Hidden Gem Orchard

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Southbury, CT
Hidden Gem Orchard

Hidden Gem Orchard is a no-frills apple orchard specializing in antique & modern-day apple varieties Closed until September 2025

10/10/2026

WE’RE OPEN THRU COLUMBUS DAY AT HIDDEN GEM ORCHARD!

Peak apple season has arrived, and our Farm Stand is showcasing 25 varieties of specialty apples, one of the most distinctive selections you’ll find in Connecticut this season. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect weekend to visit Hidden Gem, this is it. Come taste beyond the ordinary.

The wait is finally over for two of the antique varieties Hidden Gem is known for. Ashmead’s Kernel and Esopus Spitzenburg are here! These historic apples have been cultivated for centuries, with Esopus Spitzenburg famously celebrated as a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson. Both are available for Pick-Your-Own and at the Farm Stand this weekend.

🍏 PICK-YOUR-OWN | THURSDAY–MONDAY, 10 AM–5 PM

Picking this weekend:
Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Early Fuji, Empire, Macoun, Cordera, Jonagold, Crimson Crisp, Firecracker, Rosalee, Ashmead’s Kernel, Esopus Spitzenburg, Golden Russet, Golden Delicious, Wickson & Pink Lady.

🚜 Tractor rides into the orchard Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM–4:30 PM.
Thursday, Friday & Monday are walk-in picking days.

🍎 25 VARIETIES AT THE FARM STAND!

Honeycrisp, Pink Pearl, Gala, McIntosh, Triumph, Early Fuji, Pink Luster, Firecracker, Crimson Crisp, Cox Orange Pippin, Cordera, Macoun, Cortland, Empire, Hudson Golden Gem, Rosalee, Golden Russet, Wickson, Golden Delicious, Esopus Spitzenburg, Ashmead’s Kernel, Pink Lady, Kissabel + more seasonal selections.

🍇 Hidden Gem Grapes: Vanessa & Marquis, available exclusively at the Farm Stand.

This is the weekend apple lovers wait for. Peak season, an extraordinary selection, and some of our most anticipated heirloom varieties are all here at once. We’ll see you at the orchard!

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd.
Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

10/08/2026

Up late and up early! 🍎💎

Behind every beautiful display of Hidden Gem apples are long days, early mornings, and a whole lot of hard work. We're busy harvesting, sorting, and stocking the Farm Stand with the very best gems our orchard has to offer.

Stop by the Orchard this long holiday weekend, and take home a few gems of your own!

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

10/08/2026

WE’RE OPEN THURSDAY! COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND STARTS NOW AT HIDDEN GEM ORCHARD!

Peak apple season has arrived, and our Farm Stand is showcasing 25 varieties of specialty apples, one of the most distinctive selections you’ll find in Connecticut this season. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect weekend to visit Hidden Gem, this is it. Come taste beyond the ordinary.

The wait is finally over for two of the antique varieties Hidden Gem is known for. Ashmead’s Kernel and Esopus Spitzenburg are here! These historic apples have been cultivated for centuries, with Esopus Spitzenburg famously celebrated as a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson. Both are available for Pick-Your-Own and at the Farm Stand this weekend.

🍏 PICK-YOUR-OWN | THURSDAY–MONDAY, 10 AM–5 PM

Picking this weekend:
Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Early Fuji, Empire, Macoun, Cordera, Jonagold, Crimson Crisp, Firecracker, Rosalee, Ashmead’s Kernel, Esopus Spitzenburg, Golden Russet, Golden Delicious, Wickson & Pink Lady.

🚜 Tractor rides into the orchard Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM–4:30 PM.
Thursday, Friday & Monday are walk-in picking days.

🍎 25 VARIETIES AT THE FARM STAND!

Honeycrisp, Pink Pearl, Gala, McIntosh, Triumph, Early Fuji, Pink Luster, Firecracker, Crimson Crisp, Cox Orange Pippin, Cordera, Macoun, Cortland, Empire, Hudson Golden Gem, Rosalee, Golden Russet, Wickson, Golden Delicious, Esopus Spitzenburg, Ashmead’s Kernel, Pink Lady, Kissabel + more seasonal selections.

