An Apple-Lover’s Road Trip
Crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and the crunch of that first bite into a just-picked apple…fall in Western New York is apple season, and nowhere does it better than the Fresh Air Adventures region. From historic orchards and family farms to cider mills, U-pick experiences, and fresh-baked donuts, each of our four counties brings its own flavor to the table.
Pack your sweater, grab your basket, and get ready for a road trip that’s as sweet (and tart!) as it gets.
Genesee County: Sweet Traditions & Fresh Flavors
Genesee County knows how to do apples right, blending tradition with the fresh goodness of apples straight from the tree.
Roanoke Orchard invites visitors to fill their bags with popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonagold or sample baked favorites like apple walnut muffins, cider donuts, and spiced hot cider when the air gets chilly.
At McPherson Orchards & Christmas Tree Farm, family history runs deep. This farm has been in the family for generations, and it remains a fall favorite to this day. Open September through December, their market overflows with apples, pumpkins, pies, and hot donuts made fresh on the weekends.
Here, every apple comes with a story, and every bite tastes like fall.
Allegany County: Farm-Fresh & Family-Owned
In the rolling hills of Allegany County, apples grow alongside pasture-raised livestock, making for a true farm-to-fork experience.
CTK Farms in Cuba invites families to wander their orchards, picking apples by the bag or basket. A local, family-run operation, CTK often turns its harvest into seasonal treats like cider or baked goods, offering a down-to-earth fall adventure that pairs perfectly with the rest of their farm-fresh lineup.
If you’re looking for an autumn outing that’s equal parts wholesome and scenic, Allegany delivers.
Orleans County: Apple Capital of Fresh Air Adventures
Orleans County stands tall as one of New York’s top three apple-producing counties, and it shows. From classic varieties to rare heirlooms, this is apple heaven.
LynOaken Farms in Medina is reopening its beloved U-pick orchard for 2025, featuring rows of crisp apples and those must-have cider donuts. Their living “apple library” of 300+ historic varieties is a treasure trove for anyone who thinks all apples taste the same. This is where you’ll discover flavors once adored in the 1800s.
Hurd Orchards in Holley offers a charming and memorable apple-picking experience. From September through October, their Orchard Café is open every Saturday from 12–5 p.m., serving an à la carte menu of seasonal favorites like Chicken Pot Pie, Herb Garden Quiche, and Apple Pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream. Each week, they also host themed luncheons, adding a special touch to your visit. Be sure to stop by their store—open Wednesday through Friday—to browse baked goods, fresh produce, and a variety of unique home items.
Roberts Farm Market in Medina offers more than 20 apple varieties in their U-pick orchard, plus pumpkins and their own sweet apple cider, pressed fresh since 1974.
Orleans isn’t just about apples…it’s about memories in the making, with every sip and slice.
Wyoming County: Sip, Savor & Cider Season
While Wyoming County doesn’t offer traditional U-pick orchards, it shines in its own way: cider, cider, and more cider.
Castile Cider Mill and Titus Fruit Stand are local favorites for fresh-pressed cider, apples, fry cakes, and other produce. Nothing says fall quite like warm fry cakes and a jug of cider to take home.
For a grown-up twist, head to the county’s two craft cideries, Buried Barrel and Three Falls Cidery, where you can sample creative small-batch blends made from locally grown apples.
In Wyoming, cider is king and fall flavor is found in every pour.
Plan Your Fresh Air Apple Adventure
Whether you’re filling baskets in a U-pick orchard, sipping hot cider at a family farm, or discovering heirloom varieties you never knew existed, the Fresh Air Adventures region is your go-to destination for all things apples.
Tip for Foodies: Don’t leave without grabbing extra cider donuts, apple pies, or a jug of sweet cider for the road. They’re the souvenirs that never last long.
So go ahead, wander the orchards, savor the flavors, and fall for apples all over again in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Allegany Counties.
This program is supported by a grant awarded to Greater Niagara Region by New York State's Empire State Development and I Love NY Division of Tourism.
®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
