I was looking for a quieter orchard tucked away from the crowds (and yes, I realize that such a…read morething at the height of the season is nonexistent) but Carver Hill actually fit the bill. From Boston, it's a scenic drive out to Stow. I couldn't stop gushing over the foliage on the way there - I've turned into a total leaf peeper. Carver Hill is absolutely stunning in the fall, definitely worth a trip. Pleasantly surprised to find the lot half-empty when we arrived on the later side of a Saturday but then it filled up by the time we left around 3. To your right, as soon as you drive in, you'll see an area with pumpkins and the farm store - this is also where you get PYO fruit/veggies if you're paying with credit. If you have cash on hand, you can pay for a bag at the little stand right in front of the orchard. A peck (the smaller bag) was $25. I was a little skeptical at the size but it's a good deal if you really pack your apples in there. From there, the apple orchard. Not the biggest I've been to and the selection was understandably limited. We missed the sign to download the QR code for a map of the orchard and so had to rely on a photo of a thin pole with all the names/colors wrapped around it. Don't forget to stop at the store before you leave. I grabbed some pumpkin pie, jam, and an apple cider donut - they also have apple cider slushies and multiple flavors of ice cream. The donut was THE BEST, made fresh, almost falling apart, thick and generous coating of cinnamon and sugar (also tasted nutmeg and allspice in the coating). Absolutely worth waiting in the line for, but make sure to pay first and get a little yellow receipt/tag from the register before you get in line for the donuts.

I came to Carver Hill Orchards on a Sunday and there weren't too many people there. I've heard some…read moreof the nearby orchards like Honey Pot are much busier. A lot of the apple types weren't available, but the ones they had were great! The store on site was very cute and reminded me of Vermont. The apple cider donuts were delicious, but the apple cider was served cold.

5 stars for the peach pizza alone. We sat outside in the open back yard area of the Carlson orchard…read morebrewery/restaurant. There was an open lawn and games like corn hole for waiting customers to play with. We were helped almost immediately by the servers which was great since we had our two active toddlers with us. We ordered the peach pizza and fries. Both were delicious and were brought to us in under 10 mins after ordering. We met another family with kids due to the open seating. Our bill was brought to us right away and we were helped frequently through lunch. What more can you ask for?! Oh good music, they had that too :)

First time at Carlson Orchards this fall for apple picking! They have a variety of apples and the…read moreplace is huge. We got there a little later so a lot of apples were gone. Apples are actually good tho. It is definitely packed but the crowd dispersed well in the field. Their cider donuts are soooo good especially when eaten hot. I also got their cider and hard cider to-go and they were GREAT. My friend and I got in line for their hard cider flights and food but the wait was soo long so we decided to turn back. Overall, a cute fall activity for friends and family and good cider!

I decided to take a short drive towards Bolton to see the fall colors and visit this farmstand…read morebefore they close for the season (reopening next summer). As they are famous for their peaches and apples at the local farmer's market, I really wanted to see the orchard itself as well as have an in-depth chat with one of the owners, Alan, who I got to know when purchasing their amazing produce. They have a really cute farm stand with lots of pumpkins and apples around this time of the year. You also have the option on going apple picking in the orchard and see how the different apples are grown. Alan, who usually doesn't take people on a tour around the orchard, showed me around and explained all their operations throughout the year. It was really eye opening to the farming industry around this region (compared to California where it never stops). Picked up some apples and cider, enjoyed the fall colors before driving through the back route where you can see the Boston skyline from quite a distance. Definitely recommend the non-touristy experience here.

If you are looking for a good old fashion Apple picking, this is your place! 3 different bag sizes…read moreand prices. They also have peach, plum and pear trees too! Staff is super friendly! There is no fancy donuts or anything like that here, just apple picking with some tables around the property to stop for a water break or maybe a snack.

A jewel of nature, with Elena, the nicest person ever. Elena represents nature at best, and the…read morecrops just reflect her love to nature. The flowers we picked were beautiful and fresh, all organic, and filled our house with joy and love. We'll be back in August when there will be more to pick, and to support this place. Loved it!

The farm is a great place to pick up some fresh produce and the PYO seasonal flowers offering is…read morefun and affordable. Staff is very welcoming and helpful and they've been able to adapt well during Covid.