🍇 Hidden Gem Grapes: Vanessa & Marquis, available exclusively at the Farm Stand.

This is the weekend apple lovers wait for. Peak season, an extraordinary selection, and some of our most anticipated heirloom varieties are all here at once. We’ll see you at the orchard!

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd.
Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

10/06/2026

🍎 Apple of the Week: Ashmead's Kernel

If apples had a w**e list, Ashmead's Kernel would be the bold Cabernet that sparks conversation at the table.

Originating in Gloucester, England during the 1700s, this antique variety has spent centuries building a reputation as one of the most intensely flavored apples in the world. It's not flashy or picture-perfect, but for many apple enthusiasts, that's exactly the point.

Its russeted skin ranges from greenish gold to golden brown with hints of red, giving it a rugged appearance that reflects its old-world heritage. Beneath the skin is creamy yellow flesh that is aromatic, crisp, and packed with character.

What makes Ashmead's Kernel so memorable is its remarkable balance of sugar and acidity. The sweetness is substantial, but so is the tartness, creating a complex flavor profile with bright citrus notes that many describe as almost lemony.
This is not an apple that tries to please everyone. Like a bold w**e, it tends to inspire strong opinions. Some take one bite and move on. Others become completely hooked. For those who appreciate intense, layered flavors, Ashmead's Kernel can be downright addictive.

Its versatility is another reason it has endured for centuries. It's prized as a dessert apple, excellent sliced into salads, useful in the kitchen, and highly sought after by both amateur and professional c***r makers. In the c***r world, Ashmead's Kernel is considered a treasure, contributing depth, acidity, and complexity to premium hard c***r blends.

We love growing varieties like Ashmead's Kernel because they remind us that apples can be every bit as nuanced and interesting as w**e, coffee, or craft b**r. Sometimes the most rewarding flavors are the ones that challenge your palate a little.

Have you joined the Ashmead's Kernel fan club yet? Stop by and see which side of the debate you land on.

10/05/2026

🍎 WE’RE OPEN TODAY!

It’s a beautiful fall day for apples at Hidden Gem Orchard! Pick-Your-Own is open, and the Farm Stand is packed with fall favorites.

🍏 PICK-YOUR-OWN — 10 AM–5 PM
�Today is self-guided walking PYO — no tractor rides.
Today we’re picking:

Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Early Fuji, Empire, Macoun, Cordera, Jonagold, Crimson Crisp, Firecracker, Rosalee

FARM STAND — 9 AM–5 PM
We’re stocked with 19 varieties of apples + 3 varieties of grapes, along with:

🍇 Fresh Hidden Gem grapes�🎃 Pumpkins & squash�🍄 Shiitake Mushrooms�🍁 Maple syrup�🍫 Schwartz Candies fudge�🍩 And, of COURSE, Horse Hill Provisions Apple C***r Donuts!

Come pick a bag, stock up at the Farm Stand, and enjoy October at the orchard.

📍 2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT�🌐 hiddengemorchard.com

10/04/2026

PICK YOUR OWN is OPEN!

🚨NEW APPLE ALERT: Triumph 🚨

A crisp, juicy apple with a bright, well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. Triumph has excellent crunch and holds its texture well, making it great for **fresh eating, baking, and c***r**. It’s also known for its attractive red color and complex flavor.

🚨NEW GRAPE ALERT: Marquis 🚨

Released in 1996 by Cornell University. White seedless grape with excellent mild American flavor. The berries are large with a juicy, melting texture. Flavor is mild and fruity when first ripe, to a stronger labrusca (Concord) flavor two weeks later. Good for fresh eating, jam, jelly, and juice.

And don’t forget the treats! Horse Hill Provisions apple c***r donuts and pies, Schwartz Candies fudge, and Versailles Farm honey in the Farm Stand.

Farm Stand HOURS: 9 AM–5 PM
Pick-Your-Own: 10 AM–5 PM
Tractor rides: 10 AM–4:30 PM

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

Come pick, eat, explore some unusual apple varieties at Hidden Gem Orchard.

