Apples Are Ripe For The Picking On Long Island's East End

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- With fall less than a week away, it is now apple picking season.

On Long Island, farmers say they are seeing an outstanding crop this year.

As CBS2's Dave Carlin reported, families are filling apple orchards on Long Island's East End in what's shaping up as one of the best years for the industry.

"It's been a terrific season for growing apples. This has definitely been a bumper crop for us," said Ed Harbes, with Harbes Family Farm and Orchard.

Harbes said the hot summer helped him grow half a million apples on his 15-acre orchard in Riverhead.

As the name suggests, Harbes Family Farm and Orchard is designed to be kid-friendly.

"The trees are dwarf trees, so they're very low to the ground, so you don't need ladders or anything," said Harbes.

That's good news for toddlers who quickly filled their bags. One youngster took time out to make a meal of his pickings.

"This guy could eat 10 apples in one day -- with a banana," said uncle Brian Smith.

Meanwhile, other kids debated which apples are their favorites.

"I like green apples," said one kid, while another agreed.

"I like red apples," said another child.

And apples aren't the only items on offer. Apple cider, deep-fried apple cider doughnuts and a classic favorite, caramel apples, are also for the choosing.

For Christina Urso's family, the apple eating will go on for some time.

"When we get home, we're going to bake a pie and freeze some filling for Thanksgiving," she said.

You can also take a hay ride, get lost in a corn maze or dance until you drop. It's easy to see why the joys of an apple picking outing are passed down from generation to generation -- a perfect all-you-can-eat tradition.

And there's still plenty of time to do some picking, since apples continue to grow and ripen right into October.