Visited with grandkids, and it was disappointing. It has gotten too big, too expensive, and a less friendly environment. I felt hustled at every turn. The apples and produce are overpriced, and the processes of all Operations are over restricted. So many rules. There is little trust in the common sense and honesty of the majority of patrons. The staff in the General Store are rude. They often follow you around, and checkout is poorly organized and inefficient. You may be snapped at by the older woman who may be an owner. The doughnuts are not the best in the area. The ice cream is still delicious although over priced now compared to comparable homemade commercial ice creams in area. I will give my business to smaller places like Riverview Orchards or more customer friendly places such as Altamont Orchards. I used to love Bowman Orchards. read more

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Drove about 2 hours for this place and it was great! I felt like a kid again picking apples because I haven't done it in so long. And there's such a variety to choose from. I loved the little hayride to the fields and then you can go visit the cute shops. Be prepared to spend some money haha. Yeah, I definitely spent in there lol but it was definitely worth it. The sizes of the apples arranged from small apples to really big ones. It's definitely a little pricey for the bags they give you to fill it up with yummy apples, but you won't be disappointed. Fill those bags up as much as you can! Check this place out if you around the neighborhood or if you want to do a road trip read more

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This place has changed over the past 15 years... it has gotten bigger, more refined, more expensive, and perhaps better. It isn't just a farm where you can pick apples or other types of fruit and berries anymore; instead, it is a commercial enterprise that in a way reminds me of an amusement park. In the 1950s-1970s, there were farms which had things such as train rides, hay wagon rides, corn mazes, pony rides, and the like. Similar to smaller amusement parks or old western towns, they provided "good country fun". But when the 1980s came around the owners died out or the rising cost of insurance forced many to close. It was sad. Now, Bowman has apparently decided to enter that market. They have pick your own apples with many varieties clearly labeled with signs, ribbons, online maps, and pick lists. That hasn't changed. But now, instead of one wagon pulling you to the orchard we counted at least four (two in use, two on stand-by) including one with wheelchair capability. They want to quickly get people from the parking lot to the orchards. That is a good thing, right? They have a free kiddie area with a playground; large wooden pirate ships, tractors, and trains to play on; tricycles and miniature bikes to ride around on; benches to rest on; and lots of grass for kids to be kids. That's a good thing, right? For an extra charge, they have a miner's water sluice where you can purchase bags of rocks to filter out and find hidden gems inside. They have a giant slide that you can ride down on an inflatable tube. They have a "Train" ride (well, a tractor pulling more wagons decorated by trains) including a railroad crossing sign. They have a smaller tractor train pulling lots of small wagons hitched together. They have pony rides, horse pulled carriage rides, and what larger areas for kids to climb on. That's a good thing, right? For sale, in addition to apples and farm produce and donuts and ice cream and fudge, they now have kettle corn and a food truck selling lots more options that are kid friendly. That's a good thing, right? In general, I think the answer to all of those questions is "yes". If you are looking for a nice quiet farm in the middle of nowhere to pick some apples and connect with nature then this isn't it. But, if you are looking for a family-friend agritourism destination that knows what it is doing and does it well (and at various price points that allow you to pick and choose which things you will experience instead of one large price being foisted on you) then this is an excellent place to go. Oh, their apples are delicious by the way! read more

Huge, sprawling orchards with apple and berry picking galore. We went at the tail end of berry season during a weekday to hunt for some good apples, blackberries and raspberries. We were successful and had a blast. Love the wagon ride to the fields. The store has some great options and the small shop with ice cream/slushies is worth a visit. I grabbed an apple slush and it was just the right thing on a warm day. If you are going to visit during peak time in the autumn, especially on a weekend, plan for bigger crowds . read more

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I used to LOVE this orchard. Was going since 1969 when it was just two kinds of apples & a card table set up in a garage. I get improvement & updating a business, but it's gone from a lovely family farm to a massive commercialized money grab. $10 to pick my own apples??? And the price of the apples is more than in grocery stores. The staff for the most part is pleasant, but way too many are salty & not helpful. Really sad Bowman's has gone the direction it has. read more

What a RIP OFF. You can't even walk around without someone following you with a cash register. We just went there yesterday (6/19) to spend time with our grandson and family to pick strawberries. CAUTION folks - you cannot just go in with your kids - EVERYONE has to pay $10. So in order for us to spend time, we had to pick 9 quarts of strawberries. Great that we have the strawberries, but for $90, we could have gone to some place much better and cheaper. Next time - Indian Ladder - much nicer, cleaner, and family-price friendly. After 35 years as a faithful family customer - ADIOS BOWMANS!!!! read more

Terrific place for the family & everyone of all ages. Apples & all items in the bakery are fresh. The merchandise in the store is of nice quality. I wish they would market some of their merchandise with their original logo of the archer. Thank you for a terrific day. read more

Fun place. Always have enjoyed but remember if you have small children to bring patience and wagon maybe.

