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I had heard an interview on NPR about this orchard and some of the rare and historic apples available...I was intrigued! And it did not disappoint. My goal was to pick apples that I can't find in the grocery store, and there were a lot to choose from! It was a beautiful day, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded like some of the other orchards we had been to in years past (thus the "hidden gem" I suppose). The drive there is beautiful. The property is beautiful. Take the hay ride if you'd like, or walk to the two orchards with rows and rows of delicious apples...some you've heard of and some you may not have heard of. We made sure to find "Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple" and we were not disappointed. As much as I can appreciate the Hidden Gem aspect, I just had to share. If you are interested in Apple-picking, this is the place.
Definitely a hidden gem (sorry, that was too easy). We were looking for an orchard between Boston and NYC and this one wasn't too bad of a detour. As of mid-October, there were so many apples still left on the trees, including the more popular varietals, which was a pleasant surprise. I'm a diehard apple picker and the orchards around Boston are always a sad sight once October 1 hits. APPLES: They've got a decent variety, from the familiar ones like honeycrisp, fuji, cortland, McIntosh, gala, to ones I've never heard of (Ashmead's Kernel, Esopus Spitzenberg). Lots of apples still on the trees, though, as to be expected, there was more concentrated the higher up. The pricing is reasonable too - we got the middle-sized bag (a peck?) which at first I thought was going to be too small but the apples themselves weren't the big boys you find at supermarkets and we were able to cram in a decent amount to lug away. Overall, if you want to try some new apples that you don't otherwise see at your grocery store for a not bad price, this is the way to go. FARM STAND: It's smaller than other ones and the focus is largely on apples (duh) with some squash, grapes (which were popular), squash, wild honey, and chocolate caramels. The cider donuts ran out by the time we went but we did snag a apple hand pie - tasty but we were wistful for the donuts. PARKING/BATHROOMS: There's the main parking lot and then a stretch of spots along the grass facing the orchards; we had no issue finding a spot. Only two porta potties. They had a hay wagon going every ten minutes or so up and down the hill to the orchards but we opted to walk, which also only took ten minutes. If you don't have little kids or a giant bag of apples, the walk is lovely. True to its name, this orchard is a prized secret, what with the selection of more exotic apples, the smaller crowds (we had more than enough space to walk around, particularly on a Saturday!), and the good prices. I'd come back for sure. read more
ORIGIN: Founded by Woodbury native James Wargo and opened in 2020, Hidden Gem Orchard is aptly named. LOCATION: Wargo leases land that is part of the Southbury Training School property, a campus that was once a fully self-sustaining community. I first came upon it on in 2020 on my way to the nearest highway, and was surprised to find activity in an otherwise abandoned-looking area of the vast property -- at height of a pandemic no less! The orchard is located behind some agricultural structures that reflect a more active past, and invite some interesting photo opportunities. CONCEPT: The founder of Hidden Gem Orchard, James Wargo, has expertise in soil management and crop production. Wargo works closely with esteemed Cornell University pomologist, Ian Merwin, PhD, to grow both new and antique varieties of apples. EXPERIENCE: As a result, a visit is like opening a treasure chest of uncommonly seen and tasted apples, such as Esopus Spitzenberg, a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. A visit to the orchard is tranquil, not a spectacle with crowds, music, and lines. The focus is growing and sharing a love for apples, rather than weekend entertainment. Pick your own in the orchard, or pick up at farm stand. TIP: "Imperfect" apples are available at discounted price. Look out for apple pastries prepared by local baker, Horsehill Provisions. read more
11 months ago
Love this little farm stand!! We were taking a back road route to New Milford and happened upon Hidden Gem Orchard. They had so many varieties of apples - many we had never heard of. They had signs with descriptions of every apple, incliding best uses (eating, baking, etc). We got a ton of different apples to try. We will definitely go back anytime we are in the vicinity, now that we know about it! Check it out if you love apples! read more
I had heard an interview on NPR about this orchard and some of the rare and historic apples available...I was intrigued! And it did not disappoint. My goal was to pick apples that I can't find in the grocery store, and there were a lot to choose from! It was a beautiful day, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded like some of the other orchards we had been to in years past (thus the "hidden gem" I suppose). The drive there is beautiful. The property is beautiful. Take the hay ride if you'd like, or walk to the two orchards with rows and rows of delicious apples...some you've heard of and some you may not have heard of. We made sure to find "Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple" and we were not disappointed. As much as I can appreciate the Hidden Gem aspect, I just had to share. If you are interested in Apple-picking, this is the place. read more
1 year ago
Great variety of apples! Beautiful area! Nice hayride...Nice outing for family or friends. read more
2 years ago
Peaceful orchard with a ton of varieties. It's a small, no frills orchard that focuses on their pick your own apples. There's a hay ride to take you to the trees, or you can take a short walk to them. Definitely a lot to choose from and it was not overcrowded at all when we went. Prices seemed on par with other orchards in the area. I did not get a chance to check out the farm stand, but there was one on site. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful setting. Scenic ride and delicious apples. Staff well versed and happy to answer variety questions.
More info about Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd
Southbury, CT 06488
Directions
Visit Website
https://www.hiddengemorchard.com
Hours
What time does Hidden Gem Orchard open?
Hidden Gem Orchard opens at 9:00 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What time does Hidden Gem Orchard close?
Hidden Gem Orchard is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Hidden Gem Orchard closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mon-Thu ClosedFri-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Other Amenities
Does Hidden Gem Orchard have free WiFi?
Yes, Hidden Gem Orchard has free WiFi.























