Stunning Upstate NY Orchard Voted #1 In the Nation

Prime apple-picking season is here in Upstate New York, and one of the state's most stunning orchards has been voted the best in the nation!

Here in the Capital Region, we have plenty of beautiful spots to go apple picking, like Indian Ladder, Altamont Orchards, Bowman's, and more. But if you are up for a day trip, you can visit what has been voted the #1 orchard in the nation, right here in New York State.

Read More: The Capital Region's 10 Best Cider Donuts

Beak & Skiff Voted Nation's Best Apple Orchard

USA Today 10Best recently nominated 10 apple orchards across the nation and then opened it up for a vote by readers to determine the best of the best.

Nestled just outside Syracuse, Lafayette is home to what USA Today 10Best readers think is the best apple orchard in the United States. Of course, we are talking about the gorgeous Beak and Skiff Orchards.

About a 2-hour or so drive from the Capital Region, Beak and Skiff is not only known for great apple picking, but also for its 1911 Hard Cider and as a top-notch concert venue. Every summer, it hosts a concert series that this year featured country stars Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch.

Family-owned Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards has been growing apples since onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak joined forces in 1911 to plant apples on a hillside along Route 20. The rest, as they say, is history. Gala, McIntosh, Ginger Gold, and Paula Red are just a few of the varieties offered during their pick-your-own season, from late August through late October.

Not only is Beak and Skiff a beautiful destination, but the journey to get there is just as stunning as the fall foliage begins to explode in a mini rainbow of red, yellow, and orange. A road trip to Lafayette is a must-do on your fall bucket list!