I have loved this charming orchard business for the last several years, and their new barn area that serves hard cider and hot food is a fantastic opportunity during the pandemic to take a nice, safe break. The outdoor seating area offers a beautiful, scenic view of rolling hills, and the tables are spaced appropriately apart. We have enjoyed cider doughnuts and the flatbread, as well as the hard cider. We then usually stop in the store and get a few items, usually apple cider, fresh corn, more doughnuts, buffalo cheese dip. Recommend! read more

This employee attacked me and with a tool because I picked an apple I didn't know I was supposed to get. He then said "I'm going to murder your family" infront of my 11 year old daughter. When we talked to the owner he didn't do anything and basically said we deserved to be abused because we grabbed the wrong apple. Police were called yesterday when it happened and I hope justice is served because of this businesses actions and the owners actions. Stay away from this place. You can see the tool he hit me with in the picture. read more

I have visited Carlson Orchards in the past and went there again after a long while. Carlson Orchards used to be a nice and quiet place, surrounded by natural beauty, a place which felt homey and serene. Well, that's all gone now and it makes me sad. This is how the narrow focus on the profits kills a great business. The parking lot has probably tripled in size and is filled with cars. There are lines everywhere and the orchard is full of people. The staff is anywhere from unfriendly to downright rude. I think they even planted the new apple trees closer to each other. Everything is done to maximize the profits and it's right in your face. Sadly, the vibe is totally different now. If you enjoy commercial farms this is place for you. I don't think I will be coming back. read more

We visited the orchards yesterday. The apples were great, tons of options and huge size. It was very busy but thats expected on a beautiful warm fall sunday. We had a party of 10 so 2 of the party waited in a very long line to eat at the Cider Barn. They waited over an hour and then we got a picnic table. We ordered mac & cheese for kids and a few pizzas and a wrap sandwich. We waited an hour and half and our food never came. The waitress finally told us after we asked they were out of mac and cheese...and then 30 minutes alter when I asked about my sandwich she told us they were also out. We finally just decided to leave and go get food elsewhere. It was insane. The line was still about 30 people deep when we left but no one was saying anything about how slow service would be and how they were out of everything? It was so frustrating especially as we were with 4 toddlers and a 6 month old. We will not be going back and I would just warn you all if looking to get food after apple picking go elsewhere! read more

This is a hidden gem. A beautiful orchard off the beaten path near Harvard, Massachusetts. It is definitely worth the stop if you are driving through or even nearby. They have frozen pies and crisps that are unbelievably delicious. The fruit pie, which is a mixed berry pie, is one of the best pies I've ever had. The apple crisp is equally as good. I brought the pie to a party and everyone raved about it. Go get yourself a pie. The cider is pretty good too! read more

Carlson Orchards - Pies so good here. - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

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I'm giving five starts because the Big Apple Pizza was amazing. Had a fun time tasting cider with the cider flight and beautiful views of the orchard. read more

Carlson Orchards - The Big Apple Pizza! (Yes, it came out whole) - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

Purchased their hard cider at a local liquor store and I have to say it is easily the best hard cider I have ever tasted. Treat yourself and support independent retailers at the same time = Buy local, they put their heart & soul into it ! read more

Carlson Orchards - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

Socially distanced seating at covered picnic tables outside, orchard trees not too busy, bathrooms were clean. Food: - flight of ciders $6 (very good, nice range of flavors - hot apple cider had good flavor but was only lukewarm - apple cider donuts also yummy but not as warm and chewy as I'd like Apples: - around 10 types for picking - pretty good quality and taste, on the smaller side read more

Carlson Orchards - Apple Orchard - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

I live a few miles from Carlson Orchards and enjoy going there for their fresh fruit! But, their hard cider is absolutely outstanding!! It's slightly on the sweet side but is the best Massachusetts made cider I've had to date! The customer service here is always great and very friendly! If you haven't been here I strongly recommend it!! I've been here so frequently that I always seem to forget to check in!! read more

