The power of family tradition and agricultural excellence lives on in Freehold, NJ through Battleview Orchards. Owned by the fourth generation of the Applegate family, the orchard has provided local families and guests with a unique opportunity to directly engage with the farming process through its pick-your-own fruit experiences and farming education. This charming, 120-acre orchard features an impressive variety of seasonal pick-your-own fruits, ranging from juicy strawberries in the spring to savory apples during autumn. Its adjacent country store offers guests fresh, local produce year-round, alongside some of the best homemade baked goods, fresh produce, and specialty items New Jersey has to offer. Discover the rich history behind Battleview Orchards and its impressive selection of farm-to-table seasonal offerings.
An Applegate Legacy
Battleview Orchards sprouted from the aspirations of the first generation of the Applegate Family, Charles R. and Carrie Applegate. In 1908, they purchased 130 acres of land to support their vision of cultivating a general farm. The legacy of innovation alongside dedication to agriculture was further cemented in 1928 when Charles’ son, Leslie, took upon the role as the first National President of the Future Farmers of America. This role not only honored the family’s commitment to farming but also positioned Battleview Orchards at the forefront of agricultural education and leadership on a national scale.
In 1929, Charles’ legacy after his death was carried forward by his two sons, Leslie and C. Richard, who expanded their agricultural venture to encompass 500 acres of apple orchards in the Wemrock Road area, primarily serving the wholesale market. As a result, New Jersey made its mark ten years later as the sixth leading state in apple production in the U.S., with Monmouth County ranking second within New Jersey.
Following his retirement in 1965, Leslie sold his remaining acreage and cold-storage facilities to his son Norman and wife Betty Lou. The Battleview Orchards retail market was inaugurated four years later on Wemrock Road and expanded to additional land on Kinney Road, diversifying the farm’s production to include peaches, strawberries, blueberries, sour cherries, and pumpkins. Consequently, Battleview Orchards set itself apart as a trailblazer among New Jersey farms by initiating the now popular, “pick-your-own” fruit tradition.
In 1995, Norman sold the business to his son Scott and daughter-in-law Lisa, spurring rapid growth with the expansion of a retail market that same year. Scott and Lisa’s new leadership and commitment to quality and innovation played a crucial role in transforming the business into what it is today: a local hub for fresh produce, baked goods, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and generations to come.
A Season of Picking
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Battleview’s pick-your-own (PYO) experiences are a highlight for many visitors, offering the chance to hand-pick a vibrant mix of fresh fruits straight from the orchard. This unique experience not only allows guests to connect with nature and the farming process, but also provides a fun and memorable activity for all ages during each season. Springtime brings an abundance of strawberries, cherries, peaches, and nectarines, while the fall season welcomes the harvest of apples and pumpkins. A detailed schedule of their 2024 PYO calendar can be found on their website here.
Strawberry season begins in mid-May, featuring juicy, bright red berries perfect for making homemade jams and pies. By mid-July, the summer harvest begins, showcasing sour cherries followed closely by stone fruit season, with peaches and nectarines. These summer fruits are a great addition to any fruit salad, baked goods or even savory dishes. Additionally, sweet corn is harvested beginning in mid-July to early September, alongside juicy, garden-fresh Jersey tomatoes. These two summer favorites complement each other perfectly and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, salsas, and grilled skewers.
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Autumn marks the season for apple picking, beginning around August 26 and lasting until early November. This period brings a bounty of apple varieties, from the well-loved Honeycrisp and Gala to distinctive types like Pink Lady and Granny Smith, ideal for snacking, baking, or preparing homemade apple cider. Meanwhile, pumpkin picking season starts on September 23 and continues through October 31, offering plenty of time to select the perfect addition to your front stoop. To make the most out of your freshly picked fruit, explore a variety of homemade recipes straight from their kitchen by visiting their website here.
Country Store and More
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Following a memorable harvesting experience, stop by their charming Country Store, boasting a wide assortment of fresh produce, homemade treats, and local handmade items. Upon entering the inviting atmosphere, guests are greeted with a variety of freshly baked goods, including breads, muffins, scones, cookies, cupcakes and most notably, homemade pies. These beloved baked treats come in an array of both classic and seasonal flavors, such as apple, pumpkin, pecan, and more. Indulge in the delights of upcoming spring and summer seasonal favorites such as Cherry Lattice, Peach Melba, Pineapple Upside-Down, among others. From mid-September to mid-May, don’t forget to stop by for some fresh-pressed Apple Cider, a cherished tradition among repeat visitors who look forward to its crisp flavor season after season.
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A treat for any visitor, homemade cider donuts are made fresh daily, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth all year-round. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, these golden treats are crafted via a state-of-the-art donut machine, allowing for 220 dozen donuts to be created per hour to accommodate demand. Delectable gourmet items are also available throughout the store, including an array of jams, jellies, sauces, mixes, spices, and other unique seasonal offerings. Try local honey drawn directly from nearby beehives, found in a selection of sustainably sourced jars and food items around the store.
Further, Battleview Orchards supplies the freshest fruits and vegetables with their seasonal harvest of local and personal produce, ensuring the highest quality of crops available for purchase. Browse through a robust selection of corn, tomatoes, lettuce, green vegetables, and more, handpicked for optimal flavor and freshness.
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Additionally, Battleview Orchards offers a variety of seasonal events such as pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a Customer Appreciation Day kicking off May 5. For a detailed list of upcoming events this season, visit their event page here.
To plan a visit to the orchard, the 2024 PYO season kicks off with strawberry picking in mid-May, with an exact date to be released soon. In the meantime, visit the Country Store open year-round between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, except for Tuesdays. Follow their Instagram and Facebook pages to stay up-to-date on the different offerings and events available for the upcoming Spring and Summer season. Happy harvesting!
About the Author/s
Laura DeSiena is a certified Jersey Girl with a passion for music, playing the guitar, and binge-watching 90’s sitcoms. As an aspiring writer and author, she hopes to publish a book someday. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her browsing the shelves of Barnes & Noble in search of her next read.
