Blue Jay Orchards on 125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel, CT has always had a special place in my heart.

When I was in grade school, we would take field trips to the orchard to learn the importance of bees, collect apples from the orchard, and learn how cider was made at the mill. As I got older, I went back to go apple-picking with loved ones and to choose the best Halloween pumpkin at the patch.

Aside from that, they have a huge market with honey, maple syrup, jams, and who can forget about their apple cider donuts? Fun fact: they sell those donuts at Caraluzzi's in Bethel. Their homemade pies are the best – I love getting them just in time for Thanksgiving. If you’re from the area, it’s safe to say it is a tradition to go to Blue Jay’s every Fall season.

Sadly, in May 2019, Blue Jay Orchards was put up for sale. More recently still, the post of this sale was circulating Facebook. I will miss Blue Jay as I remember it. All we can do is hope that the next owner will uphold the integrity of the orchard and continue to run it so that we may continue to go.

After having reached out for comment, a Facebook post popped up answering all of our questions and definitely putting my mind at ease:

Is Blue Jay Orchards on the market to be sold? The short answer is yes and has been for some time now. Paul and Mary have decided that it is time to begin what may be a lengthy search for the right person(s) to become the Third owners of Blue Jay Orchards. Paul and Mary along with Farm Management will continue to operate Blue Jay Orchards in the same manner until the new owners can be found. The orchards and market are being maintained and Blue Jay have already begun preparing for the 2020 season. In August the Market will open its doors as it has done for the past 35 years and September apple picking, Wagon rides and later on Pumpkin will be harvested, but most importantly for many the Cider Donuts will again be made. We look forward to seeing you in the fall. Thank you all for the support.

To read their quote in full, please visit the Blue Jay Orchards Facebook page.

Here are a few “fans” reminiscing about this lovely place. See you next fall!

Thank you, thank you SO MUCH for all your hard work thus far, and for responding in a timely manner to all the information that's been floating around online the last few days! It sounds silly, but I WILL sleep easier tonight knowing I can still look forward to y'all in the Fall. 😊

 

Blue Jay was a favorite while we lived in Danbury. Loved their apples and took many groups of second graders there.

 

My Dad made a wooden "Blue Jay" sign that used to hang over one of the exit doors, way back in either the late 70s or early 80s, as my sister worked there. It was stained wood, with the J painted a bluish purple. Would love to know if it's still around, as our Dad has since passed away.
Blue Jay was an integral part of our growing years in Bethel.💕

Blue Jay Orchard is my Happy Place. I have fond memories with my kids and then I loved working there and giving tours to school children for 3 seasons. I look forward for many years to come making more fond memories. ❤️

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