Things you need to know: 1.) This place is CROWDED every weekend in Sept. and October. Later in the day is probably better than going at noon. But if you don't like crowds, you won't like apple picking in New England. 2.) There is a FREE tractor ride to the orchard. There is no orderly line, so expect people to cut the line and rush onto the tractor when it stops. This was frustrating. When you get to the orchard, there is someone giving out free cider samples and directing you to the different apples. 3.) Their season goes later than most and they have plenty of apples, even late. They seem to be better than most orchards at managing their apples. 4.) This place NEEDS more order in the store. It is one of the most chaotic situations I've been in. The line for apples/purchases crosses two ways through the shop and it is LONG. They really should have stands outside where you can pay for apple bags. You have to stand in a huge line to buy cider donuts and then after you get them, get in the back of the huge line to pay for them. People are cutting into the line and the employees don't say anything. Dear foreigners ... welcome to America. We are glad to have you here. However PLEASE learn how to wait in a line and not cut everyone else. (This means you people from India!) 5.) The cider here is delicious and when you buy cider at Wholefoods in Massachusetts (and many other grocery stores) this is most likely where it comes from. 6.) Try the big green apples to the left of the orchard. They are incredibly crisp and sweet. By far these were my favorite apples here. In fact, many people were asking where I found them. There are two rows of them to the far end of the orchard. This is a nice, family run operation. While they definiately need a better system of lines and order to make things way less chaotic ... the actual orchard is spacious enough where, even when crowded, you can wander around without bumping into too many people. This was an enjoyable experience and less crowded than some of the nearby orchards like Honeypot Hill. They also have options for a small and big bag of apples. read more

Went here just this past Saturday (Oct 30). This was my first time apple picking EVER in New England, so I don't have anything to compare my review. I thought by this time there'd be NO apples left. Not true! There were a lot! I had a WONDERFUL time. The apples are DELICIOUS. They even have cider (made fresh!) in a cooler for whenever you're thirsty. And it's darn good cider! They have hot cider in their store. Mmmm. The prices are SO reasonable- $14 for a half sized bag, $23 for a full. You need to get their apple butter. They had a sample open to put on crackers- it was HEAVEN. Their apple crisp is also food of the Gods. Of course, I'll be a better New Englander and go apple picking more often, and of course I'll go to different orchards (and maybe come back to this one!), but I just wanted to say that I enjoyed Carlson Orchards and I hope you do, too! read more

We visited the Cider Barn Taproom on a cold Saturday afternoon in February. The atmosphere is great, the staff is friendly, and the food and drink are delicious. We had the sausage and hots pizza which was superb. My husband and I both also enjoyed testing different ciders in the flights. Our favorite was the Harvard Harvest. We bought some cans to go in the farm store on sight. They also had fresh donuts and apples! read more

We have been staying home with my twin three year olds as much as possible except one outing each week to correspond with our homeschooling lessons. We chose Carlson Orchards based on reviews and photos and were not disappointed! They are taking measures with COVID including requiring masks and social distancing reminders. Our girls had a ball and did not want to stop picking! Plus the farmers market vegetables are so fresh. The staff are friendly , warm and welcoming. OMG the Apple cider donuts! Get two bags at least because your family will love them. Eat them while they are warm you will not regret it! We just missed there peach pizza but plan to return for pumpkin picking and hope to try the Apple Gorgonzola pizza. It's a drive but definitely well worth the trip. Check out our YouTube video for more Apple picking fun! read more

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There is a reason there are so few reviews here ... so shhhh. We've been coming here for 15 years, and will go back this year. We like to wait for certain varieties to be available, and their website helps with that. I sometimes go twice if I'm in the area - once for the early varieties, and again for the apples that I like to make pies with. If you want a specific type, they often have them pre-picked in the store for a little more money. There is a hay train to get around if you have little ones or others with difficulty walking. We haven't used it since our kids got bigger, but it is nice without being overly gimmicky. There are some crowds, but not like the highly overcommercialized agri-tainment places that turn into zoos in the fall. Nice, mostly peaceful, wonderful hilltop orchard ... other fruit available if you prefer to pick early, pumpkins in October. Don't miss the apple crisp! The employees are helpful, friendly, and not stressed out because they get extra people to help during the busy times and have a good system set up. ps: The negative review, below? Where the woman says she was accused of stealing? I'm not buying it because the system she describes wasn't their system at the time. Given the list of "other places to go", I'm surprised she didn't claim "food poisoning" too ... the standard hit job line. But, hey, at least I've never seen an employee of Carlson jump on somebody's car after harassing them to look in the apple bags ... like one of her favorite alternatives just did this weekend. read more