Most underwhelming experience I've had at an apple orchard. I came here on a weekend in early…read moreNovember because they were offering half-price apple picking. I got a small bag for $12.50 which was a great deal. I had no problem with parking. I got a good amount of apples, although I wish the signs for the types of apples were clearer. The main reason my rating isn't higher is due to the policing near the exit. I've been through security at concert venues that were less scrutinizing. When I was leaving, an employee was near the entrance was inspecting the wagon of a family with multiple bags. I didn't hear the entire conversation but I did hear the employee lecturing them about not overfilling the bags. The employee also said to not reuse the bags (something that could be prevented if they wrote the dates on the bags as other orchards do) and understandably the family said they wouldn't come back. Even though I wasn't the target of the apple police, it created an uncomfortable atmosphere. The best part of my visit was the cider donuts. The farm store was disappointingly small with mainly apples and cider available for purchase. Considering the plethora of options for apple picking in MA, I don't plan to return here.

Lovely experience Apple picking at Honey Pot Hill Orchards this last week…read more Service was great all around despite over an hour wait for the cider donuts (which were most definitely worth the wait). Apples were extremely tasty with great variety and plenty of ladders for picking. My only fret was that the signage at times was not the most clear. And the best part: the ambiance of it all. Perfect cool day in Mass with all the Fall colors and families having a great time... it was such a positive atmosphere. Would totally go again.

Westward Orchards used to be a quaint summer stop that became a traditional place to visit once a…read moreyear. It used to be a humble, neighborly and affordable place with kind service. The brands have changed. The orchards are overgrown and covered in poison ivy with no landscaping to protect patrons, not even warnings. They no longer prepare ordered sandwiches fresh or pastries and soups. Instead just throw together a couple premade soggy sandwiches. Who makes a turkey and ham with a piece of lettuce sandwich and charges $8? I don't know if management changed, but the delightful and welcoming service is now void. I felt as if I was a bother and got the drift I wasn't at all welcomed with underlying tones of "ok get what you see and get out." I miss the kind ladies from 15-20 years ago who treated you like old friends. I had driven about 20 miles, excited to visit this old orchard I adored for years as a summer day escape to refresh. I left feeling heavily disappointed, turned away and realizing the age of kind service, pleasant and genuine "how do you do's" are a thing of the past. The sadness leaving was palpable. I really used to love this place. I could tell the staff just wanted to do the least and clock out. It left a very poor taste in my mouth. Dare I say a broken heart. The soul is gone. I ask that I don't receive a response from ownership because it will just hurt more.

A local treasure in Harvard! The best local apples and doughnuts!…read more I can't believe the sourpusses complaining about the orchards, get over yourselves people! I have never had a problem walking in the orchards - EVER!

I can't rate their pick-your-own orchard business, but the experience at the store was very nice…read more Lots of apples of multiple varieties (but mostly Macs) at really low prices, cheap veggies (like corn and squash), and many pumpkins. They also have cider donuts. The place is really cute, but most of all I can't believe I got so many apples for $2.50! Seriously, a huge bag of "seconds" for under $3. A regular big bag was only $5. WOW. Also, you can sample the varieties at the cash register. I loved the Gravenstein apple I had. Looking forward to making a delicious pie with it. Will definitely be back.

I've made this a must-stop for stocking up on apples, squash, and maybe a pumpkin or two. Like…read moremany of the local orchards, they grow and sell some varieties you won't find elsewhere. Always very friendly service. A gem. Right in downtown Stow.

What a cute ranch!!! They offer free tours (you can select timed tours online or walk into the shop…read moreto rsvp in person). There are so many alpacas! The ranch separated the males and females. Alpacas shearing happened already (spring) so if you want to see them with full fur, staff told us to return in Nov. They are still cute :) Tour runs 45 mins long and we get to feed and pet them. I am so bad with names but I know one is called Summer. Two pregnant mamas and one baby on the ranch! On the way out, please put a donation in the jar or make a purchase at the store. Plenty of cute socks, sweater, etc. Please note that you will smell alpaca spit (or musty odor) when you enter the shop/ranch and even after you depart. Don't wear fancy clothes.

The owner of the ranch is such a genuine, friendly, and caring individual. She shared her story…read morewith us during the tour and you can really tell how passionate she is about this establishment and the alpacas. Most of the alpacas were friendly and you can clearly see how happy and well taken care of they are. I love visiting places where they care for their animals and treat them like family. Definitely a must visit if you're in the area. They do free 1 hour long tours, but donations are welcome. Make sure to make a reservation so they know you're coming.

Small, friendly, and super fresh DELICIOUS just-picked produce that is (not certified, and yet to…read moreme) organic. Everything we get there when we visit once a year is amazing. Carrots, squash, cabbage, garlic, potatoes....... The way food should taste. Charming and quaint, crass it ain't.

This is a smaller garden center but with some harder to find plants like stevia and lisinathus…read more Prices are slightly higher than average compared to other places I go, but not bad for the town it is in. This is not close to a major highway so it does not crowded and you never have to wait long on line. It is not a destination business, but worth stopping at if you are in the area.