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

Fabulous! I have enjoyed going to this orchard for Fifteen years. It's charming, offers various fun fall activities, and it's kid friendly too. I have always found the employees to be reasonable and kind. Of course it costs more than previously. What doesn't ? Part of supporting American small farmers is recognizing they need to make a reasonable profit. This is a quality place with a delicious product conveniently located. Think what taking your family to a movie with snacks costs. Bowman's is still a bargain and a positive ,memorable family adventure. read more

Wow that's a big orchard. I went on a recent weekend during peak apple picking season and the place was a zoo. Granted, this place is so large, and has been around so long, they have it running much like a theme park. Cars queue up in a line as they snake through the orchards to get to the picking spots. There are helpful guides along the way, and an ominous sign that could have been stolen from the California border insisting that, "All produce must be declared before entering." As you drive through the check out lanes -- yes, there are drive through check out lanes -- last minute impulse items are even cleverly displayed for purchase. Out by the bakery, there are all kinds of attractions for kids designed to help suck the money right out of your wallet. I think my favorite one might have been the pedal powered "go carts" that kids can ride around a dirt track for a few bucks a pop. So strange. The cider donuts were nothing special. In fact of the five orchards we visited that day, these were unanimously the most uninspiring. Not that they were bad, per se, but they just didn't measure up to the rest of what's out there. Still, the variety of apples available at such a large orchard is impressive. I picked up some pinova from the store after my donut, but was also tempted by the ambrosias. I understand that people have strong and fierce loyalties to the orchards they and their families have been visiting for generations. But as a fickle newbie to the area who has been flirting around with all of the various and sundry apple joints this region has to offer, let me tell you, there are much better places out there. read more

Came here for YEARS. I am here right now writing this review. Apples are great. The scenery is great... but the greed is evident. $5 PER person? Wtf. You use to pay .25 a bag and it would be weighed. Now it's $9, $17 and $33 for the large. This is how they have gotten out of control. A $33 bag basically was $25 when it was weighed out. So now they make $8 more per bag and $5 a head for entry. Came here for 20+ years. Won't be back. Will go to Indian next time. No wonder the place is empty. Sad. Hope the owners decide to go back to the old ways. read more

Gave one star and that's generous. Where do we start, the 5$/car fee is ridiculous, we ended up filling our bag for 23.81$ and they refused to give us the parking fee back. They also checked our trunk which is a never seen before practice. The price per pound is ridiculous, overpriced, I might as well buy them at the grocery store. We ended up paying 28$ for 1/3 less than we got at Indian ladders farm for 20$. They have you to pay for every single activity your kids want to do, greedy greedy people. I ask to speak with a manager for the ridiculous fee difference and the guy was EXTREMELY RUDE. I asked him if he'd rather lose customers and get bad business than refund the 5$ and he said yes. So definitely not going back with that poor customer service. read more

My husband and I visited this orchard with our two young children (5 and 3 years old). We have gone apple picking at many different farms/orchards before, and this would have to be the best one we've visited. They had a variety of things to do for children such as pony and horse ride, cow wagon ride, corn maze, apple cannon, playground, petting and feeding area for goats, pigs, and cow. They sell homemade ice cream, donuts, cider, hot dogs, french fries, pumpkins, and even have a gift shop. And the best part for pet owners: YOU CAN BRING YOUR DOG! read more

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Went here for apple picking and cider. Was charged an entrance fee, for an apple orchard? Had no problem with staff but they make you buy their own bags, which are way overpriced. The entrance fee started to make more sense when I saw all the built up kid areas. Pony rides, an apple cannon, farm animals you can feed: all for an extra fee of course. Lots of people buying cheap country knick nacks. The searching of the car on the way out is just weird, and felt weird. When asked the 16 year old girl said it's to stop people from stealing apples, and she proudly recounted she stopped someone from stealing a dozen apples earlier today. OK. The orchard area itself is beautiful, and we had a good experience, but I wish I had my $60 back. Will look elsewhere next time we want to pick our own. read more

