Lyman Orchards​​ Keeps Going Strong Nearly 300 Years Later

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — Lyman Orchards isn't just a local tradition dating back 281 years, it's a state and New England tradition.

Throughout the year, Lyman Orchards located at 32 Reeds Gap Road in Middlefield hosts several festivals and events, the Apple Barrel market, golf courses, homestead and much more.

Here is a look at some upcoming popular events:

• The Lyman Orchards Raspberry Festival celebrates raspberry season with fun for the whole family at the Apple Barrel Farm Market on Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (See more details here).
• Hot Air Balloon Flight on the Farm will be held July 7-9 (See more details here).
• The 2023 Sunflower Maze will open on July 29 and run daily through August 27. The Sunflower Maze theme this year is Clifford the Big Red Dog, officials said.
• The 2023 Corn Maze is currently scheduled to open on Saturday, Sept. 2.

It all began in 1741

John Lyman and his wife, Hope, purchased a 37-acre parcel, and it now spans more than 1,100 acres, according to the company's website.

"...Lyman Orchards is one of the most popular family attractions in New England. Through a history spanning ten generations, the Lyman family heritage was founded upon a commitment to preserve their land for future generations, using a combination of determination, innovation, and adaptation – attributes that hold true today," the Lyman Orchards website states.

Did you know?

• Lyman Orchards is the 12th oldest family-owned business in the U.S., according to its website.
• The 1,100 acres are broken down as follows: golf course, 450 acres, Pick Your Own Orchard, 350 acres, Apple Barrel market & Homestead complex, 37 acres.
• The farm includes 20 varieties of apples, 50 varieties of peaches and nectarines, 8 varieties of pears, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, honeyberries, jostaberries, squash, squash flowers and pumpkins
• Lyman Orchards features 45 holes of golf
• The Lyman Homestead was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1986, and Lyman Orchards Sunflower Maze is Connecticut's only Sunflower Maze.

(Learn more about Lyman Orchards here).

Lyman Orchards Earns Top Honors

According to a news release, Lyman Orchards has been named the best pick-your-own farm and public golf course by Best of Connecticut 2023 voters.

"This year, Lyman Orchards was recognized for their stunning golf courses and seasonal PYO farm," according to the company. "Lyman Orchards offers seasonal picking on popular fruits and vegetables including strawberries, apples, blueberries, pumpkins, and more. The public golf course includes two 18-hole courses, a 9- hole course, and venues that are available to book private events which overlook the course."

“Thank you to those who took the time to vote for us,” said John Lyman, Lyman Orchards Executive Vice President, in a news release. “It’s an honor to be recognized for all of our hard work, and we will continue to make Lyman Orchards a place for everyone to enjoy all year long.” (You can read the full news release here).

Giving back to the community

Lyman Orchards in 2023 made a $34,807 donation to the American Cancer Society using a portion of the proceeds from their 2022 Corn Maze, according to a news release. Each year, Lyman Orchards hosts a Corn Maze in the fall. Over the course of 23 years, Lyman Orchards has donated a total of $731,891 to the American Cancer Society. (Read the full news release here).

>>>To learn much more about Lyman Orchards view their website here and their Facebook page here.