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December 2023 by Brooklyn Smith
My recent visit to Beak and Skiff was nothing short of a quintessential fall experience. From the moment we arrived, the aroma of freshly baked donuts and pies wafted through the air, signaling the start of a delightful adventure.The orchard offers a myriad of activities suitable for all ages. The hayrides provided a scenic tour of the picturesque surroundings, and the petting zoo added a touch of charm that delighted both kids and adults alike. It's the perfect destination for families seeking a fun-filled autumn day.The tasting room was a highlight, featuring an impressive array of house-made cocktails and ciders. Each sip was a journey through the orchard's bountiful harvest, with flavors that ranged from crisp and refreshing to delightfully spiced. The creativity and craftsmanship behind each liquor were evident, making the tasting experience both enjoyable and memorable.As for the freshly baked treats, the donuts were a true indulgence. Warm, flavorful, and made with the freshest ingredients, they added a sweet touch to our visit. The attention to detail in both the culinary offerings and the overall ambiance showcased the orchard's commitment to creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.Beak and Skiff is undoubtedly a fall paradise, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you're savoring freshly baked delights, enjoying hayrides, or exploring the petting zoo, this orchard provides the perfect backdrop for a day of seasonal fun. I highly recommend it as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of autumn.
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November 2023 by Destiny L.
Coming from New Mexico, I've definitely never seen apple picking anything like what you'll find here. I know it's definitely more of an East Coast tradition, but I'm hooked. I came with a friend on a trip where I was helping her move. We had some free time and this was top of the list on things to do. It was such a fun experience, and I would totally go back if I'm ever in the area again.There's truly no shortage of things to do including tasting the different spirits, trying about a million different treats, and, of course, going out into the orchard and picking your own apples. Everything was just so fun and also planned out very well. We came on a Friday so it wasn't super busy but it was still a good crowd. The staff was very friendly and we had so many great opportunities to take photos and just enjoy the experience.We visited in early October, so it wasn't super freezing just yet but still pretty cold. The warm apple cider was definitely the perfect treat for the morning. I also got to try an apple cider doughnut, which was really nice as well. I only wish that I had room for more bites including the apple crisp. That sounded so good.
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November 2023 by Dish D.
It was fun. I would go back for the apple picking and the poutine. Seems very touristy but for good reason
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November 2023 by Stephanie T.
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards campus has many attractions and definitely worth the stop. There is plenty of parking spaces on the grass and road. The campus has a cafe and bakery that sells burgers, hotdogs, fried pickles, apple cider donuts, and so much more. I purchased 1 apple cider donut and it was very good. The apple barn has cartons of fresh apples for purchase instead of picking your own from the trees.I spent some time at the 1911 tasting room. They have cider or spirits flights. I chose the cider flights and got a sample of the cider donut, original, candy corn, black cherry, and cranberry cider. The tray for the flight has the distinction of which one is which underneath the cups. It was $8.00 for the flight. My favorite of the ciders was the candy corn and black cherry. The tasting room has tables inside and outside. Since it was a really nice day, we sat outside and enjoyed seeing people on the hayrides pass by and the apple trees.The general store had a mix of items. There was fresh or hard cider, fudge, soaps, jams, and so much more.Also, there is a place for children called the Kids Treehouse. I enjoyed the hard ciders so much that I purchased a mix and match 4 pack cans for $12.95. I had such a great time at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and can't wait to come back here.
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October 2023 by Melissa Sieling
Nice place to visit with family and friends, suitable for intergenerational groups. Prices are high everywhere but the cafe and tavern restaurant. My poutine was served cold which was disappointing but everything else tasted great. It's nice to have so many things to see when the rain interrupts our outdoor activities . Apple picking today for empire only and the apples are exceptional.
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October 2023 by Marjorie Centore
Always loved the drive and view. Used to have ALOT of stuff in the store to look at. Used to be a nice orchard. Now too commercialized with their hard ciders and over priced spirits and cafe food. Very disappointed seeing how much it changed. And there's no free tasting anything like Google says...it's $8 for the 5 sips of cider and $12 for even tinier sips of spirits which I didn't get. Didn't get the autumn apple picking vibe I was going for.... I used to love that place. I'm giving it a ?
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October 2023 by William Ho
It's a fun place to have a family outing, but it's important to check the weather forecast. Mostly outdoor activities, but there is cider tasting indoors. You can take a short tractor ride to the apple orchard to pick apples. The apples that you pick are weighed when you get back, and you pay a very reasonable US$1.60 per lb for the apples picked. There is a cafe on site, and they sell warm cider and yummy apple cider doughnuts and also comfort food. It's a relaxing day at the Apple & Skiff Hill Apple Orchard. There is ample parking available.
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October 2023 by A. LeDuc
A lot for kids to do, extremely expensive food 12$ for 1 cheeseburger nothing more, 15$ for a dozen of donuts 4$ for a chocolate milk, horses over worked for 10$ kid rides one foaming at the mouth due to thirst, one trying to eat anything it could from the ground and not wanting to be road anymore but they kept pushing and pulling to make that extra buck. Only can pick what they have on the board. People rude about taking pictures off the 4 rows that were only allowed to be picked in, we weren’t picking just taking family photos. Bathrooms absolutely disgusting. Definitely will stick to Critz farms for our future family picking events.
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October 2023 by Rohit R
Beautiful grounds and so much to do. Enjoyed a glass of hard cider, came home with an apple pie, wine and some fresh apples.