Great peach picking & blueberry picking in August and amazing new set up with flatbread pizza and beer tasting. Great for kids and adults! Our daughters loved the lemonade and cheese pizza and of course fresh donuts when we left! During COVID there is good distancing throughout and felt very safe with everyone wearing masks. Highly recommend! read more

First blueberries of the season! The orchard is beautiful and peaceful, though I can't vouch for apple season. The blueberry prices were good ($2.99/lb) and easy to pick.. I hauled away 5 lbs (see pictured).. my skin might turn blue by the time I'm done with these babies!!! People were very nice.. the only minor annoyance was that 3 different people asked us to move our car 3 different times. =P Definitely come early to beat the heat and have your pick at the best fruit. The taste of the berries very from bush to bush, so don't stick to just one! There are a few smaller ones on the right corner from the entrance that are extra yummy. They take credit card, which is helpful. read more

Carlson Orchards - 5 lbs of blueberries! - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

Great as always! Friendly and competent staff. Home atmosphere. Everything was enjoyable.

I tried visiting Carlson orchards a few weeks ago when I was visiting friends in Boston. I drove an hour to get there, were really looking forward to trying fun ciders and enjoying a beautiful fall day outside. When we sat at a table in the barn, my friends and I all ordered alcoholic ciders, showed our ID's to the waitress, and were so excited. But then, who I assume was the manager, came up to tell us that because some of our ID's were out of state, they couldn't serve us. My friends and I are all 22/23 years old, freshly graduated from college, fully adults with jobs, but because unfortunately we appear young, Mass. State laws say they have the right to not serve us if we provide out of state ID's. I don't blame Carlson Orchards, and everyone that worked there was pretty nice about the situation but I just want to warn others, that if you look young and you have an out of state ID, the drive isn't worth it. Wish we had known before making the trek but such is life. Just a warning for others in their 20's, if you plan on ordering anything alcoholic, to go elsewhere. Giving only two stars because of what happened and I believe there must be (hopefully) a resolution for this issue that they can figure out for the future! (maybe a warning on website or hiring someone that is really good at identifying ID's?) read more

Delish ciders & pizza! Friendly staff, clean facility & awesome ambiance. Will definitely go back. read more

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SOLAR POWERED FARM! So cool. All of the produce was delicious and fresh. The jams and jellies were also VERY worth buying at least a couple to take home. We did the u-pick blueberries and had a grand old time. read more

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Awesome apples, baked goods, cider in a lovely setting. Worth the drive. Friendly helpful staff

Beautiful scenery combined with amazing servers makes this a must go to for anyone looking for snacks and amazing tasting hard ciders made by the talented brew masters. Make sure you stop in to the small market for a to go of your favorite beverage! read more

Cider was decent, food was decent. Service was really bad at the cider house. 1 hour 45 min wait for 3 pizzas. No warning of an extreme wait and multiple staff telling us the pizza was in the oven and about to come out from 45 minutes after ordering until the pizza finally arrived (one hour of the same excuse). They eventually comped us the food but then coupled it with a denial that people who came after us received their pizza way before us even though we witnessed this happen. I can't recommend because of this. read more

My family and I swung in here last night after a long day for cider and pizza - two of my faves. I cannot believe it took us 3 years to find my new favorite place in the burbs. Beautiful setting, lovely staff and I loved every drop of my flight of ciders! I'm seriously trying to figure out how to get the hubby back next weekend! Perfect family spot. read more

I feel bad yesterday , when I push my baby out of the farm , a old stuff want me put out of my peach box from my baby's stroller storage and hold the box by my hand , I said I can't pull my baby and hold the box at the same time , but he consists, and very rude , I have to put lots of peach off and then the box can out , because the storage is small to put it out , some of them fall down , the old stuff didn't ask me anything and kicked several peaches away by his foot , he was bad , I've never been treated so rudely !!! It's a terrible day , the farm should teach all of their stuff be gentle! Be kind ! read more

The staff here is very unfriendly and rude. We absolutely loved the Ciders and Food during our visit to the barn on Mother's Day. However, the staff was trying to get us out of the place quickly, while we were waiting for some live music to start. Very very diasappointed with the service. read more