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

Soooooo decided to go apple picking here on the nicest day in summer on a weekend....holy apples! It was so packed. People everywhere, cars everywhere. Upon arrival there was a line to get to a parking spot. Luckily we got a parking spot easily and there wasn't that bad for the apples that we wanted to pick. There wasn't much people around. Why? Because they are all at the line for cider donuts! Ahhhhhhhhh. It was shoulder to shoulder inside the donut store and when we got a chance to cash out. There was a person who just skipped all the people waiting in line and the cashier noticed and didn't even say anything and just let it pass by and cashed him out. That got under my skin I wanted to give him a smack upside his bald head. End of story. The apples and cider donuts were good tho. read more

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Friends post that was blocked...... Bowman's Orchard employees are extremely rude. First the trolly driver tells the kids dont eat more than one or two blueberries when picking (seriously) then the bill $125 witch we we didnt guess the weight(sorry) so we asked to put back some blueberries. The bill was still over $100. Payed the bill then went to get ice cream for the kids was told we could not purchase ice cream because we put back blueberries. The woman was also rude. Never going back there!!!!! read more

I used to go every year, sad to see such changes. Have a fistful of money as you'll be charged $5 for each person to pick apples, then a bag fee to place apples into, also some folks have been charged $5 parking fee as well (good luck if you have a large family). But what really is sad is that when I asked the employee where I can pick from that would be the easiest for my disabled son to get to, his response was given, but as drove away while the window was still down he mumbled "why the hell did you bring him here" I was glad my husband who was with me did not hear that, there would have been bigger problems if he did. Good bye Bowman ! read more

I came with my family today and we had an absolute blast! We had a newborn and my elderly mom in tow. So impressed with the organization and kindness of all the staff, not to mention the delicious varieties of apples! Special thanks to Matt who kept a kind eye out for us and gave us a ride back straight to our car! We created beautiful memories and we can't stop smiling thank you! read more

This place is beyond gorgeous, and the apples are amazing. But you will be treated like a criminal and have your car searched when you leave. Apple picking is supposed to be a beautiful activity, but I left feeling violated and demeaned. $5 per person for admission and $9 to purchase a small bag for apples. And getting your car searched upon departure. This business should be absolutely ashamed. What a way to treat your customers. read more

This was the absolute worst experience I have ever had at an apple picking orchard in upstate ny been living here for ten years. Not only where we followed the whole time we were there and were told we werent allowed to try any apples when picking. On top of that we still had room in our bag for more apples but a lady there said we had eaten enough and the space in the bag was for the apples we had "eaten". So not only did we pay like 16 bucks for a bag of apple thats like 6 dollars at a supermarket already picked we were harassed, accused and not even allowed to enjoy our purchase. I have been to this orchard about 2 years ago and I loved it but now I dont think I will ever come here again. Trust me just go to another orchard this one will ruin the whole experience for you. read more

I've Been coming here for over 30 years. My children, grandchildren, husband and myself absolutely enjoy it. The apples are delicious, there's so much for the children to do, they always have a blast. Every year there adding something new whether a new item on the menu or the venue.prices are reasonable,the staff are very friendly and helpful. Yes they do check your vehicle (your trunk) in a very respectful way, unfortunately it's because of so many people not wanting to pay. But it has put a halt on the stealing which keeps the price's so reasonable. Yes it's very busy.lol. but it's because it's such a wonderful place. read more

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Don't go here to pick apples!! I went recently with my family but this will be the last time. After picking apples, you have to go back to your car & drive to another location to weigh & pay for your apples. Then they want to inspect your car. We opened the trunk so they could look. We have a weather protection liner in the trunk and a number of items sitting on top of the liner. They were insistent that we empty the trunk so they could take out the liner & inspect the wheel well for hidden apples. Really???? We refused & suggested they call the police. They apparently assume everyone is a criminal & is stealing apples from them. They could avoid this issue by simply letting people pay for their apples before returning to their cars as they've done at every other orchard I've gone to!! I do not recommend this orchard!!!! read more

