For the autumn season, most people have a checklist of activities they want to complete. This could consist of apple picking, carving pumpkins, baking pies, drinking apple cider, and much more. This variety leaves a ton of options to do in order to enjoy the fall. The season only lasts for about three months, which isn’t a lot of time to enjoy a good amount of the fall festivities. This may leave people wondering, where is a place where you could possibly have the opportunity to try most of these activities?

If one is looking for a home for the fall in the Ledyard/Gales Ferry area, they are in luck. Holmberg Orchards is an orchard and winery located in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, which offers a wide selection of activities to do in the fall. These activities include picking apples, tasting the delicious apple cider treats, a corn maze, cutting flowers, and a large pumpkin patch. When picking apples, there is also a tractor ride to bring you around the field. Every year, families from all over the state come to enjoy the large variety of fall festivities that Holmberg Orchards offers. 

Apple picking is the most popular activity during the fall at Holmberg Orchards. There are many different sizes for bags to choose from. There is a “single bag” which holds about 10-12 apples, which is just enough for one person or for a family that does not need an excessive amount of apples. There is also a “double bag” which can include 15-20 apples. Normally couples who come to the orchard will purchase this one. There is a family bag, which holds around 30-35 apples. Families normally purchase this one when looking for a larger amount to provide the whole family with. Finally, there is a bucket that can contain 45-50 apples. The bucket can also be refilled every year, which can be easier for families who come to the orchard every year. When asked, a customer named Lydia from Killingly, who came with two children and her husband, said, “My dad and I used to come to the Orchard all the time with this same bucket to fill it up with apples. It has given me many memories, and I hope to carry it on with my family.” This quote shows how much the apple picking at Holmbergs can mean to someone, whether it’s only about the apples or the moments that come along with it.

Once at the field, there are directions to guide people where to go. There is a sign that lists around 10 different kinds of apples that are located in the field. On the same sign, there are letters and symbols to help people decide what kind of apple they want. If there is an “E” next to the name of the apple, it is better for eating. If there is a “C” next to the name of the apple, it is better for cooking. Lastly, if there is a star next to the name of the apple, it means that it is a fan favorite. Sophomore Alexander Harr at Ledyard High School is an employee at Holmberg Orchards who generally guides people with directions and greets them at the end of the tractor ride, which is included in the apple picking. On the topic, he described, “It is nice to observe the many families and even people my age who are able to pick apples to their liking, whether they are going home to bake pie, looking to make memories, or eating the apples.” Harr’s experience from working at the orchard proves that it is amazing how apple picking gives people delight, no matter what their purpose for being there is. 

Holmberg’s apple cider truck can bring just as much joy, if not more. At the apple cider truck, their menu consists of donuts, slushies, hot spiced cider, coffee, sparkling cider, and many quantities of plain cider. On a warm day, the apple cider slushy can be a delicious, icy treat. On a cold day, a hot spiced cider or coffee can be a flavorful way to warm yourself up. Junior Tyler Salaver is a student at Ledyard High School who is also employed at Holmberg Orchards. When asked about his experience at the job, he shared, “While working at the cider truck, I met this woman named Gloria who came all the way from Spain. She told me how our donuts were the best she had ever tasted. She then asked to take a picture with me. It is moments like those I think back on where I feel glad to work there and spread joy to all customers.” Salaver’s encounter and his emotions behind it show how Holmberg Orchards can positively impact someone’s day.

Cutting flowers can have this same effect on people. In this area, there is a wide variety of flowers that people may cut. There are scissors and materials provided to keep the flowers held together. Two customers, who were young adults, went to cut flowers. When asked, one of the customers, named Jacob, shared, “We cut flowers together and formed them into a bouquet. I then handed them to my fiancée, Alyssa, and I never saw her smile so brightly. Little memories like the ones we got here are the ones that keep us going.” This interaction highlights the importance of the orchard for people and how it can bring them closer together, as well as keep strong connections going with an amazing time.

There was another couple who made great memories as well, except they weren’t young adults, but they were elderly. At the orchard, they went to the pumpkin patch and completed the corn maze. The pumpkin patch is a fair-sized area which has two sections: the patch with the smaller pumpkins, which are normally used to eat, and the patch with the larger pumpkins, which are normally used for carving and painting. The corn maze is a large area for people to go in and explore. Once they are done wandering around, they can leave the maze the same way they entered it. The elder woman in the couple, Deborah, described, “My husband Chuck and I can never find a place that includes such joyful activities for elderly people, but I don’t think we have laughed as much as we did in that corn maze in around 30 years.” This implies that the orchard is for anyone, no matter their age or background, to have a great time and have a one-of-a-kind experience.

All of these experiences and stories that were shared, whether they came from employees or customers, are the true package of going to Holmberg Orchards. These memories and moments will be cherished forever, as well as the tasty delicacies purchased along the way. Anyone can make the journey to Holmberg Orchards and try their fall festivities, including you!

Nyela Whitney, Staff Writer

Junior Nyela Whitney is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonelnews Site. She likes writing, spending time with her friends, and playing video games.