Local Apple Picking for Johnny Appleseed Day

In children’s books, Johnny Appleseed is often portrayed as a fun, historical fellow who wears a cooking pot on his head and disperses apple seeds wherever he travels. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on Sept. 26 each year, celebrates his birth, life, and generosity.

John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, was a Massachusetts-born philosopher and philanthropist, who, beginning in 1802, wandered through northern and Midwestern states planting apple nurseries. His trees fed many settlers, and he was loved wherever he went.  

Now the apple doesn’t fall far from the holiday. Fall brings forth a time for harvest, and apple picking is a fun fall activity that family and friends can do together. 

Check out these nearby places for farm-grown apples and cider:

Richter's Orchard in Northport sells apple cider made on-site and bags of farm-grown apples.

White Post Farms in Melville sells jumbo-sized apples as well as pumpkins.

Unfortunately, there is no apple-picking at Fort Salonga Farm this year due to a light crop. Only school groups are permitted.

Local farmers markets are also sure to sell apples, along with other homegrown and organic fall fruits and vegetables. Check out these local markets:

Northport Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Huntington Farmers Market, Sundays, 7 a.m. to noon 

There are lots of legends and fun tales about the life of Johnny Appleseed, so you can celebrate in many ways. The best, by far, is apple-picking. Find out where you can pick apples across Long Island with this map and, tell us:

Where is your favorite place to pick apples on Long Island?