Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2021 Updates -- FAQ
What about COVID?
In order to ensure the safety of all guests and staff, we will adhere to all practices outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) as well as town, county and state guidelines. Call the apple shop if you have specific questions 978-897-9287
What happened to the Fun Pass?
It's all included now in the purchase of a picking bag, there is no extra charge. The play areas are now built in to the orchards. There is no charge to access the playgrounds, BUT purchasing a picking bag is required to enter the orchards.
What are my lunch options?
We are excited to welcome a variety of food trucks to the farm this fall. You will find the complete food truck schedule HERE.
Pets are NOT allowed on the farm. Why?
To comply with strict food and health safety regulations, as well as to avoid interference with our very fragile rescue farm animals, we unfortunately cannot allow pets anywhere on the farm. Please do not bring your pets to the farm.
Do I have to order online?
No. Online ordering is an optional alternative to our usual in-person service.
You may purchase all fresh-picked fruit, retail items, food and beverages from the Apple Shop upon arrival. You may also purchase bags from the attendants at the bag hut by the entrance of the orchard, which we have sealed with plexiglass this year for your protection.
You may purchase all fresh-picked fruit, retail items, food and beverages from the Apple Shop upon arrival. You may also purchase bags from the attendants at the bag hut by the entrance of the orchard, which we have sealed with plexiglass this year for your protection.
How does curbside pick-up work?
Order food and drinks online HERE for curbside pick-up. We are not able to offer scheduled pick-up times. We will assemble your order as soon as we can and have it ready for you in the apple shop. Pick Your Own bags will be ready in the field at the bag shack.
How does prepaid pick-your-own work?
Order pick-your-own bags and boxes online HERE. Pick up your bags at the bag shack by the orchard entrance for a contactless picking experience.
General Orchard Practices -- FAQ
Is there an admission charge to visit the farm?
NO, UNLESS you exceed the maximum person per bag or person per box limit. Apples are sold by the bag. Peaches and asian pears are sold by the box. Pumpkins are sold by the pound. At all times entry into the orchards requires purchase of a picking bag or peach or asian pear box, and the number of persons allowed to enter is limited depending on the purchase container size.
How much does it cost to pick apples?
2021 Prices are listed HERE.
How much does it cost to pick pumpkins?
2021 Prices are listed HERE.
How much does it cost to pick peaches and asian pears?
2021 Prices are listed HERE.
How much does the kid's play area cost?
There is no charge for the in-orchard playground, but you must purchase a picking bag to enter the orchard.
How much do hay rides cost?
You can find information about hay rides in 2021 HERE.
Do you offer pony rides?
We do not offer pony rides on the farm.
Do you accept credit cards?
YES. We accept all major credit/debit cards including Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, Discover and Apple Pay. We now accept credit cards at all point of sale locations on the farm, including the bag hut by the entrance of the orchard.
How do we access the orchard and picking areas after arriving?
On weekends, visit the pick your own greeting area adjacent to the large field where the big yellow sign says “Welcome to Shelburne Farm”. The orchard greeters will help you to get started, and will provide picking bags as well as directions. All of the orchard is within walking distance and is accessible on foot. Most of our terrain is level for easy walking and easy access from the parking areas.
Where can I get your famous cider donuts?
Visit the apple shop. MMMMMMMM donuts.
How big is Shelburne Farm?
Shelburne Farm is a little over 50 acres.
How many fruit trees are planted in the orchards at Shelburne Farm?
More than 10,000!
How many different apple varieties are grown in the orchards at Shelburne Farm?
Almost 100! More than 60 contemporary or "popular" varieties, more than 30 antique or "heirloom" varieties, and five red-fleshed or "pink" apple cultivars. The apple portfolio is in a state of constant expansion as we plant more and more varieties, new, old, and ancient -- every year -- one tree at at time.
What is the age of the oldest apple tree planted in the orchards at Shelburne Farm?
More than 110 years!
What is the age of the oldest heirloom apple variety grown in the orchards at Shelburne Farm?
More than 400 years! Take a look at the list of heirlooms under What's Picking on our home page and try to figure out which one?!
I’m attending a corporate or group event at Shelburne Farm. Where should I go upon arrival?
Check with your party host for the exact location on the farm; several different locations are possible depending on the event type.
Do you offer lunch?
We are excited to welcome a variety of food trucks to the farm this fall. You will find the complete food truck schedule HERE.
Do you have seating areas available?
Yes. Picnic tables in all locations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Private tented areas are also available by reservation for pre-paid group events.
I’ve never been on an apple picking adventure. How does it work at Shelburne Farm?
If you arrive on a weekend, just visit the pick your own greeting area adjacent to the parking lot. The friendly farmers located there will help you to get started. All you really need to do is purchase a bag, get directions, and go on your way to begin picking.
If you visit us on a weekday, just visit the apple shop. One of the friendly farmers in the shop will help you to get started.
If you visit us on a weekday, just visit the apple shop. One of the friendly farmers in the shop will help you to get started.
Are reservations required for pick-your-own?
NO. Reservations are not required for for pick your own apples, peaches, or pumpkins.
Are reservations required for special group rates or parties with private space?
YES, if you want to reserve a tent or take advantage of one of our discounted group-rate picking packages.
Are reservations required for school tours?
YES, if you want to take advantage of one of our discounted school tour packages. Please call or email to inquire about availability.
What’s the best apple for … ?
DEPENDS on what’s in season. Ask in the apple shop or pick your own barn when you pick up your bag. While visiting the farm to pick apples be sure to try one of the apples you've never heard of or tried before -- there is a good chance are you will discover a new "best apple ever". We grow only AMAZING fruit!!
Do you allow dogs?
NO - please leave your beloved pet(s) at home when visiting the farm. We, too, own and dearly love our family dogs, cats, and a whole menagerie of other small furry friends, but unfortunately we cannot allow dogs or other animals in the orchards at Shelburne Farm for sanitary reasons.
Do you offer cut-your-own Christmas Trees?
Check our site closer to Thanksgiving for details.
