Springtime is in full bloom at Lyman Orchards, and there's no better time to celebrate the joys of fresh, delicious apples! While apples are a year-round favorite, they're especially exciting during our Spring Apple Hunt, where kids can experience the magic of the orchard while learning about this nutritious fruit.

But beyond their crisp and juicy taste, apples are a powerhouse of health benefits for children. Here's why they should be a staple in every kid's diet - and why your family won't want to miss our Spring Apple Hunt!

The Health Benefits of Apple for Kids

1. Packed with Nutrients

Apples are full of essential vitamins and minerals that growing kids need. They are a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Plus, they contain natural sugars that provide an energy boost - perfect for active kids on the go!

2. Great for Dental Health

Crunching on an apple can help keep teeth clean by scrubbing away plaque and stimulating saliva production, which reducing bacteria. Think of apples as nature's toothbrush!

3. Supports Brain Development

Apples contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that may support brain health and cognitive function. Snacking on an apple can be a smart choice - literally!

4. A Tasty Way to Stay Hydrated

With apples being made up of about 85% water, they help keep kids hydrated, especially during warm spring days spend outdoors.

5. Encourages Healthy Eating Habits

Getting kids to love fresh fruits and vegetables early on sets the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Apples are a delicious, kid-approved way to make that happen!

Join the Fun at Our Spring Apple Hunt!

What better way to get kids excited about apples than by sending them on a fun-filled adventure? Our Spring Apple Hunt at Lyman Orchards is the perfect family-friendly event where kids can search for hidden apples, win prizes, and enjoy the beauty of springtime in the orchard.

Not only will children have a blast running through the fresh air and discovering surprises along the way, but they'll also gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible fruit. Plus, after the hunt, families can enjoy fresh Lyman Orchards apples and other farm-fresh goodies!

Make Apples a Part of Your Spring Fun!

Whether it's through snacking, baking, or exploring the orchard, apples are a fantastic way to keep kids happy and healthy. So grab the family, put on your best springtime adventure gear, and join us for the Spring Apple Hunt! It's a fun, educational, and delicious way to celebrate the season.

We can't wait to see you at Lyman Orchards for a springtime event filled with joy, laughter, and of course, apples!

Learn more about the Spring Apple Hunt here. 

At Lyman Orchards, we know that where you shop matters. That's why we take pride in providing you with the freshest produce, locally sourced products, and a shopping experience that benefits you, your community, and the environment. When you choose to shop at the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're not just buying groceries - you're supporting a tradition of quality, sustainability, and local connections. Here's why shopping with us is a choice that benefits you in so many ways.

1. Fresh, High Quality Products Just for You

We grow our some of our own produce right here at Lyman Orchards, harvesting fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness to bring you the best in taste and nutrition. Unlike big-box stores that source produce from across the country, our farm-fresh products go straight from our fields to our market, ensuring that you take home the freshest, more flavorful ingredients for your meals.

2. Access to the Best Local Products

In addition to our farm-fresh produce, we proudly carry an array of locally sourced goods from nearby farmers and artisans. From honey and dairy to meats, baked goods, and specialty snacks, most of our items represents the best that New England has to offer. When you shop with us, you're not just supporting our farm - you're uplifting an entire network of local businesses.

3. Strengthening Your Local Economy

Shopping locally keeps money in the community. Your purchases help create jobs, support small businesses, and ensure that local farmers and producers continue to thrive. By choosing Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're making a direct investment in the future of Connecticut's agricultural and small business economy.

4. A Personalized Shopping Experience

We believe that grocery shopping should feel like more than just a transaction. When you visit the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you'll be greeted by friendly knowledgeable staff who can help you find exactly what you need. Have a question about our produce? Need recipe inspiration? We're here to make your shopping experience enjoyable and personal.

5. A Sustainable Choice for You and the Planet

By shopping with us, you're helping reduce the carbon footprint of your food. Unlike large grocery chains that rely on products shipped from thousands of miles away, we prioritize local sourcing, cutting down on transportation emissions and packaging waste. Choosing local means fresher food for you and a healthier planet for all of us.

6. Enjoy Seasonal & Unique Offerings

Every season brings something special to the Apple Barrel Farm Market. Whether it's fresh strawberries in the spring, juicy peaches in the summer, crisp apples in the fall, our famous apple cider donuts year-round, there's always something new and exciting for you to enjoy. Shopping with us means getting the best flavors of each season, straight from our farm to your table.

7. Be Part of Our Community

Lyman Orchards is more than a farm - it's a place where community comes together. Whether you're visiting for a seasonal event, enjoying a round of golf, or simply picking up your favorite local products, you're part of something bigger. Shopping at the Apple Barrel Farm Market connects you to a rich tradition of farming, family, and community that we've been proud to uphold for over 275 years.

Shop Local, Support Local, and Benefits from the Best

When you choose Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're making a decision that benefits you in so many ways - fresher food, better quality, stronger community connections, and a more sustainable future. We invite you to experience the difference for yourself. Stop by, shop local, and enjoy the best that Connecticut has to offer!

Celebrate National Pi Day at the Apple Barrel Farm Market with $3.14 6-inch pies!

Math lovers and pie lovers unite! Join us on March 14th for a delicious Pi Day celebration at the Apple Barrel Farm Market! To honor the most famous number in mathematics, we're offering our 6-inch pies for just $3.14!

Come grab a sweet treat and make this Pi Day extra special! Choose from Apple, Apple Crumb, or No Sugar Added Apple Pies! Offer valid while supplies last on Friday, March 14, 2025.

