About Us
Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future
At Hickory Hill Orchard, we believe in the magic of fall, the joy of family traditions, and the simple pleasure of biting into a freshly picked apple. As a family-run orchard with deep roots in Connecticut, we take pride in growing over 20+ apple varieties, crafting delicious farm-fresh treats, and creating unforgettable seasonal experiences for our community.
What started as a dream has grown into a thriving farm where families gather for apple picking, fall festivals, and cider donuts—all while making cherished memories. Whether you’re visiting for a crisp autumn day in the orchard or stopping by our farm market for fresh produce and handcrafted goods, we’re honored to share our passion for farming with you.
Learn more about our story, our mission, and the family behind Hickory Hill Orchard below!
Our Mission
At Hickory Hill Orchard, we believe an apple is more than just a piece of fruit; it's a connection to the land, a promise of quality, and a tradition in the making. As a first-generation farmer, our family is dedicated to growing not just exceptional apples, but also a place where community, sustainability, and hard work come together. As a family-run business, we want every visitor to feel like part of our extended family, welcomed with open arms and surrounded by the beauty of nature.
We put immense care into everything we grow because we know that fresh, wholesome produce isn't just about great taste; it's about nourishing the health and well-being of your family. That same dedication extends to our market, where every product is hand-curated to align with our values and hand-crafted with the utmost care. Whether it's the fruit we grow or the goods we offer, our mission is to bring you the very best.
By honoring the rich agricultural heritage of Cheshire while embracing new ideas, we strive to cultivate something truly special for generations to come. Through responsible farming, welcoming experiences, and a relentless passion for growth, we invite you to be part of our story - one harvest at a time.
Meet The Team
Timothy Fitzgerald
Farmer Fitz
Our dedicated farmer, working hard to bring the orchard back to life.
Ashley Vacheron
Market Manager
Making sure every visitor finds something special to take home.
Suzanne Jagoe
Owner & Manager
The heart of Hickory Hill Orchard. Suzanne is the driving force behind Hickory Hill Orchard, bringing passion, dedication, and a hands-on approach to every part of the farm. With deep New England roots and a lifelong love for fall, she is committed to creating a warm, welcoming space where families can make lasting memories. From planning the farm market to ensuring every detail of the orchard runs smoothly, Suzanne is the heart and soul of daily operations. Her vision is to not only restore the orchard but to build a community where every visitor feels like part of the family.
David Esposito
Owner
The foundation behind the farm. While Suzanne handles the day-to-day operations, Dave is the steady foundation behind Hickory Hill Orchard. As the financial mind of the farm, he ensures that the business side of things runs just as smoothly as the fields. Though he’s more often found behind the scenes, his support make it possible for the orchard to grow and thrive. Whether he’s making sure the numbers add up or lending a hand when needed, Dave’s role is essential in bringing the family’s vision for Hickory Hill to life.
Meet Our Family
Hickory Hill Orchard is more than just a farm—it’s a family tradition in the making. In March 2025, we took a leap of faith and purchased the orchard, breathing new life into a place that had been closed for three years. While our journey didn’t start with farming in mind, we quickly fell in love with the land, the hard work, and the incredible sense of community that comes with running an orchard.
We are a blended family, the Espositos and Jagoe-Fitzgeralds, bringing together deep New England roots and a love for fall and Halloween, alongside strong Italian heritage that’s been a part of Connecticut for generations.
While only a couple of our kids are directly involved right now, all seven children and our five grandchildren are part of our growing story—whether they’re lending a hand or simply enjoying apple-picking on a crisp fall day.
We’re still in the early days of rebuilding the orchard, but our goal is simple: to create a place where every visitor feels like family. Whether you’re here for fresh apples, cider donuts, or a perfect fall day, we can’t wait to welcome you.