The staff is MOSTLY nice. Several of the people I encountered were very friendly. That being said, the woman whose parents started bowman orchards works there and she was extremely vile. I felt like a criminal because I brought a bag to carry my apples. I just wanted a more heavy duty bag to put the bag you buy inside of, so it wouldn't break. She was so rude about it. On all the signs it says you can't bring purses except medically necessary items, my mom has a debilitating disorder and this woman wouldn't allow my mom to bring her medications but allowed several people to bring large backpacks. It was absolutely ridiculous. Everything was extremely overpriced and I was overwhelmed at the amount of things you have to pay for. Honestly altamont orchards was a much calmer and much cheaper experience. I'll be doing altamont next year. I will never come back to bowman. read more

A fun activity for the whole family! It's a little pricey but the experience is well worth the memories. Delicious blueberries and lots to pick!! The apple orchards were huge and it would be fun to come back and pick apples sometime. The gift shop has a lot of Christmas decorations and not much local stuff as far as preserves and jellies. The wagon ride was fun! The staff was just okay but not bad. You have to buy the containers from the farm. read more

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RIP OFF! I wouldn't mind paying for farm fresh if it was actually good but all of their fruits were terrible to marginal at best. The cashier was absolutely miserable and was either having a bad day or is just a mean and angry person. There wasn't enough berries left on the trees to fill our container so we asked for a partial refund to only pay for what was available that we picked and they refused to give one. The owner came out and offered us some additional fruit from the back which was nice of him but again the fruit was terrible. read more

Had a blast at the orchard. Apples, Peaches and blackberries were in bloom and you can pick and bag them. You can also cut and carry flowers and sunflowers. The weekend was Bloom and Butterflies. You can go through the Sunflower fields and take photos they even had certain areas staged for photos and they butterfly release as well. It was as $12.95 to enter per person and you have to pay to pick and pay to cut and carry flowers. The staff upon entering was so super friendly! The lady who took our information to enter was so extremely welcoming. She gave us directions and helpful hints and insight. The price also include a hayride or pony ride and their was an area to view other animals. The store was opened and you can buy local as well as crafts. The ice cream store was also open but the bakery was closed. read more

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The store cashier was very rude and racist. I found her very aggressive and hostile towards me because my mother was wearing scarf and she refused to provide us information and ignored us like she doesn't know the word vegetables. Asked her that if they grow vegetables and she said I don't know the word and refused to respond us. I'm sorry that we are living in a neighborhood where people like her exist and make others uncomfortable. I'll never come back and will never recommend this place to anyone read more

Definitely would recommend this place. Very organized. It gets pretty packed. My kids had a great time. The staff are friendly. For sure we're going back again read more

Bowman Orchards - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

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Ok, they have come back to earth and now charge a more reasonable amount for U Pick. Instead of a specific fee just to pick, it is a minimum amount (peck, 1/2 bushel, etc) based on number of people. The bags they provide could be a little more giving but we were able to fit almost 45lbs in the two bags, so a good deal. Negatives .... Staff not able to handle the crowds and ensure a good flow for donuts and ice cream. In addition, donuts are priced by 1/2 dozen and full dozen BUT if you get two 1/2 dozen it doesn't get priced as a dozen, WTF!!! Also, the portion for the large ice cream and regular were almost exactly the same and close to the smaller size, again WTF!!!!, Maybe teach the scoopers how to scoop read more

wonderful orchard-- super high quality apples even this late into the season. we had a FANTASTIC time and couldn't recommend it more. my father was an apple farmer in the 70's and 80's and he said this was the most impressive orchard he's been to. we're not from here, but definitely want to come back. read more

Bowman Orchards - apple tree - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

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Can you say monetize? They charge for everything! Parking, entering, must buy their bags to pick apples. Higher prices than anywhere else around. Do yourself a favor. Go anywhere else. read more

High prices! you pay for parking and outrageous $30+ for a bag of apples. Consideration on going back to pay by weight should be considered

