Frequently Asked Questions
Q
How do I know if you are open?
A
Our business hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 am thru 4 pm. However, you can always call 978-448-8388 or check instagram, or facebook for daily updates, due to weather or other changes to the schedule.
Q
When does apple picking start?
A
Apples come into season starting around mid-August. Varieties such as Paula Red and Ginger Gold are available prior to Labor Day. After Labor Day, Honeycrisp and Macintosh come in. Any day in September or October you will find several varieties of apples to pick.
Q
Can I bring my dog to your farm?
A
Thank you for asking, but pets are not permitted. If you arrive with your pet, you will be asked to leave it in the car. There is not a lot of shade in our parking area, so for the safety of your pet we advise you leave your dog at home.
Q
I have a group that wants to come picking. Do we need to make special arrangements?
A
Under normal circumstances we require that groups of 10 people or more make an appointment to visit. This can be done by email or phone 48 hours in advance. Depending on the number of people in your group, we may require a minimum purchase of 1/2 peck or peck bags at the start of your visit. This makes it easier for your group as you will not have to “check out” before you leave. If you would like to reserve picnic tables for a party, you can do so by email or phone. Reservations are based on availability and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are asked to “pack out” all refuse. No cooking or grills permitted.
Q
What attractions/activities do you offer?
A
Autumn Hills offers 84 acres of scenic farmland with spectacular hilltop vistas that stretch across the hills of central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The vista includes Wachusett, Monadnock, Pak Monadnock, Wataitic in Massachusetts and Temple and Crotched mountains in New Hampshire as well as the nearby Nissitissit Hills. There are picnic tables up on the high ridge where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. Trails and paths circle the farm. Walk, pick fruit, enjoy the view!
Q
Do you serve food?
A
Sadly, we have no facilities for serving food. We do have picnic tables on site!
Q
Where can I buy your fruit and how can I pay?
A
Autumn Hills tries to sell direct in most cases. Occasionally, we sell to other markets and local stores, but our survival as a farm depends on direct sales to customers. We have a retail tent on the orchard that has fresh picked fruit, in limited quantities, as available. We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and SNAP/HIP.
Q
What should I wear to pick apples?
A
There’s no dress code but our orchard is hilly, so sturdy walking shoes will serve you best; sandals are not recommended as they do not protect from insects, briars, rocks, poison ivy, etc. Long pants are also recommended for this reason
Q
What are your growing practices?
A
As do most of the orchards in New England, we employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices which means we coordinate the use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage with the least possible hazard to our customers, our farm and the environment. There is no national certification for IPM growers as there is for organic growers, but we work closely with UMass Agricultural Extension and other resources to collect the latest and most relevant information so we can grow in a responsible and sustainable way.Sadly, we have no facilities for serving food. Bring a picnic lunch; we’ll have cider and bottled water for purchase.
