What a fantastic place! We wanted to PICK apples and Terrapin Orchard did not disappoint. Matt…read more(owner?) was super informative and gave us a ride into the orchard where we found nice rows with good apples on them. Back at the store they have a few things like donuts & cobbler. We left with some of it. Great stop.

We went apple picking yesterday. Had a good time. We were the only ones in the orchard. Which was…read moreawesome. Picked some delicious sweet apples. Also purchased the best mini apple cider doughnuts, and apple butter. First timers here and our experience was fantastic. Terrapin was full of friendly faces and big smiles! Definitely worth visiting if you appreciate the non-commercial feel.

I can't say enough great things about this farm and the wonderful people who run it! We had a great…read moretime going through the corn maze, picking apples (I ate so many I barely had room for the donuts ), petting cute animals and taking a hayride through the farmland. Mike Dittmar was incredibly kind and talked to us about the history of the farm. We found out they have this neat Airbnb on property and can't wait to book next year. One piece of advice- I seriously almost didn't buy the donuts because I'd eaten so many apples while picking and I'm glad I decided to because they are insanely delicious!!

No pumpkins in pumpkin patch!!! No apples on apple trees. Shabby kids play equipment - screws…read moreexposed, rotten, falling apart. This place has seen better days. It's a rip-off because they take ur money and send you to get pumpkins that aren't there, and to a small apple area with bad apples. I get dry weather hurt but then Do Not pretend it didn't and take the money! Go elsewhere. Response to owner: Correction - I should hv said no pickable apples... All we wanted to do was PICK apples and pumpkins - lady owner should not hv taken our money if admission was not needed for that. I am 100% correct to report that lady owner sent us to an empty pumpkin patch where there were NO pumpkins to pick. None. I am 100% correct play equipment is in disrepair and worn out. Spin it as you will but overall a disappointing experience - owners can't even agree on what admission covers.

MAGICAL! I don't know how this does not have a full 5 stars!…read more We signed up online, expectations were provided, as well as followup communication, and text reminders to complete online waivers. On site, there are punny signs that lead you up the road that say things like, Keep Goating. Once we pulled up, we were greeted by someone who helped us to park. There is a port-a-potty on site, as well as a water spigot for access to clean water. There is a trailer on site, as well with souvenirs, ice water, local root beer that uses the goats on the labels, as well as non-aerosols bug sprays, as the goats are sensitive to aerosol sprays. There was a large group during our time slot, so there were two waves who were taken out with separate goats. If you don't feel giddiness when goats run up beside you as you start hiking, I'm sorry. It was a chill and happy vibe throughout. Our guide, Jason, was welcoming, friendly, and incorporated humor. The trek had 3 stops. Jason would talk about the history of the property, the family, how it all came to be, and the goats as breeds, as well as some of them as individuals. There is a stop where you can have your picture taken with goats, as well as feed them carrots. (Who knew the big Boer goats would be so picky about carrots that have landed in dirt?!). This could almost (in my book it could) be counted as a therapeutic experience! The goats expect nothing but company, and appreciate a scratch, and carrot slice. They're just happy to be along snacking on their favorite greens and going for a little hike!

What a hoot! We did their wine and goat hoof it event after staying a few days in Galena…read more You start out trying out Illinois wines. These are from Fergetaboutit Vineyard, and to be blunt, they were the best wines we have tasted in Illinois. If you like wine and have tried wines from France, Spain, Italy or California, yes, I mean that. The "hoof it" part was fun. You get set up with a guide (don't forget to tip the guide) who lets around a dozen goats out of the pen, and you walk with them on a 1.2 mile hike. It's mostly shaded (so shaded that we didn't wear sunscreen, and I don't tan, I scorch, and got NOTHING, so it's pretty shaded. There is poision ivy on the trail, so if you see leaves of three, let them be. The goats are quite affable, but listen to the guide. At the end before they approach the pens (which the goats will run towards) they let you feed the goats with carrots and you have to show the goats you don't have carrots in your hands (two hands up, open) or they will jump on you to get "your carrots." They stop several times. The pace is best described as "sedate" - you'll have a hard time breaking a sweat. Our advice, stick to the path, don't go off into the weeds. Some other things: Pack in, Pack out - they don't have trash cans, so what you bring in, you carry out. You will get a glass for each person who signs up for the wine event (which has the logo on it) as a momento. We got out a little late. The goats all have names, but you don't have to remember them. But you will. Little stinkers. Another tip: Once they get let out of the pen, they have a tendancy to "dump and run" so watch your step, or you'll get some fresh goat crap on your shoes or feet or LEG.