This is my favorite picking place because it's near by, and has a great variety. We've picked for several years strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and apples. They also have blackberries, cherries, and peaches. I was really glad they were open this year amidst all the CV19 things going on. I'm part of their email club and received an update they were picking peaches, blackberries, and sunflowers. I checked their website this morning before picking and it said dog friendly and picking peaches, blackberries, blueberries and sunflowers. Picking fruit especially berries early before it gets too hot is key. They open at 9am and when we arrived there was already a line forming. This year due to CV19 you pay for your admission and fruit by the container upfront instead of by weight at the end. Containers and gloves are included in the cost I assume. We were very sad to find out they were not picking peaches since they had all been picked out on Friday. This was the whole point of our trip. Also, dogs are not allowed in the berry patches so my husband stayed with the dog while I picked. This really put a damper on our trip since we couldn't really do anything together. I really wish they had updated their website for the weekend! They tend to be a little pricey compared to other farms but I have never minded because I thought it was only fair to make up for what people eat, waste and damage while picking. This year there is no eating due to CV19 restrictions so it felt more so. Most people were using gloves while picking but I only saw one other couple wearing their masks amongst a lot of families picking. Their parking lot was quite full when we left at 10:30ish. I was busy picking so I'm not sure how many people were following the no eating rule. There was only one staff by blackberries to give people directions and no one by blueberries. I didn't really see anything being strictly enforced. I'm still thankful they're open and I plan to continue to pick here in the future. read more

Bowman Orchards - 7/31/2020 CV19 upick - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

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Came here a couple of months ago and the place is nice with lots for the kids to do hence the 3 stars instead of 1!! 1 star: The lady at the register with short curly hair has a major attitude problem. The attitude started when we purchased the quart for blueberry picking which covers 4 people. She kept asking how old my daughter was as if she didn't believe us she was under age to pay! Didn't think much of it at the time. Then we got to the fields, it down poured so much we couldn't get out of the tractor to even try so we couldn't pick any. The nice guy in the tractor confirmed with someone in the office that we can get store credit. We had over $75 worth of things and when we went to pay that same lady said they don't allow store credit. Then finally confirmed with the guy and gave us a hard time even after she confirmed! She was very condescending. She refused to use the credit towards the $75 total.. instead we had to pay for the total.. then she asked for the blueberry picking receipt (mind you we were the only ones there and had just purchased it less than 30 min ago). It took almost a month for me to get the refund! There are other farms that I would rather take my family to. read more

I'd give this place 0 stars if I could. First off they nickel and dime you. $5 per person just to enter the place, then anywhere from $9 to $33 for a bag, depending on size. Which can fit about 9 apples in the small bag and about 20 in the large lol. Secondly, after you go to leave the orchard, illegally search your car. They went through everyone's car searching for apples. They claim on their Facebook page that they've been doing this since then1950s so they feel they are legally allowed. A simple google.search proves that wrong. I left a review on their Facebook page, which they deleted and blocked me from posting anymore lol Third, they don't even sell warm cider donuts, everything is pre-made and prepackaged. Go to Indian ladder or Saratoga Apple. Much better experience and they don't treat you like a criminal. read more

First and last time here. While the property was nice you have to pay a fee for everything you want to do. Entry fee, 18 dollar bag ( the size of a large ziploc). You are not allowed to bring your own bag. Literally, to walk in and get a bag of apples and do a bit of the attractions, be prepared to spend 50-60per. So many other orchards in the region that don't try to squeeze every nickel out of you. Kids didn't really like it much. Said it was boring. If sone was to ask, "how do you like them apples".... My response will be, "rotten apples" read more

Avoid Bowman Orchards my friends! - Here's why: They are charging $5 per PERSON to enter the orchard. You don't get this money back whether or not you make a purchase. They charge 9 dollars for a bag that fits about 9 apples. Not exaggerating! They don't disclose this price gouging until AFTER you've paid your entry fee. The bag pictured in my post is the medium bag which cost $17. Large is $33 On the way out they illegally search your car. The employee had his torso INSIDE the the trunk of my hatchback vehicle, and was TOUCHING my personal belongings. I posted this review on their Facebook page and they removed it and blocked me. Ok, their page their rules. Other businesses respond to customer complaints, not delete them. My page, my rules. I recommend Indian Ladder Farm instead! Hands down! read more

Bowman Orchards - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

They charged us to see a field of dead sunflowers today. It was very disappointing and they should be ashamed. I will never go here again. By the way, they are running the sunflower event for another three days. You can see better sunflowers on the side of the road folks! Don't be fooled! read more

