Pick Your Own

Happy fall! Current apple varieties for picking: Kidd's Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Buckeye Gala, Ruby Mac and Linda Mac

Here is when tickets will go live:

• Tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be posted on Saturday evenings.

• Tickets for Wednesday and Thursday will be posted on Monday evenings. 

• Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be posted on Wednesday evenings.

Pre-purchased tickets are HIGHLY encouraged for pick-your-own this season. See below for FAQs.

 FAQS

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Will there be more picking dates available than what I see here?

Yes! we add more dates as we monitor fields and weather. Apple picking has begun and will continue through October. Stay tuned as we release more picking dates. Here is when tickets will go live:

• Tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be posted on Saturday evening.

• Tickets for Wednesday and Thursday will be posted on Monday evening. 

• Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be posted on Wednesday evening.

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Do I have to pre-purchase tickets? Can I just show up to pick?

Pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged. We can not guarantee picking without tickets. You do not need tickets to go to the farm store, hard cider bar, sweet cider bar or Outdoor market.

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Does everyone need a ticket? 

Apple picking tickets are available by the bag. For weekends we have a $20 Peck bag which allows entry for up to 4 people & a $35 Half Bushel bag which allows entry for up to 6 people. Please purchase the correct bag size for your group, you are welcome to purchase additional bags as well! 

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Example: I have 7 people in my family, what bag do I pick? 

For 7 people the minimum tickets required would be a Peck and a Half Bushel, or 2 Pecks 

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Example: I have 2 people in my group, can we get a larger bag?

Of course! You can always go for a larger bag, the people per bag is just our minimum requirement for check in. 

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Example: I purchased a Peck bag but I would like a larger bag, how can I change my ticket?

No need to change anything before you arrive, just let our check in attendant know you would like to purchase additional bags and we will be happy to assist you. 

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Do I need to wear a mask?

MDAR requires anyone in pick-your-own areas to wear a face covering. Masks are required at all times on Cider Hill Farm property until further notice. Per the CDC, children under 2 do not require (and recommend not to wear) masks. Please be extra mindful to increase hand washing and eliminate unnecessary touching where ever it may be possible.

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What are the best days for pick your own apples?

Picking is 7 days a week from 8 am - 5 pm. If you prefer a quieter day to pick, weekdays are your ideal time! Weekends on the farm are naturally busier. Afternoon hours are also ideal for those looking for added space.

May I bring my own picking bags?

Personal picking containers are prohibited per MDAR requirements. Upon check-in, you will receive picking bags. Additional bags will be available for sale on the farm.

How long may I pick?
Stay and relax. Assume at least 1.5 hours for your picking experience.
 

Arrival - How to Check In

Follow Pick Your Own signage. Here, you will pick up your 1.) pre-purchased picking containers and wristbands 2.) retrieve your designated orchard assignment. Allow for 1.5 hours for your total picking experience.

Will pre-picked fruit be in the farm store?
Absolutely. If you don't feel like picking, just head into the farm store or to our new Outdoor Market.

I would like to pick large volumes of fruit. What are my options?
When you arrive, you may choose a larger picking container that holds large amounts.

Safety & Sanitation

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home.

• Follow all PYO signage and assigned picking locations

• Per MA Bulletin 2020-16, pickers must keep your mask on at all times. Customers who do not have masks or cloth face coverings are not allowed to pick.

• Wash your hands at wash stations prior to picking.

• Maintain social distancing space of at least six (6) feet from one another, or between family groups.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Children must maintain proximity to family members and guardians while in PYO areas.

• Minimize any unnecessary touching - look for ripeness before you pick fruit. This is always an important picking practice. 

• No sampling or consuming fruit or other foods while picking.

Strollers & Wagons
We encourage strollers that are suited for dirt roads. Minimal gray wagons will be available. Use DIY stations to sanitize each wagon between use.

Restrooms
Plan accordingly. The farm offers port-o-johns with wash stations. All port-o-johns will be space apart with sanitation guidelines posted. 

Important Details​

• Additional picking containers will be available for purchase at picking location.

• No outside picking containers allowed.

• Keep personal items to a minimum including backpacks - diaper bags permitted.

• Picking is rain or shine - wear those cute farm boots!

• Pets are not permitted per the Board of Health

• All orchards are within walking distance (4-12 minutes).

• Please book your date carefully. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Take a moment to review the FAQS on the bottom of the Pick Your Own page. If you arrive a little early or a little late on the day of, that's ok! We understand life happens. Please just be mindful this time slot is in place to keep the community safe with appropriate field occupancy set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.