10/03/2026

PYO is in full swing at Hidden Gem Orchard!

Pikalo Empanadas is on site serving up hot food for Orchard goers!

Kissabel, Hudson Golden Gems are available at the Farm Stand.

And don’t forget the treats! Horse Hill Provisions apple c***r donuts and pies, Schwartz Candies fudge, and Versailles Farm honey in the Farm Stand.

Farm Stand HOURS: 9 AM–5 PM
Pick-Your-Own: 10 AM–5 PM
Tractor rides: 10 AM–4:30 PM

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

Come pick, eat, explore some unusual apple varieties at Hidden Gem Orchard.

10/03/2026

Pick-Your-Own is OPEN Hidden Gem Orchard!

We have a fantastic lineup of apples ready for picking this weekend. Come explore the orchard and enjoy a fall day with us.

PICK-YOUR-OWN VARIETIES
Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Early Fuji, Empire, Macoun, Cordera, Jonagold, Crimson Crisp, Firecracker, Rosalee

PIKALO EMPANADAS POP-UP!

Come hungry! Pikalo Empanadas will be joining us at the orchard with delicious empanadas for our guests. Grab something to eat before or after you pick and make a day of it.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: KISSABEL

Our stunning red-fleshed Kissabel apples have returned to the Farm Stand! This unique apple is just as beautiful when you cut into it as it is delicious.

We also have our famous Hudson Golden Gem, a beautiful russeted apple with a rich, distinctive flavor.

*Kissabel and Hudson Golden Gem are Farm Stand exclusives this weekend and will not be available for Pick-Your-Own.

FARM STAND APPLE VARIETIES

Honeycrisp, Pink Pearl, Gala, McIntosh, Early Fuji, Firecracker, Crimson Crisp, Cox Orange Pippin, Cordera, Macoun, Cortland, Empire, Hudson Golden Gem, Rosalee, Kissabel

And don’t forget the treats! Horse Hill Provisions apple c***r donuts and pies, Schwartz Candies fudge, and Versailles Farm honey in the Farm Stand.

Farm Stand HOURS: 9 AM–5 PM
Pick-Your-Own: 10 AM–5 PM
Tractor rides: 10 AM–4:30 PM

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT
hiddengemorchard.com

Come pick, eat, explore some unusual apple varieties at Hidden Gem Orchard.

10/02/2026

WE ARE OPEN!

The forecast is clear and the apples are waiting. Make Hidden Gem part of your weekend. Come for the apples, stock up on your favorite orchard treats, and enjoy the harvest season with us. Whether you’re stopping by the Farm Stand or heading out to Pick Your Own, there’s plenty to bring you back to the orchard.

By Popular Demand: We Are Opening Weekdays!
🆕 NEW SCHEDULE:
🗓️ Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

🍎 PICK-YOUR-OWN UPDATE:

This week the following varieties are available for Pick Your Own:
Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, early Fuji, Empire, Macoun, Cordera, Jonagold, Crimson Crisp, Firecracker, Rosalee

Varieties available at the Farm Stand include:
Honeycrisp, Pink Pearl, Gala, McIntosh, Autumn Crisp, early Fuji, Pink Luster, Firecracker, Crimson Crisp, Cox Orange Pippin, Cordera, Macoun

Grapes- Concord* and Vanessa*'

Apple C***r Donuts and Hand Pies from Horse Hill Provisions. Fudge from Schwartz Candies, Sh*take Mushrooms from Versailles Farms and so much more.
And this is just the beginning! More apple and grape varieties will ripen throughout the season, so there will always be something new to look forward to.

*Farm Stand Only

We’ll see you at Hidden Gem! 🍎🍇

📍 Hidden Gem Orchard
2500 Purchase Brook Rd., Southbury, CT
www.hiddengemorchard.com

Address

2500 Purchase Brook Road
Southbury, CT
06487

Website

http://www.hiddengemorchard.com/, https://cooking.nytimes.com/article/the-next-it-apple-might-be-300-years-old

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