My mom and I were excited to attend the June "Strawberry Bash", which was advertised on Spectrum TV and played up on the Bowman Orchard website. We paid $28 for 2 online, avoiding the disclosed upcharge at the gate. Hours later, we are still scratching our heads about what we paid for. There was no festival or "bash". There was no special food, no balloons, no music, no decorations, no fanfare. Not even Strawberry Shortcake! The only strawberries around were for sale in the green market at the back of the shop, probably like any other day. We took an orchard wagon ride (they checked our wristbands first) and the wagon operator didn't offer one narrative comment about the ride. There appeared to be a small petting zoo & 1 kiddie ride. NOTHING ELSE. I think Bowman Orchard should be ashamed of advertising such a nothing burger and charging such a high price for no effort. Disappointed. read more

Reasonably priced. The small bag definitely fits more than 9 apples, and if they only fit 9 is because the apples are huge. We got the peck size and brought home a crap ton of apples. Yes it is $5/per head to enter, but there are also signs stating that you can buy the tickets online for $3/per head. If you are upset just go to the store and buy a bag of apples and call it a deal I guess. Small line of cars to get in on a Sunday afternoon but the orchard itself didnt feel packed. Lots of varieties of apples and kiddos having a blast. The apples are delicious as well. read more

If you're looking to sit in traffic for 45 minutes to pay 5x market price for fruit, I have the perfect place for you. Bowman Orachard's has gone from a nice family-friendly farm, to a money grabbing hog that doesn't try to hide its intentions. A family of 5 gets hit with an $8 charge just to get onto the farm, plus "for your safety" you have to use their bags for apples, so enjoy around a $10 fee for enough bags for your family, but it's for our safety, since our own bags have their inherent dangers. After paying $15-20 just for the privilege to pick your own fruit, you get to experience marked up apple prices. Avoid this money grabbing scheme at all costs. Getting apples from Wal Mart is a better experience. read more

My daughter went here for a school trip and she had so much fun! We got to tour their facility, go apple picking, and eat some cider donuts. The place was very kid friendly and they had a nice playground for them to play on. There is also a petting zoo. Their honey crisp apples were HUGE and delicious! We did try to come here on a weekend last year and the line to get in was soooo crazy, we had to turn around and leave. I don't recommend coming on the weekends because of the madness! read more

Bowman Orchards - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

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Avoid this place on weekends during apple picking season AT ALL COSTS! Lines! Lines! Lines! Whether you are going for the apples, the cider doughnuts, the bakery, or just the experience, yes , even the experience has it's own line. The only good thing about this visit on a Sunday afternoon was that I found my new favorite apple - Zestar ($8.25/ half-peck). Yes, I know that's expensive. This apple was developed in 1999 in Minnesota, and tastes sweet and tangy. I can only say that it is great for fresh eating all by itself at this point since I haven't tried it any other way, and probably won't on this purchase since I'm enjoying them so much. read more

Bowman Orchards - Donut line. Yes, it goes all the way to the left of this photo. - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

This place has a good variety of apples, but the prices are really high compared to other apple orchards. They also charge $5.00 for parking...additional parking fee if you have more than 4 in a car. A big bag of apples to pick is $33.00. The size of bag I have posted. A small bag cost $17....really outrageous considering last year I went and got three bags at another orchard for roughly the same cost. Riverview Orchard is not to far from there and much more affordable read more

Bowman Orchards - Bag of apples - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

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Classic orchard with beautiful shop & bakery. A must do for me when I can visit. Perfect place for a fall day!

Friendly staff and a pretty cool environment. Lots to walk around. They have baby goats too! The cider donuts are very good with lots of cinnamon. They have delicious looking cookies and I can't wait to try my s'mores one. The cider slushie is perfect. I just got a cup and it was $1.75 very reasonable. read more

