You know you’re approaching Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond, Massachusetts when the comforting scent of fresh apple cider donuts begins to overwhelm your sense of smell. The apple orchard and market is cozily tucked into Lenox Mountain. Here, four generations of the Bartlett family have been growing apples for over 71 years. Spread out over 24 acres, their trees produce an average of 11,000 bushels of apples each year.

Inside the year-round market you’ll find a variety of goodies including apples and vegetables. Don’t forget a jug of farm-fresh apple cider or a baked good such as a cider donut, apple muffin, or apple turnover made with a blend of homegrown apples. They also offer a range of gourmet foods, jams and jellies, local honey, and New England maple products. Oh, and don’t forget to try and ice cream from SoCo Creamery handcrafted in nearby Great Barrington.

Seasonally, Bartlett’s Orchard also offers Pick-Your-Own apples with 13 different varieties of including Paula Red, Jona-Mac, McIntosh,Cortland, Gala, Empire, Mutsu, Liberty, Ida Red, Jona-Gold, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and my favorite: Macoun. The orchard is well maintained and the trees are relatively short, so they’re easy to pick (especially if you are bringing kids along).

Visiting Barlett’s Orchard During COVID-19

If you plan to visit Bartlett’s Orchard this year your experience will no-doubt be different than previous years. 

Please note that currently, the market is offering curbside only pickup on Saturdays and Sundays for their busy fall season. You must place an order with their online store or over the phone. However, weekdays are open for normal businesses. You must wear a mask to enter.

Pick Your Own Apples is open 10-5 every day while following the guidelines set by the state of Massachusetts. When I visited, people were very respectful and kept a large social distance within the orchard.

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