Blue Jay Orchards is an historic 14o acre apple orchard, farm market and gift shop, with more than 30 varieties of apples available during fall harvest. The first farm preserved as farm land in Connecticut, Blue Jay Orchards was purchased by current owners Paul and Mary Patterson in 1985. From late August through October, patrons can pick their own apples against the magnificent backdrop of the farm's rolling hills. Among the many seasonal apple varieties available are Jonagold, Red Delicious, Macoun and Braeburn. On weekends in October, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick from hundreds of pumpkins, large and small. The spacious gift shop has the feeling of a classic country market, with wide aisles, red and white gingham tablecloths and stacks of wooden shelving filled with colorful jars and packages. In addition to apples and fresh cider, the shop offers homemade pies, apple sauce, apple butter, condiments, fruit preserves, baking mixes and local honey. Blue Jay Orchards is known for its delicious cider donuts, and tours are available for groups of children and adults during the months of September and October.