Lyman Orchards’s apple picking grounds were open this past fall.
By Rella Wang ’26
Located in Middlefield, Connecticut, Lyman Orchards is a popular destination for those seeking some outdoor leisure. It has also become the premier weekend destination for Choate students, providing a myriad of activities that allow them to bond with each other and reconnect with nature.
Since its establishment in 1741 by the Lyman Family, Lyman Orchards has evolved from a simple, self-sufficient family farm to a diverse agricultural enterprise. Over the years, the Lyman family has expanded its offerings, which now include vast orchards of apple and peach trees for pick-your-own fruit experiences and the Apple Barrel Farm Market for browsing locally-grown produce and baked goods. Visitors to Lyman Orchards can also participate in recreational activities such as corn mazes, golf, sunflower mazes, and apple pie workshops.
“We have a whole wide range of activities throughout the year,” Mr. John Lyman, the owner of Lyman Orchards, said. “From June through mid-November, we start with strawberries, and then we go all the way through with apples at the end, but in between we’ve got all different fruits.”
This past fall, the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team paid a visit to Lyman Orchards. “It’s always fun to go to Lyman Orchards in the fall with the team,” player Eliana Li ’26 said. “The scenery is super pretty and the treats are delicious.”
Lyman Orchards regularly hosts special events, including apple hunts, concerts, and trivia. During the summer, the orchard features fruit festivals, and this winter, they hosted a Christmas-themed walk around the homestead. Mr. Lyman plans events based on the fruits in season “to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings that [they] have,” he said.
Only a 14-minute car ride away, Choate students can take a welcome break from their rigorous academic lives and enjoy the selection of activities and fresh products at Lyman Orchards.
