Come Join Us at Little Rascals!
No time to pick apples this year?
No worries! Our farm stand is now open 24/7 through the end of October! It works on the honor system. Stop. Pick up your apples. Drop your money in the box!
What to Expect for Sponsored Events
- Apples: Depending on the date, we have McIntosh, Courtland, Paula Reds, Red Graven steins and Macoun. We also have a bunch of other varieties in our nursery (smaller quantities).
- Animals: sheep, chickens, ducks, goats
- Food: Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, assorted drinks, chips, popcorn. We also don't mind if you decide to bring your own lunch!
- Apple Stuff: Caramel apples, apple pie with whipped cream, freshly-pressed apple cider and hot apple cider if it gets cold or rainy.
- Hay Rides: Your 15-minute ride on the hay wagon will be the only time all day when you will know exactly where your children are. Watch as the hawks circle overhead on a crisp fall day.
- And Lots of Fun! Rain or Shine!
- Other activities will be available and are provided by the sponsoring organizations.
Quick FAQs
- Who can come? Anyone can come to any of our public events.
- Is there access to public transportation? Unfortunately, no. There is a commuter train that stops in Ayer (next town over) but from there you would need a taxi for a 3 miles journey.
- What forms of payment do we accept? We do not have ATMs on site and we do not accept credit cards! So bring cash - lots of it!
- What about bad weather? All events go on as scheduled, regardless of weather. Like the U.S. Postal service. Rain or Shine... We have tents to eat under and you can bring your boots!
- Can I bring my pet? Please do not bring alligators or pit bulls or gerbils. But dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Please pick up after your dog.
- When I
get there, how do I tell which apples are which? Going up
the orchard road, the first rows of mature trees on either side are
Courtland
(on the right side, there is a row of smaller trees in front.
These trees are young
Macouns). The next two rows
of mature trees are
McIntosh. Then
Courtland
again, then two
McIntosh..etc..
until you get to the top of the hill. At the top of the hill,
is the nursery with 12 different types of apples, all in early stages
of production. Over the back of the hill, are the
Macoun
apples.
Macouns peak in October whereas the
Courtland and the
McIntosh are best in September. Over
to the far left are our "early apples":
Paula Reds
and Red
Gravensteins. These ripen in August and are usually gone
by the time of our fall events. We use these apples for the
cider and apple pies. Nevertheless, try some of
everything!
- Do you spray your apples? Yes. We do spray the apples to protect them against apple scab, plum curculio, a host of other fungi and flies and, least of all, apple maggot. We follow Integrated Pest Management [IPM] principles to minimize excess spraying.
- What does stuff cost? Apple bags range from $6-$22. Pies are $12. Fresh-pressed Cider is 1/2 Gallon: $5 and a gallon: $8. Caramel Apples: $3. A meal from the grill with chips and soda will cost you about $10.00 per person and we have hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, and veggie burgers.
Directions
Little Rascals Orchard is approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A (Route 110 W/Route 111 S towards Harvard/Worcester). Merge onto Ayer Road/Rt 110/Rt 111. The Farm is about 1/2 mile down on the left.
If you are going to MapQuest it or Google it, use the address: 116 Ayer Road, Harvard MA 01451.
Honestly, it's
difficult getting us on the phone. We are
usually in the field getting everything ready when you want to contact us most!
What's more, mobile phones get lost in the orchard.
The best way to reach us is to email us:
