Smolak Farms: This family-friendly farm in North Andover offers around two dozen types of apples—including several antique varieties—all ripe for the picking, as well as baked goods, sandwiches, ice cream, meals-to-go and more at its charming farm store.

Belkin Family Lookout Farm: Reservations for this Natick orchard may be required for picking, yet planning ahead allows visitors access to Lookout’s other wares, including its homemade hard ciders and beers, which can be consumed on premises at the outdoor dining area or taken home in four-packs.

Russell Orchards: Apple picking, cider donuts, Richardson’s Homemade Ice Cream (to-go only), farm-crafted fruit wines and ciders, and more can be found at this beautiful, century-old Ipswich locale, which also boasts a slew of barnyard animals for the kids.

Nashoba Valley Winery: Adults should particularly revel in this gorgeous hot spot’s offerings, which feature its own beer, wine, cider and liquor, as well as the acclaimed J’s Restaurant (evenings, Thursday through Saturday only). Oh, and there are apples, of course. Reservations are required, yet well worth the extra effort to experience this popular central Massachusetts destination.

Brooksby Farm: Just a few miles north of Boston in Peabody sits this quaint orchard, which makes its apple picking debut for the season beginning September 12. For those who prefer a minimum of effort when procuring produce, the farm store—which vends cider donuts and more—is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.