ORIGIN: Founded by Woodbury native James Wargo and opened in 2020, Hidden Gem Orchard is aptly named. LOCATION: Wargo leases land that is part of the Southbury Training School property, a campus that was once a fully self-sustaining community. I first came upon it on in 2020 on my way to the nearest highway, and was surprised to find activity in an otherwise abandoned-looking area of the vast property -- at height of a pandemic no less! The orchard is located behind some agricultural structures that reflect a more active past, and invite some interesting photo opportunities. CONCEPT: The founder of Hidden Gem Orchard, James Wargo, has expertise in soil management and crop production. Wargo works closely with esteemed Cornell University pomologist, Ian Merwin, PhD, to grow both new and antique varieties of apples. EXPERIENCE: As a result, a visit is like opening a treasure chest of uncommonly seen and tasted apples, such as Esopus Spitzenberg, a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. A visit to the orchard is tranquil, not a spectacle with crowds, music, and lines. The focus is growing and sharing a love for apples, rather than weekend entertainment. Pick your own in the orchard, or pick up at farm stand. TIP: "Imperfect" apples are available at discounted price. Look out for apple pastries prepared by local baker, Horsehill Provisions. read more

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Love this little farm stand!! We were taking a back road route to New Milford and happened upon Hidden Gem Orchard. They had so many varieties of apples - many we had never heard of. They had signs with descriptions of every apple, incliding best uses (eating, baking, etc). We got a ton of different apples to try. We will definitely go back anytime we are in the vicinity, now that we know about it! Check it out if you love apples! read more

Hidden Gem Orchard - Farms Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

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I had heard an interview on NPR about this orchard and some of the rare and historic apples available...I was intrigued! And it did not disappoint. My goal was to pick apples that I can't find in the grocery store, and there were a lot to choose from! It was a beautiful day, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded like some of the other orchards we had been to in years past (thus the "hidden gem" I suppose). The drive there is beautiful. The property is beautiful. Take the hay ride if you'd like, or walk to the two orchards with rows and rows of delicious apples...some you've heard of and some you may not have heard of. We made sure to find "Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple" and we were not disappointed. As much as I can appreciate the Hidden Gem aspect, I just had to share. If you are interested in Apple-picking, this is the place. read more

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Great variety of apples! Beautiful area! Nice hayride...Nice outing for family or friends. read more

Hidden Gem Orchard - Hidden Gem Orchard - Farms Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

Peaceful orchard with a ton of varieties. It's a small, no frills orchard that focuses on their pick your own apples. There's a hay ride to take you to the trees, or you can take a short walk to them. Definitely a lot to choose from and it was not overcrowded at all when we went. Prices seemed on par with other orchards in the area. I did not get a chance to check out the farm stand, but there was one on site. read more

Beautiful setting. Scenic ride and delicious apples. Staff well versed and happy to answer variety questions.