Move over pumpkin spice—it’s apple season.
The burnt-orange blend often gets all of the credit as the top fall flavor, but, as the air gets cooler, we’re suckers for crunchy leaves, cozy crackling fires, and, best of all, crisp local apples. This time of year, Maryland orchards and farms are dotted with the tart fruits, which, of course, bring apple cider in all forms—hot, cold, boozy, slushified, or even baked into warm, sugar-coated donuts.
Below, find the best spots to get your apple-picking and apple cider fix around Baltimore and its surrounding counties.
Baugher’s Orchard and Farms
1015 Baugher Road, Westminster. Fridays through Sundays in September-October. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $4 entrance fee. Kids under 3 are free.
The family-run farm has been in operation since 1904. Visit its Orchard Market for warm apple cider donuts, apple fritters, apple dumplings, deep-dish pies, and apple cider—all made in-house.
Buppert’s Doran’s Chance Farm
6914 Ridge Road, Marriottsville. April-Nov: Mon.-Fri: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
With its scratch-made apple cider, hay rides, corn maze, and petting zoo, Buppert’s is the ultimate family-friendly fall destination. Tip back a cup of cider while fully embracing the spirit of the harvest season. Other apple treats include apple cinnamon granola, Jewish apple cake muffins, and apple-scented candles.
Chapel Hills Farm and Nursery
4350 Chapel Road, Perry Hall. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry
This Perry Hall community farm continues the fun every weekend throughout October. Taste all of the apple-y goodness of Chapel Hills’ sugary apple cider donuts while enjoying tasty bites, live music, haunted hay rides, and activities for kids.
Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road, Mt. Airy; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1; Free entry to market. Fall Fun Fest admission is $20 per person on September weekends; $24 per person on October weekends; and $14.50 per person on weekdays. Kids under 24 months are free.
While strolling around this Mt. Airy mainstay, be sure to swing by the farm market for decadent apple cider donuts baked fresh daily during the season. Plus, sip on frosty apple cider slushies, explore a seven-acre corn maze, and meet all of the friendly animals in the petting zoo.
Homestead Gardens’ Harvest Weekends
743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville; Weekends: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Online tickets only, $15 per person; Kids 3 years and under (and dogs) are free; Seniors (55+) get $5 off.
Every weekend from Sept. 26-Nov. 1, the pop-up food court at this community outpost offers hot cider and apple cider donuts guaranteed to have you going back for seconds. Additionally, each weekend, snag tickets for their Fall Festival with activities like tractor rides, face painting, pony rides, and live music in the barnyard. See the full schedule, here.
Larriland Farm
2415 Woodbine Rd. Woodbine. Through Oct. 31. Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry.
If you haven’t tried the famous apple fritters at this pick-your-own paradise in Woodbine—sandwiched between Sykesville and Mt. Airy—you’re in for a treat this season. The fried fritters sprinkled with requisite powdered sugar are among the apple-flavored treats available in the farm’s market, which also sells gallons of cider, apple butter, pies, and more.
Lohr’s Orchard
Retail store: 3301 Churchville Road, Aberdeen. Monday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry
Farm store: 3212 Snake Lane, Churchville. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily beginning in October. Free entry.
As the leaves start to change, Lohr’s farm and retail stand becomes filled with apples galore. A 100-year family tradition, their fresh-pressed apple cider is a must try. For something to satisfy your sweet tooth, taste the fall flavors infused in their homemade pumpkin and apple cider donuts.
Magnolia Meadow Farms
13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont; Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $17 general admission online in advance, $22 at the gate. Children under two are free.
This daily farmstead, opened in 2022, returns for the fall season, offering apple cider donuts, hot cider, caramel apples, kettle corn, a zipline, live music, slides, and a corn maze that is billed as Maryland’s largest. To really get the full experience, order the signature apple cider float, which tops local cider with vanilla soft serve, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a cider donut. That’s one way to start the season of sweets off right.
The Maryland Corn Maze
389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills. Select weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Check the website for special offers and events.) $17.95. Military receive $1 discount.
This eight-acre maze of twists and turns has been a family tradition since 2006. Get lost in this year’s Toy Story-themed maze before winding down with a cup of juicy apple cider or a glacial slushy. Plus, treat yourself for crossing the finish line with an order of sweet cider donuts and other carnival eats.
Montpelier Farms
1720 Robert S. Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro; Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m –6 p.m.; $19.95 general admission to weekend festivals. Free entry to market and bakery during business hours.
Visit this farm’s welcoming market and donut shop for bites like apple cider donuts, caramel apples, kettle corn, fresh roasted cinnamon-glazed nuts, and more. And, of course, wash down all of the treats with hot, cold, or slushie ciders made onsite. While you enjoy the eats and drinks, partake in activities like a seven-acre corn maze, live animals, giant slides, and fall games.
Red Shedman Farm Brewery
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mt. Airy; Fri.-Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Free.
In our humble opinion, the best time to discover a new hard cider is when apples, picked straight from the orchard, are in season. Boasting more than 200 acres of farmland, Red Shedman offers options like the refreshing dry-hopped hard cider.
Richardson Farms
5900 Ebenezer Rd. White Marsh. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
At this one-stop-shop for seasonal goodies—which also boasts its own full-service deli and prepared foods department—produce is either picked straight from the family’s fields or sourced from other local purveyors. Grab a cart, get lost in the greenhouse full of vintage fall decor, and load up on autumn treats, like caramel apples and spiced Jewish apple cakes, before you head home.
Shaw Orchards
5594 Norrisville Rd, White Hall. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry.
Located right on the Mason-Dixon line, this historic family business has been in operation for 117 years. Purchase their homemade apple cider in gallons and half gallons, and munch on sugary apple cider donuts by the dozen. Get your hands dirty with pick-your-own apples (based on availability) and pumpkins—and more produce—throughout the season, as well.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Free entry.
Featuring the oldest cider mill still in use in the state, Weber’s hones in on family tradition as it has for generations. Available September through December, the farm’s fresh-pressed apple cider blends the flavors of four or more apple varieties. For a refreshing take on their famous drink, try the fan-favorite icy Apple Slush. Plus, swing by Weber’s Bakery to indulge in other apple-centric treats—including apple cider donuts, pies, and cakes—all made fresh on the farm daily.
Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine
6219 Harley Road, Middletown. Weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
Sip on Willow Oaks’ many hard ciders made with organic apples—plus pears and blueberries—that are grown and fermented right on the farm. Can’t choose just one? Plan a cider tasting and relax on the deck or in the garden as you sample each spiked blend.
Fact checking assistance by Gabrielle Plaag