I'm not the type to write reviews, but I'm utterly disappointed with my family's visit to Carlson's orchards. After having a wondering time last year, we decided to come back solely for their cider donuts. My family and I drove over an hour from the South shore, MA just to get their cider donuts, but today we left empty handed and disgusted by their customer service. My family and I understand that it is the weekend and cider donuts are a hit during this time of year so we still waited in a long line for about half an hour. That was still not the problem. The biggest annoyance that we had was their terrible customer service. As a person who has worked in customer service for many years, I know what's good and what's bad and clearly their employees do not care about our business because that was the attitude I got. To finally reiterate, my family and I waited in line to get donuts and was disappointed to see that there was none left when we got inside. So I proceeded to ask the cashiers/employees if there would be more coming and she goes on to say "yes, but we do not know when and you cannot prepay for them". When I proceed to ask can I wait for them, she goes on to tell me that I can't wait here and would have to go back around and wait in line again for them... At the end of the day, if there was a better systematic approach then that would've been much appreciated. For example they could've placed a sign or have someone let us know that donuts are out and would not be restocked anytime soon. That would've saved my family and many others some time as well. I hope to see some improvement for me to make another visit. read more

Hello Yelp people. I typically don't like to write bad reviews, but the experience I had today led me here. Don't get me wrong, Carlson Orchards is a very nice place for the fall so it's expected that there will be a lot of people. Every year, I come here to get one thing and one thing only- apple cider donuts. Today, I had to leave empty handed because they ran out. I understand that they are in high demand, but what they failed to do was find a solution to keep us as customers once we got to the registers. Given that they didn't know when they would restock their donuts, they didn't try to help us get them. Instead, they just told us to get back in line. Like I mentioned earlier, I normally don't write bad reviews, but the people at the cabin didn't even provide good simple customer service. read more

Although I didn't go apple picking here, it seems like there were a good variety of apples to choose from. They had a store w/a line out the door because they had some really great items to choose from. I bought more than I probably needed but that's ok. The apple cider, applesauce (in glass jar), pies, pumpkin bread & even hard cider were reasons why the line was so long. They even had apple crisp that was being made right there which was super surprising. They give you a huge helping but in a styrofoam container (boo) & apparently add way too much sugar (whipped cream not needed) so it's total sugar overload. Outside they had a big container of hot apple cider to sample which was pretty good, plus a nice gesture. But not only that, they also had hard cider samples as well, who would've guessed? It was also pretty damn good & their new flavor was better in my opinion. The only thing that was really upsetting was all the bees they had that were now floating dead in the various water dishes/cups in the area. Why? Bees are our friends. read more

Fun place to 'pick your own', then stop at Cider barn for GREAT pizza and cider (hard & sweet). Oh...and the apple cider donuts! Check it out. Note that lines can be long for cider barn in peak season. read more

Right before you get to the turnoff from Route 111, instead of turning right, go straight. Coming up right on the left is another, nice orchard, with nice people working there. And the fun part is, you're headed into Harvard and Bolton, and there's another nice experience around every corner. Explore! I don't know, maybe it's me, but when the staff at a family recreation establishment seethes with hate for their customers, it turns me off. For me, when I stepped outside to go to the "bag table" to get an extra bag for some extra apples so I could pay for them, I was stridently, fiercely and loudly accused of stealing ... while my husband and children waited inside with our apples to buy. No apologies, not even after friendly explanation and an attempt at humor. "Nope, you were going right for your car." Ruined our day and our family time, which in this economy, is few and far in between. I will never, ever, ever darken their door again, buy their product in a supermarket, or let an opportunity go by to let a friend know: Just keep going up Route 111. Some of the best apple orchards we've ever seen were found by "Guerrilla Apple Picking" -- just setting out without a destination and happening on a place that looked cute. If you need an address, try Honey Pot, George Hill, or Autumn Hills. All very different, all EXCELLENT, and all smart, friendly merchants. read more

A wonderful experience! We'll look forward to our next visit to pick some more fruit. I always appreciate the amount of work that goes into growing food, but also whatever it takes to offer an authentic destination that is open to the public. Especially one that is simple ... no bouncy houses, etc. thank you read more

I've sampled 7-8 orchards in the area. If you care about apples, nectarines, etc, this is the place to go. They focus on the fruit, not frills, though they make some mighty fine doughnuts and experimental apple cider; the 100% Gala code was a treat. Family owned for ca 80 years. If you go when the crowds are gone, you'll get to know staff. They are very sweet and interesting people. Oh, their nectarines are as good as those that I had in western KY. read more

