It took almost to the end of apple season, but I did make it to an orchard, and I did pick apples, and I did eat hot and fresh apple cider donuts. I count that as a massive success.
A recommendation from a friend led me to Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook, NH. It’s pretty easy to get to from both I89 and I93 and the parking lot was filled with cars from all of the New England states and beyond. I could certainly see why. First of all, it’s gorgeous. The orchard is set on top of a ridge so there is an amazing view.
You can even see the mountains in between the rows of trees.
They are also one of the few orchards that has enough October apples left to let people pick them yourself, but even their trees were starting to show that it is the end of the season. I ended up with a peck of Hampshire apples, which I had never tasted before.
They also have giant bins inside where you can choose from already picked apples, but I always think part of the fun is to choose my own.
They also make their own apple cider donuts. I got a dozen (they are pretty small and we have guests this weekend) that were still hot and ate one as I wandered the orchard. They don’t keep for long, but I’m sure they will be gone by tonight. I didn’t sample anything else they had for sale, but coffee, cider (hot and cold), pies, and pumpkin whoopie pies were for sale.
This is the last weekend they are letting people pick in the orchard, but they will still be open daily after that until December 21.
It’s worth a visit, even if just to take in the view.
A New Englander's Life 
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