Well, if you are looking for the Disney World of apple picking, this is your place. From my distant memories, this used to be a small family run business with an old fire truck in a field for kids to play on. Bowman Orchards has now morphed into a giant money vacuum, every square foot of the farm marketed. I cannot blame the family for doing so and making an honest living. However, upon arriving you will be charged five dollars for the privilege of picking their crop for them! You then must use their bags to place the apples into. A small bag ( barley enough to make 1 apple pie) will set you back $9.99. Combine this with the $5.00 picking fee, you will pay $15.00 for a pint bag of apples. For comparison Price Right this week offered the same bag of Macintosh apples for $3.99. They looked to be of the same quantity and quality of my $15.00 bag from Bowman Orchards. If you are looking for a quieter less expensive traditional fall experience, I recommend Altamont Orchards or Indian Ladder Farms. Same experience, less crowded and more affordable. I granted 2 stars for the warm cider doughnuts! They were great... read more

I thought the gate price includes taking pictures. A mean rude old lady drove tractor around ask us to leave once sh saw our container is full. And the tune was very aggressive. Also pay attention on the fine print. U have to pay the gate fee that is 4 dollar per prson AND container fee. A quart berry end up cost 16 dollars . I will never ever go back again. Very few people there and I remeber few years back, that place was packed. They are driving themselves out of business read more

Worst place to pick apples. They charge you just to drive onto the property. Then after charging $17 for a small bag to pick apples, they search your trunk when you leave. Go to Indian Ladders Farm, much better location and store! read more

Awesome place! Been looking for a Orchard since living here and an ice cream spot. I found them both. Very nice people and awesome tasting apples . I think I tasted almost every apple that was growing. Lol. No .... being serious. Going to Walmart to grab that PINK stuff . But I will be going back. My only wish is that I had found it months ago. A lot of things to do for kids and families. Food good, fun and games , bathrooms clean , etc. just to many DARN 's. But Great place read more

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I love working in the farm with my family I get to drive Stuff and I am 10 years old and I renamed you go there because it is a fun place to go to read more

Bertrand Russell was once invited by the BBC to leave a film for people to view 1000 years after his death with the sum total of his advice on how to live your life. He had only two things to say. The first was, stick to the facts and only the facts, not the situation as you wish it to be or even perceive it. This is difficult advice to follow when reviewing, but since a dispute over our weigh-out at a U-Pick at Bowman has colored my perception of the situation, I will attempt to just recap the facts. We got excellent apples the other day, better than any other orchard this year as far as we can tell, for $1.29 a pound. At the checkout line, we were charged for 63 pounds of apples and a 15-pound pumpkin. This seemed excessive to me at the time but we were not able to observe the weighing process because we were blocked by the check out person, and while we had four bags, we got only two "weighings". When we got home, I weighed the apples on both our bathroom scales and then on our kitchen scale in five-pound increments. Understanding that neither of these is what you'd call a high-end measurement device, we came out to 48 pounds on one and 49 on the other. A 14 pound difference is much more than the margin of error. I concluded there had to be something wrong with the weighing process. At $1.29 a pound, I considered this a significant enough discrepancy to ask for a reconciliation by the management. Now, astute readers here will note that a 14-pound discrepancy is very, very close to the 15-pound weight of our pumpkin. So I'm going to speculate for just a bit here that what happened was the checkout person left the pumpkin on the scale, for whatever reason, while weighing one set of apples. The charitable interpretation is a simple mistake. That said, a simple mistake which cost us close to $21. So I returned today to get a refund of the difference. I was met with skepticism and an insistence that their scales are certified (by three different employees) and mine at home are obviously not. Granted, I said, but a 29% difference in weight certainly exceeds the expected difference in accuracy. Maybe your kids ate some of them. Reasonable, I say, but I'm sure in this case there was no lossage to hungry little mouths on the way home since we had the apples locked up in the back of our vehicle. I was asked if I could present the apples. I said no, because what would that prove? I could have just removed 15 pounds of apples and brought back the rest. How can I believe you? I was asked, several times, by the owner/manager. I politely pointed out that it was hardly convenient for me to take time out in the middle of the day to come try to rip them off for 15 pounds of apples, and I did have the receipt, and pointed out the coincidence of the pumpkin (indicated on the receipt) with the difference in weight. So I was given a split-the-baby-in-half solution by the manager/owner: I got half the difference refunded to me, rounded up to the nearest dollar, after a polite but pointed discussion of some minutes. I appreciate this on one level, but on another level I do not. However, I return to Bertrand Russell's second piece of advice for the future: which is to ignore the hate and focus on the love in going about your affairs, since the former is rarely profitable in the end to the state of one's being. So I'm going to give everybody the benefit of a doubt here and pop their rating back up to three stars for the subjective part, and just leave you Yelpers with the facts above. Now, time to go make some apple cobbler for the kids. read more

