Some places feel like they belong to a different, slower era. Navarino Orchard on Route 20 is one of them. The Burrell family has run this pick-your-own farm for three generations. And the experience of visiting feels genuinely timeless — in a way that bigger, more commercial orchards can’t quite replicate.
The orchard sits among the rolling hills south of Syracuse, on the scenic Route 20 corridor between Skaneateles and the city. It’s a relatively short drive from the village. And it’s the kind of outing that feels both easy and memorable — especially with kids in tow.
Strawberry picking in early summer and apple picking in the fall are the main draws. The apple selection is impressive — Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala, and more — and reviewers consistently praise the quality and freshness of the fruit. The orchard keeps things personal and unhurried, which is exactly the point. While you’re there, the resident goats, chickens, and golden retrievers add to the charm considerably.
The country store and bakery are worth your attention too. The team bakes pies, fritters, cookies, and breads throughout the day using farm and local ingredients. The apple cider donuts have developed a serious following. And the strawberry cream pie is the kind of thing you’ll wish you’d bought two of.
More recently, the family converted a 200-year-old barn on the property into a cafe. The weekend brunch menu features homemade fruit bread French toast, a rotating quiche of the week, Eggs Benedict, bottomless mimosas, and loaded bloody marys. Vegan and gluten-free options are available throughout, and a burrata salad and local charcuterie board round things out beautifully.
Find them at 3655 Route 20, open seven days a week from 8am, May through November.