10/21/2026
Happy National Apple Day!
On National Apple Day, we recognize the hardworking farmers who grow the delicious apples we love, from crisp Honeycrisp to sweet Gala to tart Granny Smith and the classic McIntosh.
Connecticut farmers grow more than 60 varieties of apples across nearly 300 orchards. This year, we’re highlighting Hidden Gem Orchard in Southbury, CT. A participant in CT RC&D's FarmUP program, Hidden Gem Orchard is a premier boutique destination nestled in Western Connecticut's scenic countryside. Their orchard is home to a rare collection of antique, heirloom, and modern apple varieties you won’t find at your grocery store. Whether you’re looking for the perfect local apples to bake into a pie, flavorful varieties for hand-pressing fresh c***r, or an uncrowded weekend family adventure, Hidden Gem Orchard offers an unforgettable taste of Connecticut’s agricultural heritage.
As part of the FarmUP program, Hidden Gem Orchard received one-on-one consultations with CT RC&D staff to provide personalized business support. They also received a professional photo shoot as part of the program’s offerings. These photographs capture the orchard's beauty and the incredible fruit grown by James Wargo, owner of Hidden Gem Orchard.
The FarmUP program is funded by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant and, in part, by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
📷: &BeastFoodPhotographer
Celebrate National Apple Day by supporting local farms and discovering the incredible variety of apples growing right in our state!
