Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/555185
247 wonderful harvest meal featuring the favorite crop of the autumn season. Classes are $68 per person. carolynsfarmkitchen.com Explore the North Shore's bountiful orchards and farms this autumn. Spend the day filling a few bushels, getting rosy cheeks, and enjoying the crisp fall air and warm sun. You will be guaranteed a good night's sleep after an adventure in the orchards. BOSTON HILL FARM North Andover Boston Hill Farm offers McIntosh, Cortland, and Macoun apple varie- ties so you'll have plenty of fresh apples for homemade pies, jellies, or apple cake. The farm also offers hayrides, ice cream, a bakery, and a petting zoo. 1370 Turnpike St., N. Andover, 978-681-8556, bostonhillfarm.com RUSSELL ORCHARDS Ipswich Jersey Mac and Pristine apple varie- ties are brimming over at Russell Orchards. While there, taste their original hard cider and unique fruit wines made on the premises. Rus- sell's barnyard animals are almost as popular as its cider donuts, which are baked from scratch and satisfy everyone after a day of apple pick- ing in the orchard. 149 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-5366, russellorchards.com BROOKSBY FARM Peabody An abundant selection of orchard- ripe apples are available at Brooksby Farm. Its shop also offers fresh-baked cider donuts, home- made fudge, jams, honey, fresh pies, and other baked goods made on the premises. Its barn is home to llamas, pigs, goats, and sheep. 54 Felton St., Peabody, 978-531-7456, brooksbyfarm.org LONG HILL ORCHARD & FARM West Newbury Long Hill Orchard & Farm offers pick-your-own apple, peach, and pear orchards. Pack a snack or lunch and enjoy a relaxing time in the farm's peaceful setting at one of the picnic areas. Tractor-drawn hayrides are available during the pick-your- own season. McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Ginger Gold, Empire, Royal Gala, Cameo, Jonagold, Crispen, Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, Northern Spy, Red Rome, and Baldwin apples are all found in the fields. 520 Main St., West Newbury, 978-363-2170, longhillorchard.com The Farmer's Almanac offers sage advice before heading out into the fields: Harvest patiently and harvest at the fruit's peak perfection. Pluck your apples when their background color is no longer green. Different apple varieties mature at different times, so the harvest season can stretch from August to October. At this point, the stem should part readily from the branch when the fruit is cupped in the palm of your hand and given a slight twist around, then up. If the apple is overripe and soft, use for cooking! Apples keep well for about six months at temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Several farms around the North Shore offer apple picking.