Apples and pumpkins and persimmons, oh my! Believe it or not, fall is near. Eventually the heat will subside and it will be time to frolic amongst the fruits and veggies with a hot cocoa in hand. Still a little skeptical? Check out this list of spots to enjoy all of nature’s seasonal bounties to get into the fall spirit! These are some of our favorite Central Texas pick-your-own spots.
Sonlight Apple Orchard (Mason)
Starting October 12| 600 Austin Street Mason, Texas 76856
Despite an extremely hot and dry last couple of months, Sonlight Apples will still be up and running and ready for apple pickers in mid-October. Bring a basket and an appetite for this pick-your-own harvest!
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Apple Valley Orchard (Llano)
October |12340 South State Highway 16, Llano, Texas
Another spot to enjoy apple-picking adventures. Make sure to call ahead of time or check their Facebook page for more info. Word to the wise – the homemade apple cider is not to be missed!
Love Creek Orchards (Medina)
Starting October 5| 14024 Texas – 16, Medina, Texas
The Pumpkin Patch will be open to the public every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, but offers so much more than just pumpkin picking. Admission is only $6 for kids 2 years and older (Active Military with I.D. is 1/2 price). Admission includes: Pumpkin Painting (you buy the pumpkin, we provide the paint), Apple Orchard Tours, Farm Animals, Games, Hayrides, Hay Maze, Story Telling, Scarecrow Building, and Sing-a-longs. Don’t forget to stop by for lunch at the Apple Store Bakery and Cafe!
Sweet Berry Farms (Marble Falls)
Starting September 21 | 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls Texas
September through November, pumpkin pickers can get to action at Sweet Berry Farm. Enjoy the pumpkins and thirteen other seasonal and family-friendly activities, and stay tuned for updates here.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm (Georgetown)
September 21 through November 3| 14400 East State Highway 29 Georgetown, Texas
While it’s no longer the season for picking their tasty peaches and nectarines, pumpkin pickers will be available Wednesdays through Sundays. There will be two pumpkin patches this year – One for pumpkin picking and the other with a wide range of pumpkin varieties and lots of places for cute photos. Pony rides, a petting zoo, a hay maze, face painting, jump pads, treasure mountain, pumpkin sling shots, pipe races, live music and more will be included in the fun. Admission is $16 a person and kiddos under 2 get in free. However, those only wanting to pick a pumpkin do not need to pay admission to the rest of the fall fest.
Barton Hills Farm (Bastrop)
September 28 through November 3 | 115 Farm To Market 969, Bastrop, Texas Voted the most scenic pumpkin patch in Texas, Barton Hills Farm is another great spot for gathering fall harvest while enjoying a fall fest, too. From getting lost in the corn maze to jumping on the jumping pillow and playing human foosball, it’s sure to be a fun time for the entire family. Note: Try the frozen sangria while it’s still hot outside! Admission is $12.95 a person online and $15.95 at the gate. Kids under two get in free!
Bastrop Gardens (Bastrop)
Year Round (Call Ahead) | 316 Old 71, Cedar Creek, Texas
Bastrop Gardens Organic Nursery and Farm is a fun and unique experience for the entire crew. Come see lots of Texas natives, flowers galore, vegetables and herbs, roses and native perennials on their 4 ½ acre shady grove. They’ve got what survives the Texas heat! Discover the big butterfly and hummingbird garden along with a pick your own organic vegetable farm offering seasonal produce. If there’s time, take a moment to enjoy a glass or cup of tea in the Heirloom Tea Room! Make sure to call ahead to check what fall fruit in Central Texas is available for picking seasonally.
Matt’s Family Orchard (Tomball)
October through November| 21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball, Texas 77377
Looking for a unique pick, something a little different from your typical fall fruit in Central Texas? Matt’s Family Orchard has an estimated picking schedule with Asian Persimmon on the list for October through November. Pro Tips – Wear closed-toe shoes. The orchard offers all picking supplies, free to use, so there is no need to bring boxes or bags. Make sure to call before heading over to ensure the picking schedule is accurate.
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Things to Know:
- Bring cash or contact the farm ahead of time to see if they accept credit cards.
- Bring snacks. Kids can be easily tempted to pick-and-eat, which is typically frowned upon. Make sure their bellies are good and full before heading out to pick.
- Wear sunscreen and bring water to pick fall fruit in Central Texas. It can get very hot out there in the direct sun.
- Weekdays are usually less crowded, so to beat the crowds and have a better picking selection, skip the weekends and try to go on a weekday.
- Dress like a farmer. Not really, but don’t wear your Sunday best out to the farm. Play clothes and closed-toe shoes are best for picking.
- Call ahead or check websites for best directions. Don’t always rely on your phone’s GPS to get you to the farm. It’s best to get exact directions when you’re heading a bit off the beaten path.
- Ditch the strollers; baby carriers or wagons are much better out in the fields.
Featured Photo by Patrick Fore at Unsplash