What is Pi Day?

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and of course, EAT PIE.

Nestled in the heart of Middlefield, Connecticut, Lyman Orchards is more than just a destination; it's a way to experience the best that local shopping and dining have to offer. At the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you'll find fresh produce, homemade treats, and unique gifts - all while supporting a historic local business with deep roots in the community.

Whether you're planning a warm cozy meal on a cold day, hunting for unique gifts, or just craving a delicious treat, there's no better place to visit than this local gem.

Warm Up with Fresh, Local Goodness

Winter may bring chilly weather, but the Apple Barrel Farm Market offers plenty to keep you warm and satisfied. The scratch-made soups at the Apple Barrel Deli are a highlight, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Pair it with a freshly baked loaf of artisan bread, and you've got the ultimate cold-weather meal.

Looking for a little indulgence? Their apple cider donuts, baked fresh daily, are just as delightful with a cup of hot coffee or tea as they are on their own. Don't forget to pick up a gallon of their famous apple cider - served cold or warmed with a sprinkle of cinnamon, it's a favorite year round.

Farm-to-Table Winter Produce

Even in winter, the Apple Barrel offers a selection of fresh, locally grown produce. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and squash are perfect for hearty soups and stews, while their crisp apples are ideal for snacking, baking, or crafting the perfect pie.

Winter Events at Lyman Orchards

Winter at Lyman Orchards isn't just about great food and shopping - it's also about making memories. Seasonal events like holiday-themed activities or family-friendly fun provide an extra reason to visit. And if you're a fan of winter sports, Lyman Orchards Golf Club offers indoor Trackman simulators, so you can work on your game no matter the weather. Visit Lyman Orchards events calendar here to see all upcoming events.

Support Local This Winter

By visiting the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're not just treating yourself to incredible food and unique products -  you're supporting a local business that's been part of the Connecticut community for over 275 years. Your visit helps sustain local farmers, artisans, and traditions that make our region special. Majority of the items at Lyman Orchards contributes to sustaining local farmers, bakers, and artisans. Plus, the quality of the products speaks for itself. When you shop at the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're not just getting groceries; you're taking home a piece of Connecticut's & New England's heritage.

A Foodie's Paradise

The Apple Barrel Farm Market features a deli and bakery stocked with mouthwatering options. From made-to-order sandwiches to hearty soups, it's the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal. Their scratch-made pies - available in flavors like apple crumb, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb - are the ultimate comfort food and a must-have for any gathering.

Looking for a unique gift or pantry staple? The market is filled with jams, sauces, local honey, and artisanal goods that you won't find in chain stores. These products make excellent gifts for loved ones - or a special treat for yourself.

Plan Your Winter Visit

Whether you're shopping for fresh ingredients, looking for thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoying the flavors of the season, the Apple Barrel Farm Market is a must-visit destination. Open year-round, it's your gateway to discover the best of Lyman Orchards and all that local shopping and dining have to offer.

Make your next trip a celebration of local flavor and community spirit. Visit the Apple Barrel Farm Market and experience the magic of Lyman Orchards!

We're offering NEW daily discounts at the Apple Barrel Farm Market! Head over on your day to receive 10% off!!

Must show valid proof of ID to receive eligible discounts

*Valid in store at the Apple Barrel Farm Market only, until March 31, 2025

Monday  - Senior Citizens, ages 65+

Tuesday - Lyman Golf Members

Wednesday - First Responders & Emergency Services

Thursday - Locals (Durham & Middlefield Residents)

Friday - Teachers

Everyday - Veterans & Active Duty Military

Thanksgiving is all about savoring moments with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and gathering around a table filled with comforting food. Here at Lyman Orchards, Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of the year - it's when the air turns crisp, the orchards are golden with late-autumn leaves, and the kitchen is bustling with the cozy scent of pies baking in the oven.

For generations, pies have been a centerpiece of Thanksgiving tables. There's something about a pie that feels like a warm embrace - it's simple, timeless, and always made with love. And it there's one thing that we've learned over the years, it's that a good pie can bring people together. Whether it's the excitement of slicing into a freshly baked apple pie, the nostalgia of a pumpkin pie shared with family, or the rich, nutting sweetness of a pecan pie, each pie has its own story.

Our bakers pour their hearts into every pie, using ingredients from our orchards and local farms. It's a reminder of the land, the seasons, and the people who have come before us, baking pies for their families over the centuries.

One of the special parts of Thanksgiving here at Lyman Orchards is seeing families come back year after year to pick up their pies. Many of our customers tell us that a Lyman pie has been part of their Thanksgiving for as long as they can remember. Some even share stories of their childhood visits to the orchard, when they'd pick apples in the fall with their parents or grandparents - now, they're making those same memories with their own kids.

Beyond pies, Thanksgiving brings a sense of stillness to the orchard, where the trees and fields are settling in for winter. There's a peacefulness that hangs in the air, a reminder of the year gone by and all the things to be grateful for. We love watching families explore the farm market, taking home fresh cider or a few extra apple cider donuts to enjoy with a morning coffee as they prep for the big meal. It's the little things that make Thanksgiving feel so special.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we just want to take a moment to say how thankful we are for our community - for the families who come to Lyman Orchards not just for the pies, but to make memories, share traditions, and be part of our story. From all of us here at Lyman Orchards, we with you a warm, joyful Thanksgiving. May it be filled with good food, great company, and the comforting taste of a slice of pie shared with those you love.

Happy Thanksgiving!