Upstate NY Apple Orchard Says Goodbye:15 Years of Sweet Memories Come to End

Soon Upstate New York apple orchards will be opening and ready for you to come and pick your own apples. But one apple orchard in the Capital Region has made the difficult decision to not open for its sixteenth season.

There are many apple orchards that open for the season each year across Upstate New York but one in Rensselaer County will not be picking their opening date this year. Lakeview Orchards, located on Apples Way in Melrose is now permanently closed to the public.

James and Judi Kennelly have owned Lakeview Orchards since 2007. They made the difficult decision to close the you-pick orchard. Their kids are getting older and going off to college.

A message on the Lakeview Orchards Facebook page read:

This decision has been challenging and we are sad to share that we are closing Lakeview Orchards permanently. With the ever-changing schedules and as we grow closer to retirement we have decided to step back and slow down. We thank you so much for your continued support over the years. We truly appreciate each and every one of you and the memories you have helped us create. We will forever hold these memories close to our hearts.

What Will They Do With The Apples?

The Kennellys have been in contact with the Albany Regional Food Bank to donate to those who need them this holiday season. They are also working with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York according to News 10 ABC.

The Kennellys also said they are looking forward to slowing down and retiring. They did say they aren't going to sell Lakeview Orchards.

Judi said,

We’re going to miss it terribly. It was a hard decision. Our customers were the nicest people.