A Day at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard: More Than Just Apples
Just a 30-minute drive from The Cattails, nestled in the rolling hills of Lafayette, NY, is a place that smells like fall, tastes like cider, and feels like home. Welcome to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard—an upstate New York institution where apple picking is just the beginning.
It Starts with the Apples (Of Course)
Beak & Skiff isn’t your average “grab-a-bag-and-go” kind of orchard. This place has apple lore. Since 1911, five generations of apple aficionados have been growing some of the juiciest, crispest apples around. Whether you’re a Honeycrisp diehard or a Cortland purist, you’ll find your perfect pick here—literally.
And yes, you can climb the ladders. (Carefully. With a camera. It’s practically a rite of passage.)
Sip Happens
Once your apple haul is secured, the real fun begins. Head over to the 1911 Tasting Room, where the apples you just picked might have distant cousins in your cider flight. From sweet and fizzy to dry and bold, the ciders here are dangerously sippable. Not into cider? There’s also gin, vodka, and ready-to-drink cocktails—all made in-house from—you guessed it—apples.
Let’s just say, you won’t leave thirsty.
Orchard Eats: Yes, There’s Donuts
Did we mention the apple cider donuts? They’re warm, sugary, and disappear faster than you can say “I’m only having one.” Pair them with a cup of hot mulled cider, and suddenly it’s fall in your soul—even if it’s July.
Hungry for more? The Café and Tavern dishes out everything from wood-fired pizza to seasonal salads and hearty sandwiches. Eat it picnic-style with a view of the orchard hills, and you’ve officially unlocked peak Upstate vibes.
Live Music, Family Fun & Good Vibes
Depending on when you go, you might stumble into a local band jamming on the lawn, a summer concert series, or a weekend craft fair. There’s also a playground, corn maze, and a market full of locally made treats and gifts—so yes, the kids (and the kid in you) will be just fine.
In Season or Off—It’s Worth the Trip
Even outside of peak apple season, Beak & Skiff knows how to charm. Their calendar is packed with events year-round, and the views alone are worth the ride. Just roll the windows down and let the hills do their thing.
Pro Tip from The Cattails:
Go early, wear boots you don’t mind getting a little muddy, and don’t even try to leave without a box of donuts.
Happy adventuring,
The Cattails Crew