Farm Stand Fun at the Big Apple in Wrentham, Mass.

Article and photo by Eric H.


If you're looking for a nice, out-of-the-way, yet close-to-civilization apple picking spot, then we suggest the Big Apple Farm in Wrentham, Mass., as a "core" destination.

The Big Apple Farm features apple picking (primarily MacIntosh and Cortland), this weekend from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in a scenic, peaceful 200-acre setting near the Franklin, Mass., line and northern Rhode Island border. Located in the virtually unknown Sheldonville section of Wrentham, the Big Apple has always been considered a "destination" for locals, but is certainly worth a drive for those in search of a classic, local, family-owned farm with plenty to do in addition to apple picking. Here are some highlights of the Big Apple:

* The farm stand with fresh, hand-picked in-season fruits and vegetables, and a bakery offering delicious homemade donuts, pies, hand dipped candy and caramel apples. Also available at the farm stand are jams, sauces, syrups, gift baskets, old-fashioned candies and fudge.

* A viewing platform where families can watch the apple grader sorting apples.

* An ice cream stand with high-quality Richardson's ice cream and a pleasing indoor screened-porch overlooking the countryside. September features apple crisp ice cream!

The fall season gets even better with hay rides through the scenic orchards, the Pumpkin House with myriad pumpkins for sale (sugar, giant and Jack-o-lantern), and Halloween weekend (look for the witch!).

We recommend calling the Big Apple Farm at 508-384-3055 before embarking on your visit here as apple picking will end when the orchard runs out -- other produce availability changes on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.

Even with the impending end of apple picking season, we recommend keeping the Big Apple on your fall travel agenda for the remainder of the season. After all, how can you go wrong with a scenic farm setting, fresh produce, bakery, ice cream, and hay rides?

The Big Apple
207 Arnold St.
Wrentham, MA
Tel. 508-384-3055