Holy smokes! Get a loan before you get here. This orchard has been a family tradition for many years but I think I've reached my final (not hay) straw. There has to be somewhere else to pick your apples! Now I completely understand farmers today cannot be the farmer of yesteryear and stay afloat. They must expand and deviate from the old way of doing business and selling their products. And my goodness, just as they have perfected how to squeeze every bit of cider from an apple, they have become extremely creative at squeezing every dollar and quarter from your wallet. I've witnessed over the years thier sprawling and persistent expansion. It used to be smaller and friendly and resonably priced and those were the days of long lines of cars, waiting to get in. It wasn't as packed with diversified families as in the past. In fact, it wasn't that busy at all. You can't blame this one on Covid, folks. Our visit started with the entry fee of $5 per head in the car, regardless of age. So for us, it's $25 just to be allowed to enter. We park, and purchase 2 plastic apple bags, at $33 a piece. (!) We are given a map of what they are picking today and we wander off on our merry way, as usual. We spot a large field of blackberries in which the kids begin stuffing their faces, when a man slows down on his ATV and shouts "Yea, we aren't picking those today". Sorry, i did not know it wasnt allowed. So i tell the kids to stop cramming every bit they possibly can in their mouths, but the man continues to menacingly circle the patch, staring at us the whole time. Whatever. We fill our bags and head to the "gift shop" which is a new metal barn crammed full of rather overpriced country gifts, nothing very unique or charming strikes me, but it may to some. We get our usual dozen of donuts ($12.95) and a gallon of cider ($9.95), when my husband decides we need a pie and pays another $21.00. When we get ready to leave, our car is throughly searched by a seemingly12 year old, (I don't know what he's going to do exactly, if he finds some contraband honey crisps in someones car) and we leave approximately 3 hours after we arrived. Now, the apples ARE amazing and if they have a variety you love you should come. The pie was also fantastic. The cider is cider and the donuts weren't fresh made like they used to be, so I just don't think either of those are very special. Or very pricey "homemade" ice cream. Homemade by who? And where? There is a playard for the little kids (free!- but for how long?) which includes a sheep and some greedy goats where you can buy some grain pellets for. If you want to bring the family and spend $15 a kid for a pony ride, or pay to shoot apples, or pay to write on a chalkboard covered bus or pay to pan for imported fake crystals and fool's gold in one of those hokey kids mining activities or use a filthy state of the art port-a-potty, its all there for you. For the same price though, I'd rather go to Disney. read more

One star for $5/car entry fee. Reserves right to inspect cars. And you feel like your being home watched by big brother the whole time. Every movement is tracked by men in walkie talkies. But 5 stars for the service at the orchard. They're sooo nice. Then 2 stars for crappy cider donuts. If you want a cider donut, go to Focastle Farms read more

2021 update! Before you go, be prepared for sticker shock!! Charging $5 per person to go into the orchard, when it used to be $2 that was applied to your purchase. The $5 is NOT refundable, you have to buy their bags, and it's literally $33 for a plastic grocery bag. Enjoy the last credit card swipe you'll get from me, money-hungry pendejos. There are many other options in the immediate area- support the small businesses as opposed to these money- hungry usurpers. Oh, and the front gate guy whose job it is to collect the ridiculous $5 fee to enter the orchard claimed that their upped fees are due to Covid- not sure how your extra fees are keeping people healthy? DO. NOT. GO. The only reason for the second star is because of the variety of apples and other things they offer. read more

They are now INSANELY over priced. After charging $50 for a family of 4 to walk in, they charge by the bag for apples rather than by the pound. A bag that fits about 2 pounds of apples is $17. Kids like the place but you can get apple cider and a playground anywhere. Avoid. read more

I haven't been to Bowman since they started charging $5.00/person to get in. Unfortunately, I went today and instead of picking my own I went to the store. Big mistake. I love Honeycrisp apples and the woman working there said they were very fresh as everyone likes them so they have a lot of turnover. I bought 1/2 peck for $11.75. When I got home I tried the first one. Way Over ripe! it has very little flavor. The ones I bought at Hannaford are better. Definetly NEVER going back there! read more

They are charging $5 per PERSON to enter the orchard. You don't get this money back whether or not you make a purchase. They charge 9 dollars for a bag that fits about 9 apples. Not exaggerating! They don't disclose this price gouging until AFTER you've paid your entry fee. On the way out they illegally search your car. The employee had his torso INSIDE the the trunk of my hatchback vehicle, and was TOUCHING my personal belongings. I posted this review on their Facebook page and they removed it and blocked me. Ok, their page their rules. Other businesses respond to customer complaints, not delete them. My page, my rules. I recommend Indian Ladder Farm instead! Hands down! read more

This orchard is inefficient and confusing. Different parking lots for different things that could just be walked to. The lines have no organization to them and everything available to buy are in different buildings so you will have to divide and conquer to get donuts, lunch, apple cider, and other things to avoid being in lines for hours. The petting zoo is lacking and if you wanted to, you could open the chicken cage, as one child almost did. There are signs everywhere for a cow but there was no cow. There are men all over with Walkie talkies. 5$ per car entry fee. However, good apples and pretty good selection. 3 stars bc people were nice and bc I'm white and white people love apple picking. read more

They suck money out of you at every corner of the experience. For a family place it's uncomfortable being constantly stocked by men with walk-in talkies and having your car searched. So much for a family-friendly orchard. Avoid this place at all costs. read more