I'm so disappointed. I went here a while ago for strawberry picking with the kids I work with and that was a blast. It was a good price for strawberries and they were helpful with our group. (sort of...they never explained that there was a place to eat, animals to play with, or a play ground that we could use...) Recently I went back and realized that going on the weekend is a hassle. I mean really? a line for your car and a sign saying it may be an hour. FOR A DONUT? are you serious? and its not like you can turn around once you decide to come in...ugh. The parking lot is a joke which is obviously why there is a need for a line. While the prices of their products didn't seem to bad to me, their pumpkins are a little pricey (I'm using to 2 dollar pick your owns). Their apple cider donuts are absolutely worthless. I should have just gone to price chopper, they dont taste home made. They aren't served warm. I mean why get them from an orchard if they aren't warm? isn't that the BEST part? while the apple picking did look of a good quality, and the strawberry picking was good. I'm not sure if it would be worth a weekend trip during the chaos. I definitely would go elsewhere when I get my donut crave on tough. read more

My wife and I drove25 miles only to discover that we would need to pay $10 just to enter the site. We came with 7 large bags that we intended to fill for ourselves and as gifts to friends and neighbors, but we just turned around and left. I'll be damned if I'll pay $10 for the privilege of being overcharged for apples while providing the labor to pick them! Bowman is now off our list - won't ever return. read more

Nope, nope, nope. Here are the reasons why "nope" is so applicable: *The apples didn't taste good and were expensive by a few cents a pound compared to other orchards on top of having to buy the bag. *Donuts were stale directly from the donut stand and were expensive by a few dollars compared to other orchards. *Car lines. People lines. Lines, lines, lines. *Berries and apples were largely picked by the time we got there in early October. *Rude employees two years in a row. *There's a graveyard in the middle of the orchard, which might be a plus for some people, I guess. Not me! *THEY SEARCH YOUR CAR! Oddly enough, that person was the friendliest one. I feel like people don't know that other orchards exist that are significantly better than this one. Go to those other orchards, people! Go to those! Never again. read more

This place is beautiful. I go once a week during the season to buy their apples and baked goods. To all those reviews that say they are overpriced here is a news flash -it's not Walmart. I personally don't mind paying for fresh local produce and supporting a local business...and yes, they have to check cars leaving the picking area because there are those amongst us who are not honest. Don't get offended so easy. This is a great place to do business. read more

The entry fee of $5 per person, on top of the exorbitant bag fees is bad enough. But be prepared to have your car searched when you leave the premises. This doesn't mean just looking on your trunk, but actually touching and moving your personal belongings to look for contraband apples you might have hidden below your personal, even breakable, items you may have purchased elsewhere. And don't bother complaining on their Facebook page. They'll delete your comment and then block you...not a great business model. There are many other orchards locally that are more customer friendly. read more

10/10 I will definitely visit this orchard again! Very reasonably priced and huge variety of pick your own apples! The store and bakery have a decent selection and the fresh cider donuts are amazing! I ate 3 on the car ride home Thanks to the Bowman's for the fun family experience! read more

I have been bring my family here for the past 5 years. Always a great experience. This year not so much. We might never return. This place now tries to get every dime from you. I guess they have to make up for that huge new store built with a lot of overpriced items. They check your car as if your stealing their apples. If your colored they will look extra closely in your car. The entitled gets a smile and keep going. Stay away.!! Go to any other local family owned farms in the area. read more

