South Glastonbury, CT

Apple season actually started a few weeks ago (somewhat early, they say), but I went apple picking yesterday for the first time this year. Recently, I have discovered the bounty of farms and orchards in South Glastonbury, and previously wrote about blueberry picking at Belltown Hill Orchards and Rose's Berry Farm. On Friday, I went to Dondero Orchards and was absolutely amazed at the wealth of fruit and products that they offer.

We went to pick apples and filled our bags with Macintosh and Macoun. They also had Honey Crisp, Cortland, and Fuji apples ready to pick, but I preferred the others. We also picked some peaches that will need to ripen for a few days. Peaches have been available for a while, but these particular ones weren't ready yet. Not to worry, I have plenty of apples to eat in the meantime.

When we went to pay for the fruit, I saw the farm stand and just had to check out everything they had. I am sure I missed some items, but they also sell homemade bread, pies, cookies, jams, and pickles, just to name a few. In case you don't want to pick your own, they also sell fruit already picked as well as eggplant, onions, basil, squash, and just about anything else you can think of. They also stock locally made honey and farm-fresh eggs. Dondero Orchards is a farmer's market, to be sure, that is open everyday in the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Be sure to check out Dondero Orchards! It's a fabulous day trip!

Dondero Orchards, 529 Woodland Street, South Glastonbury, CT 860-659-0294

Saturday was just the most perfect day for picking blueberries! I went to Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury on Matson Hill Road, rode the tractor to the blueberry fields, settled myself in one spot, and picked about eight pounds of blueberries. What a glorious feeling to have an almost bottomless bowl of blueberries.

Also available for picking were peaches, nectarines,and apples. Maybe next time; today I am in blueberry heaven!

Belltown Hill Orchards is a scenic 150-acre farm offering not only pick-your-own fruits but plenty of activities throughout the year. There is also a farm market with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, homemake jams and sauces, bakery products, goat milk soap, mohair yarn, and gift baskets. It's a great place to spend a day.

South Glastonbury is a mecca for pick-your-own fruit or for already-picked fruits and vegetables. Belltown Hill Orchards is just one of many places from which to choose. Just down the road are Rose's Berry Farm and Dondero Orchards. For more options, check out the list of pick-your-own farms or farm stands.