

http://www.beardsleyscidermill.com/

Beardsley Cider Mill and orchard in the White Hills section of Shelton is also Fairfield County. Great choice. and Nearby in White Hills is the Jones Farm and winery, they do berries, pumkins, Christmas trees and wine. Both off Rt 110 and within your driving distance from NYC.

[jfood]

never been but hereis one in easton. it is the only one jfood can think of in FFD Cty

http://www.silvermansfarm.com/

[junescook]

Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel is also in Fairfield County, and pretty close to I-84. It's a nice family business and in a pretty area.

http://www.bluejayorchardsct.com/

[JenJeninCT]

There is also Silverman's in Easton

[Veggo]

Maybe Bishop Orchard in Guilford, or Bishop Farms in Cheshire? You will have to drive east of the Housatonic because land in Fairfield County is too precious for growing apples...