Stone Ridge Orchard: Where Ulster County Comes to Pick, Sip, and Savor

There's a reason locals and visitors alike make the trip to Stone Ridge every fall. Actually, there are several reasons. Fresh apples hanging heavy on the trees. The sweet crunch of Asian pears picked at peak ripeness. Hard cider that tastes like the Hudson Valley in a glass. And a farm store stocked with everything you need to bring the orchard home.

 

Stone Ridge Orchard isn't just a place to buy fruit. It's a destination that captures everything people love about Ulster County agriculture. Family-owned, community-focused, and committed to quality that you can taste in every bite.

 

Pick Your Own Adventure

 

The u-pick season kicks off Labor Day weekend and runs through the end of October, giving visitors nearly two months to experience the simple pleasure of harvesting their own fruit. The orchard opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, rain or shine, ready to welcome everyone from serious canners to families looking for a fun afternoon activity.

 

Early in the season, you'll find Asian pears, Gala apples, and Ginger Gold varieties ready for picking. These early varieties offer a taste of what's to come, with crisp textures and bright flavors that signal the arrival of autumn in the Catskills.

 

As the season progresses, the variety expands. Different apple cultivars reach their peak at different times, which means repeat visitors can experience something new with each trip. The orchard staff knows their trees intimately and can guide you to the best picking spots based on what's ripe that day.

 

More Than Just Apples

 

The farmstand at Stone Ridge Orchard operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, starting in late August. This isn't your average roadside stand. It's a curated selection of the region's best agricultural products, featuring not just the orchard's own fruit but also baked goods, fresh apple cider, and carefully chosen items from other local producers.

 

The hard cider selection deserves special mention. Made from apples grown right on the property, these ciders represent the terroir of Ulster County in every sip. Dry, semi-dry, and flavored varieties offer something for every palate, from cider connoisseurs to curious newcomers.

 

The Farm Bar: Weekends Made for Sipping

 

September and October weekends at Stone Ridge Orchard get even better with the opening of the Farm Bar. Operating Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 PM, this outdoor tasting space offers cider flights that let you sample the full range of the orchard's offerings.

 

But cider isn't the only thing on the menu. The Farm Bar also serves New York beer, wine, and cocktails, making it a true celebration of the state's thriving beverage industry. Local breweries and wineries are featured alongside the orchard's own products, creating a tasting experience that spans the region.

 

The setting makes everything taste better. Picture yourself on a crisp autumn afternoon, surrounded by apple trees with the Catskill Mountains in the distance, sipping hard cider made from fruit that was growing on those same trees just weeks earlier. That's the Stone Ridge Orchard experience.

 

Celebrate at the Orchard

 

The Farm Bar space isn't just open to the public on weekends. It's also available for private party rentals throughout the season. Birthday celebrations, corporate events, wedding rehearsals, and family reunions all find a perfect backdrop among the apple trees.

 

Imagine hosting your next event with fresh air, mountain views, and the option to include cider tastings and farm-fresh catering. It's a venue that feels both special and authentically Hudson Valley.

 

Plan Your Visit to Stone Ridge

 

Stone Ridge Orchard is located in the heart of Ulster County, easily accessible from Kingston, New Paltz, and surrounding areas. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through the scenic countryside that makes this region so beloved.

 

Come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to fill your bags with some of the best fruit the Hudson Valley has to offer. Bring the kids, bring your friends, or come solo for a peaceful afternoon among the trees.

 

Whether you're stocking up for winter baking, searching for the perfect pumpkin, or simply craving a authentic farm experience, Stone Ridge Orchard delivers. It's agriculture as it should be. Local, sustainable, delicious, and welcoming.

 

Stone Ridge Orchard Details:

Location: Stone Ridge, Ulster County NY

U-Pick Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM (Labor Day weekend through October)

Farmstand Hours: Daily 9 AM - 6 PM (starting late August)

Farm Bar: Saturday & Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM (September & October)

Website: stoneridgeorchard.com