I visited Bowman's for the first (and last) time today to pick strawberries. First off, my girlfriend and I were each charged a $2 'picking fee' (their explanation for the fee was that "people eat strawberries in the field," never mind that eating fruit in the field is verboten). A $2.50/lb price would be assessed for berries collected. No mention of the field conditions was offered-- we assumed that that meant things would be okay. Nope. $4 lighter and with cardboard containers in hand, we went to stand at a nearby tent for transport to the other end of the farm. After a long and dusty trip via tram to the Bowman strawberry fields, we stepped off to be greeted by a teenage employee of the farm. She informed us that, after the last few days of rain, the crop was especially dirty and that we would be wise to rinse whatever we picked very thoroughly after bringing it home. Also, as it was quite hot out, there would be water for sale at the edge of the field ($1 per bottle.) We entered the field to find that there were very, very few good strawberries to pick. Most were half-eaten and left on the plant, pulverized, or moldy. The air smelled of rot and fermentation. We resolved to pick in spite of this-- Bowman's already had our $4, so why not make the best of the situation? This attitude quickly shifted. The place had been picked clean of almost anything usable-- it was too hot to stick around searching through pounds and pounds of rotten mush for the occasional acceptable berry. We made our way back to the retail farmhouse (where tiny disposable cups for tap water were being sold for a nickle per!) on an even longer, dustier tram ride than before and paid $5 for two pounds of strawberries. With picking fee, then, these berries were about $4.50/lb. Of the strawberries we picked, a significant number, upon closer examination, were also a bit rotten. Nice. Avoid Bowman's! Beware! Beware! read more

Well it's been a few years and I have to review Bowman Orchards AGAIN. My feelings about this place are always changing. So, I hadn't been there in years and I had been feeling like a taste of the old NY-674, what is now known as Autumn Crisp. The only place you can find this breed seems to be at Bowman's, so I made a stop there at 4:30 on a Saturday. Well, my mind was blown. It was so quiet. No horrible line of cars waiting to get in, and then waiting to check out. I just made a stop at the store, but came back again the following weekend at 4:00 with my wife and we went apple picking. And it was great! You just need to know when to go. So I am upping my rating to a 3. The doughnuts are still very sub-par, the prices aren't great, the signs at the entry are intimidating, the omnipresent helpers always make you feel like you're being watched in the orchards, and I'm sure the crowds are an absolute clusterf___ at mid-day. But done right, I guess I still like this place. read more

We've been going to Bowman's Orchards for many years, so we've seen the changes. The changes are good changes because there is something new and exciting to experience each year. The ice cream is delicious, fudge is some of the best we've ever had, the pies are delicious but the BLUEBERRY pie is the WINNER! The big barn is beautiful and so organized and cozy with all the wonderful items to look at. If you want to spend hours there or just go and pick up a pie and apples it's always a treat. The people who work there are pleasant and the Jamaicans who have been working for years are like family - the same pleasant faces always smiling and always helpful. I can't forget the cider donuts, cold cider or odds and ends we pick up while we browse around. Fall is my favorite time of year and going to Bowmans is a bit different now that our family is grown and gone but it always makes me smile, enjoying the beauty of fall, the smells and memories of yesteryear. read more

"Wow that's a big orchard." -Indeed Daniel Indeed Things I do like- -Great apples (we got Blondies and HoneyCrisps) -Huge variety as Daniel mentioned -Tasting stand at store where they had slices of EVERY current apple to try. Probably 18 or so varieties. Things I don't love- -"Granted, this place is so large, and has been around so long, they have it running much like a theme park." -Feels very corporate. Probably the only way to truly make money with an orchard, but I guess it's just more visible here. -"All produce must be declared before entering." and the other signs. It's like the Area 51 of orchards. I have no real allegiance to any orchard. I wouldn't rush back to Bowman to pick, but I might be back to buy a bag of apples. read more

