10 great places to pick your own apples

— -- Johnny Appleseed would be proud to see the crowds at pick-your-own orchards this season. Todd Hultquist, spokesman for the non-profit U.S. Apple Association, is celebrating this year's crop at the North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville this weekend. He shares his list with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY of great places for hands-on fun.

Silverman's FarmEaston, Conn. "In addition to apple picking, autumn in New England is wonderful for leaf-peeping," Hultquist says. Everybody gets a tractor ride when they go to pick apples here because the orchard is on a big hill. Buffalo, llama and deer are among the animals at the 5-acre petting zoo. Stop at the hands-on Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, before or after your visit, where you can touch sea stars, horseshoe crabs and rays (stingers removed) from nearby Long Island Sound. 203-261-3306; silvermansfarm.com

King OrchardsCentral Lake, Mich. "Enjoy the recreation playground of northern Michigan when you pick apples here," Hultquist says of this orchard near Traverse City. Camping, boating and fishing opportunities abound in the area. Located on the high hills called drumlins, this working farm has beautiful views of Lake Michigan from the peach orchard. 877-937-5464; kingorchards.com

Richard's Fruit MarketMiddletown, Va. "This orchard is in the Shenandoah Valley, the historic heart of the U.S. apple industry," Hultquist says. "President Lincoln is known to have favored fresh apples and apple cake." York apples, an old variety that is firm and tart, are available here. You also can pick your own flowers. There's a Food and Wine Festival on Sept. 19 and an Apple Festival Oct. 17-18. 540-869-1455; richardsfruitmarket.com

Applewood OrchardsWarwick, N.Y. "This Hudson Valley orchard also has a winery where hard apple cider is made," Hultquist says. On the weekends you can enjoy the gardens, live music, wagon rides and a country store, as well as free-range chickens and sheep wandering around. The orchard is less than an hour from Storm King Art Center, where Maya Lin's Storm King Wavefield, a 4-acre earthen sculpture, opened this year. 845-986-1684; applewoodorchards.com

Huber Orchard & WineryStarlight, Ind. "The autumnal beauty of the Ohio River Valley adds to the joy of picking apples here," Hultquist says of this orchard, 15 miles northwest of Louisville. Other features of the 600-acre farm include miniature battery-powered tractors for kids to drive, pony rides, four mazes, pedal carts and a mountain slide. Sample the seasonal apple wine, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, that can be served chilled or warm. 800-345-9463; huberwinery.com

Johnson OrchardsYakima, Wash. "Washington State produces more than half the apples grown in the U.S.," Hultquist says about the hub of the modern apple industry. The Yakima River Valley has more than 50 wineries, many of them open to the public. Save time for biking or walking on the Greenway Path along the Yakima River. 509-966-7479; johnsonorchardsfruit.com

Minnesota HarvestJordan, Minn. "More than 53 varieties of apples are grown here," Hultquist says. The orchard's old-style bakery has turnovers, mini apple strudel, apple bread, fritters and dumplings. It also makes Caramel Apple Topper, a popular topping available in squeeze bottles. Guided horseback rides are available through the woods and orchard. Visit on Oct. 4 and you can catch the Twin Cities Marathon, 45 miles north in Minneapolis. 952-492-7753; minnesotaharvest.net

Tougas Family FarmNorthboro, Mass. "Tougas Family Farm, less than an hour outside of Boston, offers a great agri-tainment experience for family fun," Hultquist says of the working orchard with barnyard, playground and farm kitchen. More than two dozen varieties of apples come in at different points in the season throughout the 35 acres of orchards. There's no need for children to climb ladders : All the apple trees are within easy reach of youngsters. 508-393- 6406; tougasfarm.com

Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit FarmBiglerville, Pa. "There's something for everybody at this farm in the heart of Pennsylvania's beautiful apple country," Hultquist says. The pick-your-own season starts in mid-September at this 500-acre farm, 8 miles north of historic Gettysburg. You can also "pick" apples from their famous Bin Porch, where many varieties of apples are available for purchase from bulk bins. There's also an educational room where two working beehives are on view. 717-677-9494; hollabaughbros.com

Apple Hill OrchardsMansfield and Frederickstown, Ohio "This Amish Country farm, with two locations, has hayrides on October weekends," Hultquist says. "October is an ideal time for apple and pumpkin picking in the Midwest." Most activities, including Kids Day on Oct. 11, are at the Mansfield orchard. Shop for Amish quilts and baskets in Berlin, less than an hour away. Visit Hershberger's Truck Patch and Bakery on the way and try fry pies, a deep-fried glazed Amish specialty filled with fruit. 888-277-5350; applehill.biz