Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to the little ones* while giving their parents a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Crane Estate. These hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our CraneOutdoors guides. Not just… Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon

Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience. We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening… Read More

Portrait of the Great House and Casino

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More

Valentines Crafts

CraneExplorer: Valentine's Coastal Crafts

This Valentine’s Day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to learn fun craft ideas and make marine art with our coastal educators. This program will start with a beach walk to collect coastal treasures,… Read More

Maple sugar shack

Adult Maple Strolls at Appleton Farms

Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home! Experience a leisurely stroll along our country farm roads and past several historic… Read More

DEER

CraneOutdoors: Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are… Read More

black history month

Hidden Histories: Black History Month Lecture

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with “Quietly Hidden: A Story of Architectural Salvage and Discovered Craftsmanship,” a lecture that honors and educates the achievements, resilience and creativity of Black artisans. Senior Curator, Christie Jackson will present her research on Long Hill, with a story of early preservation,… Read More

Ada K Damon Feb 2024

Cancelled – CraneExplorer: Shipwreck Scholars

Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Participants will be guided on a hike from the Casino to Steep Hill Beach, while learning about local nautical history, including the role of Fox Creek Canal and Robinson Boat Yard in the area’s shipbuilding legacy, and the fascinating tale of the schooner… Read More

bread dough

Appleton Culinary Workshop: Intro to Sourdough

This event has sold out. In this workshop, participants will learn to make bakery-quality bread with local flour in their home oven. Culinary Program Manager Jess Porter will demonstrate mixing, folding, shaping, proofing, scoring, and baking Appleton’s flagship Farmstead Sourdough. We will discuss sourdough starter maintenance as well, as each… Read More

fiddleheads tractor

Fiddleheads: Preschool Drop-Off Series at Appleton Farms – WINTER MINI-SESSION

FIDDLEHEADS WINTER MINI-SESSION 2025: It’s wintertime on the farm! Winter is an excellent time for animal tracking, maple syrup, and lots of winter barn chores. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:30PM for a preschool drop-off series on farm animals, life cycles, plant parts, and farm fun!… Read More