The Best Airbnbs For Apple-Picking Season
From Vermont to Washington, here's where to stay
Apple-picking season is here, so hurry up and plan an orchard visit if you haven't already. The season always disappears faster than we can bake an apple pie, so book your trip ASAP.
If you're looking for a place to stay, we've rounded up the best-looking Airbnbs, whether you're in Vermont or Washington, North Carolina or California.
You'll need a kitchen to bake a crumble as soon as you've collected your loot from the orchard, one of the reasons Airbnbs are the way to go. Depending on the size of your group and the exact orchard of your choosing, you'll have to refine your search, but here are 21 spots in seven states to get you inspired and help steer you in the right direction.
California
Julian, California, isn't just home to a variety a great orchards, it has its very own apple festival (September 24 and 25). If you're looking to pick apples in the Golden State, this town's a great bet.
For pet lovers: a picturesque country cottage (Julian, CA)
For small groups: an adorable A-frame cabin (Julian, CA)
For big groups: a perfect porch-wrapped group house (Julian, CA)
Massachusetts
Just outside Worcester in the northeastern part of Massachusetts, you'll find a cluster of great vineyards, from Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow to Shelburne Farm. Here are three Airbnbs in the region that caught our eye.
For small groups: a peaceful getaway and workshop space (Sherborn, MA)
For families: an 1859 farmhouse with suites and individual rooms (Sherborn, MA)
For couples: a spacious, lakefront gem (Littleton, MA)
Minnesota
Less than an hour outside the Twin Cities is an array of apple-picking spots, like Pine Tree Apple Orchard or Pleasant Valley Orchard. Depending on your style, you can camp out in the country or stay in the city.
For families: a lakefront cabin with a fire pit (Roseville, MN)
For the nautically inclined: an adorable houseboat (St. Paul, MN)
For adventurous couples: a converted horse stable on a beautiful estate (Minneapolis, MN)
New York
Hudson Valley is full of apple orchards, from the more rustic to the family friendly. Here are some picturesque places to prop your feet up at the end of the day.
For glampers: a luxurious tent with a queen-size bed (Germantown, NY)
For larger groups: a mountain retreat with spa services (Cold Spring, NY)
For couples: a lovely yurt in the middle of an orchard (Highland, NY)
North Carolina
When a town has its own apple festival, you know it's where you want to visit come harvest time. Look no further than Hendersonville, North Carolina, for beautiful mountain views, orchids galore and an array of accommodations.
For couples: a streamside cottage with an inviting front deck (Hendersonville, NC)
For small groups: a mountaintop cabin with a hot tub and epic views (Hendersonville, NC)
For large groups: a spa-like retreat with a sauna, two decks and a Zen garden (Hendersonville, NC)
Vermont
From the southern part of the state to the land around Lake Champlain, Vermont is an apple-picking paradise. Here are some winning spots to spend the night, from tiny houses (you know the ones) to classic cabins.
For couples: a "tiny timber frame" called Honeycrisp Cottage. Need we say more? (Putney, VT)
For larger groups: a gorgeous estate with mountain views (Waterbury, VT)
For families: a classic, lakefront chalet (Bridport, VT)
Washington
Apples are the state fruit of Washington, which produces 2.5 million tons a year. You'll find orchards up and down the state, and everything from spa-like retreats to log cabins to stay in while you're picking some of the country's best crop.
For big groups: a solar-powered lodge on rolling hills with great views (Clear Lake, WA)
For couples: a sweet tiny house surrounded by an orchard (Bellingham, WA)
For families: a pristine cottage near the beach (Blaine, WA)