August in New England is finally here, ushering in humid weather, summer’s final beach days and a new fruit season — peaches.
Peach season typically lasts from late July or early August through early September, meaning if you want to get your hands on fresh farm-picked peaches, you have a small window of time to do so. Luckily, the summer stone fruit is available at various farms and orchards in New Hampshire, many of which allow you to pick the peaches off the trees yourself.
Wondering where you can do so? Here are six orchards and farms where you can pick your own peaches in New Hampshire this summer.
Applecrest Farm Orchards
Located in Hampton Falls, this farm is best-known as the oldest and largest apple orchard in the state, and the oldest continuously-operated farm in the country. But, there’s also peach picking.
Along with peaches, Applecrest Farm currently offers blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, flowers and over 40 varieties of apples for picking. Pick-your-own is currently open for peaches, blueberries and flowers, but updated picking information can be found by calling 603-926-3721. Peaches cost $30 for one half peck or $45 for one full peck.
At their farm market, Applecrest sells hand-pressed apple cider, native maple syrup and a variety of local goods. Customers can also enjoy attractions such as live music, tractor rides, lawn games, a corn maze and a creamery with locally-made ice cream.
When: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Where: 133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls
Sunnycrest Farm
A family-owned, pick-your-own farm since 1943, Sunnycrest Farm currently has peaches, nectarines, plums and blueberries available for daily picking. In the early summer, Sunnycrest also has pick-your-own strawberries and cherries, as well as apples and pumpkins during the fall.
Turn peach picking into a full day of family fun by visiting the barn animals, checking out the fresh produce at the farm market or grabbing a sweet treat from the bakery or ice cream stand.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily for peach picking; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for other fruit picking
Where: Londonderry
Butternut Farm
Butternut Farm is a 30-acre pick-your-own fruit farm up in the hills of Farmington, offering not only five different types of peaches, but also pumpkins, nectarines, apples and blueberries. Peaches cost $3.39 per pound, or $4.29 per pound for specialty Saturn peaches. While Butternut is open daily, picking availability can fluctuate, so visitors are recommended to call the daily information line at 603-335-4705 before heading to the farm.
After a long day of peach picking in the sun, enjoy a glass of hard cider at The Cider House, which also offers jam, honey, donuts and pies.
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; weekly hours posted on website
Where: 195 Meaderboro Road, Farmington
Alyson’s Orchard
Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole boasts over 50 acres of fruit-bearing trees, with peaches, blueberries, raspberries, plums, pears, apples and more. The orchard is currently only open for pick-your-own blueberries and raspberries, but be sure to check their website or Facebook page for updates about peach picking.
Alyson’s also has a farm stand with various baked goods and locally made products, as well as a petting zoo, playground and bocce ball court for the kids.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Where: 57 Alyson’s Lane, Walpole
DeMeritt Hill Farm
Over in Lee, DeMeritt Hill Farm has several varieties of peaches to pick from during August and September, as well as blueberries, apples, pumpkins and in the winter, Christmas trees. DeMeritt plans to reopen sometime in August, so keep an eye on their website and social media pages for pick-your-own information.
Outside of the orchards, the farm has ponds perfect for a picnic, several miles of trails to walk through, hay rides to enjoy and a bakery and store full of homemade goods.
When: Currently closed; summer hours TBD
Where: 20 Orchard Way, Lee
Mack’s Apples
At Mack’s Apples, a National Bicentennial Farm dating back to 1732, guests can pick fruit from the largest pick-your-own destination in the state. Seasonal crops like pears, peaches and pumpkins cover 400 acres of farmland, 100 of which are dedicated entirely to apples. Peach picking season typically lasts all August long, but latest picking conditions can be found by calling 603-432-3456.
In the summer, Mack’s also has an ice cream store and a farm market full of local goods, gifts, fresh-cut flowers, hand-picked produce and fresh baked goods.
When: Market open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Where: 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Catherine Messier.
