Apples are undoubtedly a fruit that helped build the culture of the Hudson Valley. In addition to being a favorite symbol of fall fun in the region, apples are a strong piece of our history, especially for Boscobel House and Gardens. When Boscobel was first built in the 19th century, apples were the most important fruit in America. The apple orchard at Boscobel celebrates this with their annual Heritage Applefest.
Boscobel has plans to showcase everything apple related, including cider pressing, apple preserving, and sweet and hard cider sampling. Apple cider doughnuts, apple cider butter, apple cider syrup, and sweet and hard cider will be available for purchase.
The festival is dedicated not only to entertainment and food, but also to education. Boscobel Museum Educator Lisa DiMarzo will be giving family friendly tours of the apple orchard that grows a mixture of heirloom and modern apple varieties. A seminar on spinning flax and wool will be given by Penny Brickman of the Philipstown Garden Club in the Herb Garden.
The Historic House Museum and gallery will be open for the afternoon, and Boscobel recommends visiting the limited time Cross-pollination exhibition of plant-inspired contemporary art. Guides will be placed around the mansion to answer any questions on Boscobel’s apples and other fruits, flowers, and plants in the 19th century.
Heritage Applefest takes place on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11am-3pm with a rain-date of Sunday, October 13. Tickets are $22 for adults and $13 for kids, and member prices are $18 for adults, $12 for kids, and children under five can attend for free.
