Enjoy the fruits of your labor
Most people are not venturing too far from home this summer, with many forced to vacation “in place” amidst a major health crisis that has gripped most of the world.
Fortunately, Connecticut has a large “backyard” packed to the brim with amenities and activities in which we can safely engage. Among them are an abundance of apple orchards, where visitors can literally take a bite out of summer ( post- purchase, of course!).
The term “apple orchard” is really a misnomer, however, as most orchards feature a wide variety of fruits and berries. Blueberry season winds down in late July just as peaches are ripe for the picking, and the months- long apple- picking season begins shortly in early August and, depending on the varieties of apples available, runs through late November.
Pick- your- own, farm markets, and special features — such as the animal farm at Silverman’s Farm in Easton, the sunflower and corn mazes at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, and the corn maze at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry — may be structured a bit differently, but they are fortunately able to offer such services, albeit under strict guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Connecticut officials, including wearing masks and social distancing.
“Our market and animal farm are open but the structure and layout look a little bit different,” says Jake Conover, farm manager of Silverman’s Farm, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. As with most grocery stores, there is a particular direction of travel required while shopping and reminders to stay six feet apart.
It’s the same for pick- your- own. Customers will drive to the field, get out of their car and travel one way into the field and one way out. They will only interact with the cashier, although there will be workers in the field to encourage social distancing. “People can take advantage of the whole field and spread out,” Conover says.
Silverman’s animal farm provides adults and children an up close experience with buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long- horn cattle. Visitors will still have an opportunity to feed the animals but the usual bucket will be replaced with a bag. The playground remains closed and picnics are not allowed at this time. Several hand- washing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers are set up throughout the animal farm.
At historic Lyman Orchards, there is more than enough room to socially distance outside. The family- owned, 10th- generation farm, which was established in 1741, comprises more than 1,100 acres of scenic farmland in the center of the state. There is enough room in the fields to forgo the wearing of a mask but when social distancing is not possible, masks are mandated, including in the company’s Apple Barrel Market, a five- minute drive from the orchards. Pickyour- own includes peaches, pears, Asian pears, at least a dozen varieties of apples, pumpkins, and new this year: squash blossoms.
COVID- 19 will not interrupt Lyman Orchards’ long- standing sunflower and corn mazes, although it has led to some changes in operating
procedures. “The key there is to restrict the number of people in the maze at any given time. In the corn maze we’ve always had the corn cops,” says John Lyman, executive vice president. This year they will add such personnel to the sunflower maze to monitor social distancing.
Lyman Orchards also offers three golf courses, where touch points were eliminated and only one person is allowed per golf cart. Other protocols were established to maintain safety without radically changing the game.
“There’s enough to keep families busy at least for half a day. Our customers really enjoy spending time as a family in the outdoors for good, old- fashioned wholesome fun,” Lyman says.
At Holmberg Orchards, a four- generation family- owned farm enterprise located in Gales Ferry, in the southeast end of the state, there’s enough room to spread out and spend time outside in the fresh air, according to Amy Holmberg, retail manager, who works cooperatively with her parents, Richard and Diane, and her brother, Russell. “That’s the beauty of Connecticut farms,” she says. “They provide safe options for people looking for something fun to do.”
As with other orchards, some operational changes had to be made but “safety is paramount. We want people to have a safe environment,” Holmberg says. Currently, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and some raspberries are available.
Holmberg Orchards, which opened in 1896, offers a corn maze and expanded pick- your- own times. “We’ve worked hard to keep the experience as close to and as recognizable as the fun experience visitors have had here every year,” Holmberg explains. While Silverman’s Farm and Lyman Orchards’ markets are open to the public for in- store shopping, Holmberg says their farm market is currently available for curbside pickup only. Customers can order online “and we run it out to their car,” she says. They can also order by phone.
While wine tastings have been suspended, Holmberg says the on- site winery may reopen sometime in August with outdoor seating where customers can consume the wine and hard ciders they purchase there. Also available at Holmberg are homemade soy wax candles, homegrown lavender, and hanging baskets.
Other orchards throughout the state worth visiting include Bishop’s Orchard in Guilford, Beardsley Cider Mill in Shelton, The Pickin’ Patch in Avon, March Farm in Bethlehem, and Rose Orchard Farms in North Branford. The picturesque 140- acre Blue Jay Orchard in Bethel will open its doors in August. In addition to the market, the orchard offers September apple picking, wagon rides, pumpkin, “but most importantly for many, the cider donuts.”
Before you go, be sure to visit the websites of these orchards for specific COVID- 19 rules and regulations.