Question 1

Where is Soons Orchards?

Accepted Answer

Our farm and U-Pick orchard are in Orange County, New York, between Middletown and Goshen, in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York.
 
We are 65 miles from the George Washington Bridge/New York City; 15 miles from the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border; and about 55 miles from the Connecticut border via Interstate 84.
 
We are just a mile off I-84 at exit 15a (formerly 3E), and about 15 miles off I-87 / New York State Thruway.
 
Please note that our U-Pick orchard is around the corner from our store, literally a 90-second drive away.
 
For more details visit our contact page. (LINK)

Question 2

When is the farm market open?

Accepted Answer

We're here daily from 9am to 6pm! If you're running late, just call, we are often working late or can hang out for a few minutes!

Question 3

Is the farm market closed for holidays?

Accepted Answer

We are open daily except for Christmas Day. 
Our market has shortened hours on some major holidays: 
-New Year's Day 11- 4 
-Easter 11-3 
-Thanksgiving Day 9 to 12 
-Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 9 to 4

Question 4

What does the Tap Room offer?

Accepted Answer

The Tap Room, aka Orchard Hill Cider Mill, is next door to our store. 
It is open typically weekends, though sometimes is closed to the public during private events. Best to call ahead (845-374-2468) or check their site for the latest. 
The Tap Room offers a great selection of homemade hard ciders, pommeau, a curated selection of NYS wines, spirits and beer, and snacks.

Question 5

Do you have food? Can I get lunch at Soons?

Accepted Answer

When the Tap Room at Orchard Hill Cider Mill (right next to the Soons store) is open and serving, yes! 
The Tap Room hours vary but typically at a minimum they are open Sat-Sun; the menu changes a bit depending what’s in season.  Pls call ahead to check hours/service 845-374-2468

You can also grab a chicken salad or our homemade chili on most days at our store!

Question 6

What does Soons have for U-Pick / pick your own?

Accepted Answer

Soons offers pick your own apples and pick your own pumpkins. (Depending on the season, we also often have a special weekend or two in August of pick your own peaches.) We’ve proud to have won the Times Herald-Record’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best U-Pick for four years running!

Question 7

What does U-Pick cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is by the bag, which we provide. 
For the latest U-Pick info, visit that page and the U-Pick apples FAQ page.

Question 8

When can we come pick our own apple or pumpkins?

Accepted Answer

U-Pick Apples: Our U-Pick apple orchard opens Labor Day weekend and stays open weekends and holiday Mondays, 10 am - 4 pm as long as we have enough apples to offer - sometimes mid-October, sometimes the end of October, sometimes even into November (but that is rare). Our U-Pick page is updated frequently as to what's available and other details, so please check it for the latest.
 
U-Pick Pumpkins begins the second or third weekend of September and runs weekends and holiday Mondays until Halloween. We take you on a real hay wagon (tickets required) to our real pumpkin fields so you can choose your own pumpkin right off the vine! Wagons run from about 11 am until 4 pm depending on demand and weather. See the U-Pick pumpkins page for more info.

Question 9

Is there a charge for parking?

Accepted Answer

While our parking is free, it is limited, so we encourage you to car pool during the busy season! There is no charge to visit our farm market, of course. For U-Pick prices, visit the U-Pick page (LINK)

Question 10

What if I don’t want to pick my own (apples or pumpkins)?

Accepted Answer

That’s easy! Just visit our farm store where we have apples all year. For pumpkins visit our back lawn area to choose a pre-picked pumpkin, typically mid-September to Halloween. And for our homegrown peaches, visit us mid-July to mid-September.

Question 11

Where else can I get Soons homegrown / homemade products?

Accepted Answer

On Sundays, Mothers Day to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we attend the Warwick Valley Farmers' Market (open 9 to 2), with a limited selection of apples, cider, donuts, etc.
We do not attend the NYC Greenmarket, sorry!

Question 12

Do you ship apples by mail?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship apples and other items throughout the U.S., primarily in the fall through Christmas.

Question 13

Do you have curbside pickup?

Accepted Answer

We do! We are working on our online store; until then please call us to put in an order. We are happy to bring your order to your vehicle. Note: during the busy season (aug-oct), we can offer this service Mon-Thurs.

Question 14

Do you take credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Sure, though we do suggest a $10 minimum purchase for using cards.

Question 15

Can I bring my dog/pets to the farm/orchard?

Accepted Answer

We can’t allow pets into the U-Pick orchards (government safety rules pretty much bar any animals in any orchards or fields), however you may have your dog in the (grassy) parking lot with you. 
 
At the main farm store, please note that we have our own farm dog, Hudson (very friendly!) so please let us know if you have your dog and is going to be out of the car.  Documented service animals are always welcome, of course.

Question 16

Does Soons Orchards make donations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we often contribute product (apples and cider) to non-profit causes around Orange County and the Hudson Valley.

We typically do not do donut donations, but if it's outside the busy season, we can usually give you a discounted price.

2023 Note: It's been a terrible growing season for pumpkins, thus we will not have any available for donating or bulk orders.

If you're looking for pie donations, please contact Scotty's Country Kitchen directly (845-374-2510).

Question 17

Are you hiring?

Accepted Answer

We are always looking for enthusiastic folks to join our team!  For seasonal student staff we aim to have that hiring done by July, so please apply in May/June if possible. For adult part-time, apply any time.

Question 18

Do you offer tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, school tour details will be posted soon, or call us! 
For tours of our orchard/store/Tap Room: we are planning to offer these by pre-paid reservation on weekends starting soon. Stay tuned!

Question 19

What other cool Hudson Valley places are nearby?

Accepted Answer

The Hudson Valley is chock full of places to visit, things to see, and more.  Locally, we’ve partnered up with fellow small businesses to form OCNY West. You can spend a day and visit us along with several OCNY West friends for a fun adventure here in “western” Orange County. Additionally, the Harness Museum, Storm King, West Point, the Newburgh Waterfront, Dia Beacon are all within a half-hour drive. The newly opened Legoland is a few minutes down the road in Goshen. Plenty of trails to ride and hikes to do as well.
 
Visit the Orange County New York website for lots more info, including links to their craft beverage app/trail!

Question 20

Where can I get updates on Soons Orchards?

Accepted Answer

Join our email list and follow us on Social Media! (links at the bottom of each webpage).

Question 21

Do you allow professional photo shoots?

Accepted Answer

With proper notice & insurance, we do. Please request our policy document.

Question 22

When can I get apple cider?

Accepted Answer

Our homemade sweet apple cider season runs usually mid-September (you need enough apples to make a good blend!) through the end of May.

In the summer we offer frozen half gallons until we run out. Usually that's mid-August.

We try to always have cider slushies  - ask for a taste at the front counter - they are so good!

For hard cider, Orchard Hill Cider Mill offers their signature ciders all year round. You can get cans in the Soons market, or cans/bottles or draft at the Tap Room when they are open (hours vary, F/S/S + more during busy season). 
Orchard Hill, which is right next to the Soons store, also has a great curated selection of NYS wines, spirits and more.

Question 23

Do you sell apple trees?

Accepted Answer

We do not, sorry!

(The nurseries we use only sell large quantities of trees to growers.)

We recommend Jansen Nursery in Florida NY.

Question 24

Do you have ice cream?

Accepted Answer

Yes, new this year (2025) Suzie Q's Cookies & Cream has opened a beautiful ice cream shop offering all sorts of delicious treats! Stop in, she's open daily May through October, noon to 8pm!

Classic Title

Frequently Asked Questions