Came here with my girlfriend and we had a great time. A great place for a date or a family day trip. Very easy to get to and easy parking with helpful staff directing you. Once you get to the orchard there are so many breeds to choose from but the map and key are very helpful. The orchards are very full of apples of all kinds with plenty to pick from. They are quite delicious too!! The check out process is very easy and takes you right to the bakery which we explored. A lot to choose from and everything looks and smells so good! we got a Reese's peanut butter cookie which was very yummy. The atmosphere is great! Lots of fun things to do and buy, very kid friendly and the prices are not too bad Not like the commercial pick your own Ive been to! Definitely will be back here over the years read more

Bowman Orchards - Me and Carley picking some apples - Kids Activities Near Me - Rexford, New York

Loved this place!! My boyfriend and I went to pick our own strawberries and had a great time. read more

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First experience and definitely the last. Aside from the 45 minute wait in the line of cars getting in there ( I would normally have left but my kids had a friend with us and I understand they do not have control over their), they nickel and dime you. First, they charge you to just get in the place..$5 for a car load of 4 and $3 for each additional person in the car. Also they tell you eating apples is not allowed and if caught can be charged an extra $10!!! ‍ yeah ok then. So welcoming. In order to pick you buy bags and are pre-charged so be sure you fill your bags cuz one of each size will cost you $50!!!! And remember now, they tell you no eating apples AFTER YOU'VE ALREADY PAID!!! So we decide we're finished and drive to park to check out the other activities. Ready for this? They literally make you pop the trunk of your car!!! What the hell is that about exactly??? Is that even legal? As if we're stealing apples??? Dumbest most intrusive thing ever!!! After this I was pretty heated and would have been more than happy to leave, but again...didn't want to disappoint the kids. The cider donut line was ridiculous all day ( all I really wanted), but after waiting a good 45 minutes to move .4 miles to just pull in the place and another 25 minutes to get over priced, processed Mac and cheese, I decided that what I guarantee would have been a good 45 minute wait to get donuts was most def not gonna happen. I learned that they are prepackaged anyway so even better that we didn't wait. I'm also trying to understand how they are getting away with this operation during this pandemic. Absolutely zero regard for social distancing. Totally crowded esp in the store... just ridiculous. I guess half capacity doesn't apply here huh? Didn't make sense. Any of it- read more

From morning to night 365 days a year this family works tirelessly to provide the best quality Apple's and produce - we have NEVER been disappointed in the freshness of all products purchased or picked. ....From the corner stand to their freshly made pies; muffins, apple cider, etc. you will not be disappointed. The BOWMAN'S are 'top of the line & genuine people,' good Christian family. Thanks for all that you do. read more

We drove 60mins and sat in traffic when they announced at 3:45pm that all "u pick" was closed for the day but we could cram into their store with way too many people to buy apples - we left very disappointed, strongly recommend you come early or don't come at all read more

I'm glad we didn't turn around after seeing the non stop line of cars to get in. The line moved quickly, and even though there were so many cars, it didn't seem like all those people were inside. We were worried there wouldn't be any apples left but we were surprisingly wrong. So many apples! $5 parking fee is a little ridiculous (if you spend $25 or more you get it back however). But with the amount of employees it makes sense. They're friendly and informative and your given a big bag, a map, and a list of all the apples you can pick that day. To get to the store part of the farm you have to drive out, you can't walk if you have apples from where you parked for apple picking. They check your trunk and car on the way out, and also see if you want to purchase donuts or apple cider, which was convenient. We got the donuts and they were okay. However, being so separated from the store and being able to walk around kind of took away from the experience. By the time we got in the car we didn't want to have to park again to look around. Not sure I'd return but the apples were good (1.59/lb I believe it was, and $5.49 for half a dozen apple cider donuts. read more

Fantastic for berry picking! They have PYO strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries! We went in later August and strawberries were done but we got to pick blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. There are signs for each and you can easily walk (or take a tractor ride!) to each berry. $4.99/lb for raspberries and blackberries. $4.29/lb for blueberries. They also have homemade ice cream inside. I got the mint chocolate chip which had chopped Andes candies inside. Yum! read more

With all the choices of orchards and pick-your-owns in the area, I don't know why anyone would choose to go Bowman Orchards. As was said, they overcharge for EVERYTHING. I would go to Riverview orchards instead, where its more of a small-farm atmosphere. The cider donuts are better there too. read more