As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the trees, Long Island's North Fork becomes a picturesque escape perfect for families looking to enjoy the harvest season. The crisp air, golden-hued leaves, and abundant fall activities create a festive and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping warm apple cider or navigating a corn maze, there’s no better time to experience the charm of this region. The Shoals Suites and Slips is located near many of these autumn attractions, offering the ideal home base for your seasonal adventures.
The North Fork is renowned for its lush farmland, which comes to life in the fall. Farmstands throughout the area offer a variety of family-friendly activities, from pumpkin picking to indulging in homemade pies. Spending a day at these farmstands provides fun for the whole family and connects visitors to the region's agricultural roots. Here’s a guide to some of the best autumn activities near The Shoals.
Pumpkin Picking: A Fall Tradition
Nothing says autumn like wandering through a pumpkin patch with your family, searching for that perfect pumpkin to carve. The North Fork's farmstands offer expansive fields where you and your kids can enjoy the classic experience of picking pumpkins directly from the vine. It is a fun way to spend the day and provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about agriculture and where our food comes from.
Some of the most popular pumpkin patches on the North Fork are just a short drive from The Shoals. Farms like Harbes Family Farm and Stakey's Pumpkin Farm offer a variety of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, ideal for both decorating your home and carving into spooky jack-o'-lanterns. Many of these farms also offer pumpkin painting stations and other crafts to entertain the little ones.
Corn Mazes: Navigate Your Way to Fun
The North Fork’s corn mazes provide the perfect challenge for families looking for adventure. These giant, intricate mazes are crafted from towering corn stalks, offering a fun (and sometimes slightly spooky) activity for the whole family. Many local farms design their mazes with different difficulty levels so kids and adults can enjoy the fun.
Harbes Family Farm is well-known for its interactive corn maze with educational trivia and clues to help you find your way. On weekends, they even host "spooky" versions of the labyrinth for those who want an extra thrill. Wickham’s Fruit Farm also offers a scenic corn maze set amidst their beautiful apple orchards, creating the perfect autumn atmosphere.
Apple Picking and Homemade Pies
If you're looking to savor the tastes of fall, apple picking is a must. The North Fork boasts several orchards where you can hand-pick juicy, crisp apples while enjoying the picturesque countryside. Apples freshly plucked from the tree make for a tasty snack, but they’re also perfect for homemade pies, crisps, or simply dipping in caramel.
Farms like Woodside Orchards and Wickham’s Fruit Farm give families a memorable apple-picking experience. After filling your bags with fresh apples, stop by the farmstand bakery for a warm slice of homemade pie. Whether it’s apple, pumpkin, or pecan, these pies are made with local ingredients and baked to perfection.
Be sure to check out Briermere Farms, famous for its award-winning pies that draw visitors from all over Long Island. With flavors like blueberry cream, raspberry peach, and classic apple, it’s no wonder these pies fly off the shelves. Don’t leave the North Fork without sampling a slice!
Hayrides and Petting Zoos
For younger children, farm stands on the North Fork often offer hayrides, petting zoos, and other hands-on activities for a perfect family outing. Nothing beats the simple pleasure of riding on a hay bale, feeling the cool autumn breeze, and enjoying the scenic farmland views.
Farms like Harbes Family Farm provide many family attractions, including a barnyard adventure area where kids can interact with friendly farm animals, watch pig races, and enjoy pony rides. These activities make the experience fun and educational, creating lasting memories for kids and parents alike.
Convenient Location Near Farmstands and Orchards
The Shoals is near some of the North Fork’s most popular farm stands and orchards. Whether you’re spending the day pumpkin picking or enjoying a hayride, you’ll love returning to your cozy suite just a short drive away. This convenience allows families to maximize their time exploring the area without worrying about long commutes.
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