Are you missing out on all the Fall fun? Don’t watch Pumpkin Spice Latte season from the sidelines! Our top contributors, Ava and Sean, are here to share all the best local spots to curate the perfect vibe for your Instagram feed (and maybe have some fun along the way). For the ideal article reading experience, light a scented candle, get cozy, and grab a slice of apple pie
The Best Farms
Going to a pumpkin patch, with family or friends, is a classic way to kick off the season. But which farm reigns supreme this autumn?
According to Ava, It’s Delea Farms
“DeLea Farms is located on Elwood Road in East Northport and is open from 9AM to 5PM. Fall is the perfect time to visit because you can browse their selection of pumpkins, just in time for Halloween. Alongside a fun hayride, DeLea Farms also has a shop where you can purchase fresh Fall goods like pies and cookies. Entry to the farm is free so this may be the perfect place to enjoy the weather without a cover charge.”- Ava Danklefsen (Staff Writer)
Pros: Free Admission, Hayride, Near Northport
If you Ask Sean, It’s a Tie
“The best farms have to be Heritage Farm & Garden and Hicks Nursery; I believe that both deserve to be on this list for various reasons! First off, these two sweet spots are relatively close to each other, with Hicks residing in Westbury and Heritage in Muttontown. That’s not the only thing they have in common, as they are both loaded with exciting Fall activities! Pumpkins, Fall treats, decorations, christmas shops, and much more are plentiful in these two exhilarating spots. A two for one deal that’s sure to leave you satisfied.”- Sean Basil (Freelancer)
Pros: More to Explore, Shopping, Food
Top Tier Animal Experiences
Maybe you want to take your young siblings somewhere they’ll never forget. Maybe you love Long Island for its unique animalia. Either way, Sean and Ava weigh in on where your time is best spent.
Ava’s Fav: White Post Farms
“White Post Farms is located on Old Country Road in Melville. It is open from 9AM to 5PM 7 days a week (as weather allows). Admission to their Animal Farm is $29.95 while Fall Festival admission is $39.95 (The Festival ends October 26th). White Post Farms offers a wide variety of different animals for kids to enjoy with the opportunity to feed some of them. White Post Farms has a section in its gift shop full of freshly grown vegetables and desserts. This place is a good spot for families.”- Ava Danklefsen
Pros: Family-Friendly, Nostalgic, Fresh Produce
Sean’s Top Pick? The Morton National Wildlife Refuge
“This spot is for people who love wild animals. Birds, chipmunks, and squirrels usually run away from you in their natural habitats. However, the animals that reside in the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge are exceptions to this rule. This place includes beautiful hiking trails that lead all the way down to the Long Island Sound. However, what makes this place really unique is the animals. If you buy some safe, small bird food or nuts and hold it high in the air, with a little patience, you might find a bird perched on your finger! The same could be said for the chipmunks! Plus, deer and wild turkeys frequent the grounds throughout the year. It’s truly an experience that you can’t forget. “- Sean Basil
Pros: Hiking Trails, Peaceful, Diverse Nature
Go Apple Picking like a Pro
From apple tarts to fritters to pies to crumbles, apples are the seasonal delicacy of Fall (sorry not sorry pumpkins). But with apple farms being common to the Northeast, which farm reigns supreme?
Ava Recommends Harbes Orchard
“Harbes Orchard is located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. It’s a long drive, but worth the wait. The entry fee is $19 on weekdays, $26 on weekends/holidays. Harbes Orchard offers a hay ride for families to enjoy and afterwards, you get to go apple picking. There are many different kinds of apples throughout the orchard. The farm features long rows of trees, with each row representing a different apple variety- from gala to granny smith. After you finish apple picking, enjoy Fall foods such as pies, donuts, ice cream, and caramel apples. The caramel apples were very delicious from my experience going to Harbes Orchard last Fall as well as the apple cider flavored donuts. It was a great experience going to Harbes Orchard and I totally would recommend it to anyone who wants to walk in the crunchy Autumn leaves and enjoy nature while picking apples with family and friends.”- Ava Danklefsen
Pros: Great Food, Variety of Apples, Weekday Discount
Sean Says Woodside Orchards
“The best apple picking experience I’ve ever had was at Woodside Orchards. Their field is far from major roads like Sound Avenue and Rte 25, so crowds shouldn’t be a problem. The apples are fresh and every place except the actual orchards is pet-friendly. There are a variety of treats being sold all around, like apple cider donuts, pies, and much more. The classic Fall experience awaits, and everything you could need out of an apple orchard is available to you here!”- Sean Basil
Pros: Scenic, Pet-Friendly, Apple Cider
In Conclusion
Whether you want a family friendly experience, a foodie’s paradise, or just to enjoy nature, Long Island has everything you could hope for this Fall. We wish you luck in finding the best local spots to enjoy Autumn. Comment below to share your favorite Fall memories.