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October 2023 by Ryann
Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus! A place that holds a special place in my heart. As I walked through the orchards of this enchanting establishment, memories of my own encounters with apple trees flooded my mind. A truly magical experience, indeed.From the moment I set foot in the 1911 Tasting Room, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The knowledgeable staff, with their passion for all things apple, made me feel right at home. They guided me through a delightful journey of flavors, offering a wide array of delicious apple-based beverages.I must say, the craftsmanship that goes into each creation is truly worthy of admiration. Whether it's their crisp and refreshing ciders or their unique and flavorsome spirits, there is no doubt that Beak & Skiff's attention to detail is unmatched. Each sip transported me to a different realm of taste, leaving me longing for more.The ambiance of the tasting room is simply spectacular. The rustic decor, combined with nods to the area's rich history, creates an atmosphere that is both charming and intriguing. It's hard not to feel a sense of wonder as you sip on your chosen beverage, surrounded by the tales of the past.To top it all off, the view from the Apple Hill Campus is simply breathtaking. The rolling hills, spread with countless apple trees, paint a picturesque scene that is straight out of a storybook. It's the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to soak in the beauty of nature.In summary, Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus and their 1911 Tasting Room offer an experience like no other. From the moment you step foot in this magical place, you'll be whisked away on a journey of flavors, history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. As for me, I shall forever cherish the memories I made in this marvelous establishment. A definite five-star experience!
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October 2023 by Catie F.
We had a great time at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards last week. We went during the time to pick Cortlands. There was a massive amount of cars as we entered the mountaintop orchard. There was actually police directing parking. The entrance moved smoothly and we were walking to the main buildings within 5 minutes.Upon seeing the main buildings we were overwhelmed with fall joy. There were apples everywhere, the smell of baked apples in the air, the sight of changing leaves, and the sound of lots of kids playing. (This is a VERY family-friendly place). We went to pick apples first. You must take the tractor ride out to the orchards for picking, you are not allowed to walk out on your own. You are then driven around the orchard. Different groups stop at different spots to make sure one section isn't over-picked. They give you quick directions as you hop off the tracker and grab a plastic bag. You can fill it with however many apples you'd like as long as they fit. You then find a seat at any wooden bench to get picked up by the tractor again. The tractor lets you off and you weigh/pay your apples before leaving. We spent under $18 for a full bag of Cortlands that lasted a week or so. They were delicious! We also enjoyed the apple cider and the apple cider donuts. They have so many other unique treats, drinks, and activities. It was a bit crowded, but worth it for what we left with!
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October 2023 by Emily Gopear
From a customer experience really great place. From an ex employee, DO NOT EAT THERE! I have seen the managers save and serve food that is 1.5 months old. I think bakery food is fine but the food from the cafe I would not eat. I would say about 75% of their food come from a can or bag. And it’s honestly not that good. I wish I knew how to get ahold of the owners and tell them what goes on in the kitchen.
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September 2023 by Christine D.
This is one of our favorite places under the sun! My 3 year old loves venturing out to the orchards via the wagon ride to pick a couple of apples, we are close enough that we can come weekly to see what the new apple of the week is (so far honey crisp is our favorite!). The kids play area is wonderful with the giant dual slide, my daughter would willingly spend hours playing here with a bunch of other kids her age. We haven't had anything from the cafe besides some donuts, but the food looks delicious. The ciders are amazing as well as the apple wine. The view is spectacular, and on the weekends there is a small petting zoo and occasionally a pony ride area. Everyone here has always been incredibly friendly. I could go on and on about my love for beak & skiff. It's truly a beautiful place for an enjoyable day! Please note that the wagon rides end at 5pm if you're coming from afar :)
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September 2023 by Tim K.
I always loved coming here and taking my family to pick apples and walk around what was once a small, family, friendly, apple, picking experience.As time has gone on, I've watched this facility, expand its reach and grow its offerings to where it is today, far beyond, just a place to pick apples.I can appreciate how they've grown this orchard into the establishment it is today. However, I miss the quaintness and "non-corporate" vibe that once charmed this hilltop. My favorite apple has always been the Jona Mac. They were in season so it was time to make a trip. At the barn where you can pick apples from large crates sat the Jona Macs, and three other varieties. I wanted to try the Paula reds, but felt a little awkward asking the folks behind the counter if it was OK to sample one. Though they gave me the greenlight, I just didn't feel that welcomed as in days gone by. The Jonah Macs were small, bitey and a bit tart which is how I love apples. The Paula reds are fast becoming my favorite because they are a little juicier, but just as Bitey as the Jonah Macs. .On the way out you can't not stop at the bakery and get yourself an apple pie. The girl behind the counter was very friendly and thanked me for the purchase. When I got the pie back to the house, I couldn't dive into it fast enough, but was quickly disappointed that the pie was quite cold and though I warmed it up, it was not the quality it used to be. Perhaps they made this pie many days ago as it lacked freshness. It's a nice sized pie, the apples were very good, but the flaky crust that once made the pie so special seem to have gone.
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August 2023 by John
A very fun place to go in the local area and one of the best orchards. Recently however due to its growth and popularity sacrifices were made to the overall quality of the site. These include long lines and poor quality on some of their baked products. Overall still a very fun place to go but make sure to try and avoid busy times and days as the amount of people flocking to the orchard can be overwhelming.
