It should be no surprise that apples feel distinctly New England: among the early settlers who introduced them to North America were the Pilgrims, who brought apple tree seedlings over on the Mayflower.

This time of year, with the apple crops robust and ready, you can do anything from taking a crispy bite of one you’ve plucked right off the tree to dancing in the moonlight to live music in a working orchard.

We love our apple harvest season. The Visit Massachusetts website has an interactive map with more than 80 pick-your-own farms (https://www.mass.gov/guides/pick-your-own-farms), all over the state.

This year’s crop is coming in about a week ahead of norm, meaning now is a great time to make plans. But you’ll find great picks all the way through early fall.

According to Ellen Parlee, a member of the family who has owned and operated Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro (https://parleefarms.com) since 1987, the weather this year cooperated to help grow a large and delicious crop.

“It’s been a great growing season,” she said. “There was that warm stretch in June and July, but it’s been not-too-hot since, and we’ve had no drought issues up here in the Northern Merrimack Valley. The crop – particularly the honey crisp – is sweet, crisp and juicy.”

Parlee Farms is open every day but Monday (with a few exceptions; check their website before arriving). Each day is like an apple celebration.

There’s pick your own, of course, along with an amazing bakery that’s known for its strawberry shortcake and fresh apple cobbler (they make it all right there), a separate apple cider doughnut facility, and “The Lunch Box,” a spot where you can grab a burger or hot dog, pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese and more. There’s ice cream (because even on a cool day, ice cream hits right). A don’t miss is their home grown and freshly made on- site roasted corn, available only in the fall.

Wachusett Mountain Resort (https://www.wachusett.com ) in Princeton goes so big on celebrating the apple harvest season they have to spread the fun out over two weekends. Their annual Applefest takes place this year both Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27.

There’s something for every age and taste – from candy to cocktails using local apples as a main ingredient.

There are also more than 100 crafters, classic contests like pie eating and bobbing for apples, live music, games, rides on the “Sky Ride” lift that takes you high up the mountain and back down for amazing views of the foliage (and the distant Boston skyline), and of course, plenty of so-fresh-they-are-still-warm apple cider doughnuts from Wachusett neighbor Red Apple Farms (they serve them all ski season long both at the base and up on the mountain).

Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg (https://www.hollishillsfarm.com) is open for picking, dining and live entertainment most days of the week. On Sept. 14 and 15 they go all in with their annual Apple Festival. From 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. you’ll be treated to live music, fresh food, vendors selling locally sourced crafts and food, and more.

You can have all that fun and then pick your own to bring home.

Should you not be able to make their festival, check their website for a variety of hours when you can pick, sit back and enjoy live music and order up at their restaurant, where they serve  their own house-smoked meats, classics like wings, and salads featuring apples.

And should you be confused about which types to pick and how to serve them, head to the New England Apples Blog (https://newenglandapples.org) where you’ll find out about all the apple types in New England, updates on crops coming in and recipes.

An indulgent apple cider donut sundae at Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg. (Photo courtesy Hollis Hills Farm)

Taking a spin on the Sky Ride at Wachusett Mountain Resort is a great way to take in fall views. (Photo courtesy Wachusett Mountain Resort)