If you’re looking for a farm fruit picking experience without the pricey agro-entertainment, a visit to Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck, NJ, is a must. In late summer, we often stop by to gather up the peaches to eat right from the bowl. In the fall, my family loves roaming the grounds to find the perfect apples we use to make fresh apple crisp and sweet apple pie. No matter what type of fruit you pick, it’s sure to be a sweet afternoon, and since there’s no entry fee, you can visit whenever the mood strikes. It’s no wonder Eastmont Orchards is in our best pick-your-own guide. Read on for more to know about picking and the farm. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Eastmont Orchards For A Family Farm Day

Pick your own fruit

Eastmont Orchards has been an orchard for well over a century since the first apple trees were planted in 1911. In 1923, the Barclay family acquired them, and they’ve owned and operated Eastmont Orchards ever since. The orchards have two pick-your-own areas—mid-to-late summer offers peaches, and apple season starts late summer to early fall. We always stop by the farm stand, even when we’re not up for picking. We find they have a fresh selection of summer and fall vegetables, and in the fall, we make sure to stock up on pumpkins and gourds for decorating and carving. 

Pick the perfect peach  

Besides entering for free, Eastmont Orchards lets you bring your own bags for picking. We grabbed a cart when we entered, and as we walked toward the orchards, there were signs with arrows that directed us to different varieties. From mid-July to September, Eastmont Orchards has peach varieties like Glengold, Sentry, and Encore, with over 15 varieties throughout the season. We learned when picking peaches, you grasp the stem between your index finger and thumb and then just twist and gently tug it off the branch. Peaches are the opposite of apples regarding storage—they taste the best unrefrigerated. However, if they ripen early and you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, or freezing is an even better option.

Fill a bag with apples  

There are early September apples like Honey Crisp and McIntosh, and later on, Arkansas Black and Stayman Winesap. There are over 20 varieties of apples to choose from, depending on when you go picking. We started picking as we followed the arrows to rows and rows of trees marked by variety. And like peaches, it’s best to grasp the stem between your index finger and thumb and then give it a slight twist and gentle tug. The kids loved filling the bags with their tasty finds. And we were happy to know that the haul would last a while since apples can be kept for several months if refrigerated at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What to know before you go

For more information, visit the Eastmont Orchards website, Instagram, and Facebook.

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