Found out about this out of the way brewery close to Lena. It certainly is worth getting to…read more Wishful Acres Farm was growing fruits and vegetables. After a while they chose to also brew beers. They use hops from the crops, it rhymes. Coming here the first time it was kind of confusing. It's a long way from anything else. The entrance to the farm looks like you're going to someone's house. A parking area is in front. This is basically just an open area on grass. A little walk to the structure that kind of looks like a white barn. Inside it's a lot bigger than it looks. Has a few rooms including a patio in the back. In front there's a few tables. A limited but great variety of beers. It's about $6 a pint. Best one we had of these was the Overcast. This is a Hefeweizen, which has banana and clove flavors and is classic stuff. It's about $1 for potato chips. There's also popcorn. Great place for hyper local beers. It's limited space making it not a place for a big group or parties, and there's a few snacks like popcorn. They're open Fridays, and weekends.

Very great service from this mom and pop brewery! The atmosphere was welcoming for sitting outside…read moreand ordering food with kids. Keep this place on the map and give them a visit.

We just moved nearby and found this VERY GOOD neighborhood butcher shop! We're very happy with the…read moreexcellent quality and cuts of their meat and plan to continue shopping here!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Nice variety of vacuum sealed quality meat products that are reasonably priced. Homemade brats and…read morehot dogs too. Fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Only open Fri and Sat.

You go to the farm and you pick your own strawberries. In all of my case studies, I've determined…read morethat food you pick yourself tastes better. A little bit of sweat equity yields better tasting fruit and veggies. Okay, in reality, it probably has a lot more to do picking the produce at the peak ripeness and then eaten in the following days instead of sitting on a truck to travel to your grocery store. These strawberries were amazingly delicious. I ate a whole bunch while I was picking because I was really thirsty and the strawberries were juicy. The picking part was easy, even though we visited near the end of strawberry-season (July 5), there were still plenty of good berries in the field. These berries are smaller than the ones you will buy in stores but everything they lack in size they make up for tenfold in flavor. I can't vouch for how long your berries will last because it didn't take long to eat most of them. We did freeze some but I would suggest forgoing washing them since I think they will fall apart. I thought the price was a little high ($1.50/pound) for picking your own berries, but I still plan on going back next year. This place is also a little difficult to find so I would suggest calling ahead for directions (and for their hours since I believe they change throughout the season). My personal method of looking at a map and directing my mother down random country roads ended up with me leading us down a very poorly maintained "road" and my mom thought I was going to break her car.

It wouldn't be autumn without a trip to Czipars Apple Orchard. The staff is friendly and helpful…read more The baked goods are great, and their Apple Cider donuts are to die for. I've bought pumpkins, squash, and apples from them over the years, and I've never been disappointed. Great place to stop when you are out leaf peeping. Nothing like a piece of toast in the morning with a spread of jam.

Awesome fresh apples, delicious jams, jelly's and marmalade! Plus more! Already planning a second…read moretrip to stay the weekend and get more!

This was a most lovely orchard experience from start to finish. I began with a visit inside the…read morefarm market, which had fresh apples; frozen applesauce and pies; chilled apple cider + cans of their alcoholic ciders; and merchandise + gifts. Make your way to the register, and you can purchase donuts and turnovers as well as your u-pick bags. I made my apple turnover ala mode, which was worthwhile, and savored it outside overlooking the orchard. So picturesque! After my apple treat, I was ready to pick and made my way to the orchard. Expect some hill climbing and pretty scenery between the apple trees and flower fields. I imagine the trek could be more challenging for families with young ones. Wilson's boasts 100 varieties of apples, one of the reasons I visited the orchard in the first place. At the end of September, I filled my bags with two varieties I had never heard of, which was fun. The rows were well-marked with the apples that were ready for picking as well as the name of the variety. More importantly, the apples were delicious. Overall, I'm very happy I spent a morning here, and I imagine just about anyone else will feel similarly.

Granted it was raining, so there were no outside activity. We expected to find fruits, vegetables,…read moreand other farm grown items. We only found a few apples. This place falls into the category of an overpriced gift shop and baked items that are just OK.

Stayed here over Memorial Day weekend for a local wedding, very nice, clean and quiet. Owner Jeff…read morewas very accommodating and actually helped me unload and load my car from my trailer as well as getting in to my camp site! He checks on you periodically to make sure your stay is going well! Top Notch!!

Jeff wrote us a lovely welcome note! Great place tucked away. Very peaceful. Will be back!!read more

I've visited Strawberry Hill Farm and Garden multiple times. The owners are always friendly and…read moreconstantly upgrading! I'm always delighted with the changes. This is a great family activity. My grandson really enjoyed the Hillbilly Golf. The animals are well cared for. I'll be going back again, too! That new baby donkey is cute as the dickens!