The staff here act like you've inconvenienced them by showing up. All we wanted were some cider donuts and a jug of cider to take home, which should be easy, right? Instead, we found multiple confusing lines in and outside of the store, and really rude employees. We asked one lady, very politely, if they were sold out of cider donuts for the day. We had come a little later in the afternoon (around 3:30) so we would understand if they were. Instead, she said, "They're making them as fast as they can. That's the line. I can't tell you when they'll have more, ok? I can't tell you." What the heck? I didn't get her in face about it-- I was fine to leave if we were too late. Then, when I wanted to get some apple crisp, which smelled wonderful and was being served from the same area as the cider donuts, I asked a different lady who was serving the donuts if I could get a piece. She said I had to get in a different line for that. Then she promptly ignored me and the two other people waiting in that line: "I'll get to you when I can." Maybe they're just short-staffed? But why wouldn't you hire enough people to keep things moving (and to keep your employees from becoming total grumps) during the busy fall season, especially on your own "3rd Annual Apple Festival" day? The cider donuts weren't even as good as the ones we got (fresh and hot) at Honey Pot Hill the other weekend. The only redeeming thing was the apple crisp, which was delicious, and the parking, which was easy (and the guys directing us were nice and helpful). read more

Carlson Orchards - Apple crisp - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - Harvard, Massachusetts

I've only purched fruit from the store, but I highly recommend their carbonated cider, white peaches, and macoun apples. They are set in a beautiful part of Massachusetts and the sights on Oak Hill Rd are almost as plentiful as the food. read more

The first time I went was amazing! Delicious peaches and blueberries! Friendly staff in the barn and yummy cider and donuts! The apples were not yet open for PYO so two weeks later we returned to pick apples. After a long trip with children when we arrived we were informed pick your own was not open! So, we ventured on to Autumn Hill Orchards in Groton. This orchard was amazing, picturesque, and welcoming. After having a great experience with the family we decided to return to Carlson's for pizza in their barn. Their pizza ovens were not open. We decided to buy some donuts in the market only to be told that my bill of $9.95 needed to be cash because I needed to be over $10.00 to use my card! Not a good day at Carlson's for us! read more

Nice orchard, some areas were picked out , but the fruit we picked was wonderful, and the 5 fruit pie was one of the best we have tasted. Pick your own pricing is always higher than market, so go for the experience and spend the afternoon! read more

Our family has been making an annual pilgrimage to Carlson's orchard for YEARS for apple picking. We've tried other orchards for one reason or another, but not one of them has the courteous staff, the beautiful setting, the quality apples, the related items (cider, pumpkins, APPLE CRISP) and the all-over wonderful friendly family atmosphere that Carlson's always provides. Always. Well. Just when you thought things couldn't get any better: Carlson's has built a beautiful, open cider barn where you can get off your feet after all that tiring apple picking (kidding) and order up some food and drink. SO many flavors of cider, and they offer flights to try different kinds. (Hmmmmm. They are all good. Subtle differences. Yummy). Anyway the experience was just delightful and enhanced our already-positive appreciation of Carlson's. And the servers? One especially, named Shayna, was so helpful, so courteous, so friendly, and very very well informed. She was a joy. Hope she is our server when we return! Five stars - for her and the orchard and new barn! read more

The cider barn is fantastic! They have great flatbreads and wonderful hard cider. Also the orchard is absolutely beautiful in the summer. Great place to bring the whole family!! read more

So I hate not giving carlsons 5 stars since I've been going there literally my whole entire life. I'm 36 and as long as I can remember back that's been our go to place for picking and shopping in their store for apple crisp, pies, anything! I took my daughter there for her first time apple picking yesterday and I was so excited to share that experience with her and share some memories I had when I grew up going there. But right off the bat it was a complete circus. Parking was a mess. Just to get a bag of apples the line was super long. The cider barn which we loved going to in the summer, we couldn't even go to because the line was crazy. And getting into the store was crazy! It was all too crazy! So much waiting and extremely hectic. Don't get me wrong, I understand apple picking in the fall will be busy on a weekend. But I always loved that carlsons wasn't a zoo compared to other farms. That was always the nice part of it. I actually enjoyed the simplicity of it. I loved that it was a lovely simple like farm. And now it's turned into such a circus it's not enjoyable anymore. I'm glad they are making more $ now. I am. But I miss the old carlsons! Maybe now that they know it gets this hectic and busy they can organize it better, but I don't see how since it's turned into such chaos. read more