-- A perfect WNY fall tradition! Smith's Orchard Cider Mill A trip to Western New York just isn't complete without an apple-picking adventure, and my sister found a winner with Smith's Orchard Cider Mill! We went on a warm October Sunday, and while the parking lot was full, we managed to find a spot halfway down and got right into the fun. The friendly staff gave us quick instructions, handed each of us a bag, and said the magic words -- "Pick as many as you want; what you pick is yours!" Challenge accepted. Rows were clearly marked by variety, and while the first few trees looked pretty bare, a little exploring led us to a goldmine of apples -- perfect for filling our bags and taking some great pictures. My sister never hesitates to find someone to snap a photo, and with the sun shining through the orchard, it made for fantastic memories with my brother and sister. We wrapped up by waiting a few minutes to check out, but that gave us time to enjoy a cold glass of their fresh apple cider -- nothing beats that crisp WNY flavor on a Sunday morning! An absolutely perfect start to the day and a stop we'll no doubt revisit next year. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, relaxed fall outing! read more

See all

This was a little bit of a hike to get here from where we live, but well worth the trip. We planned a little work bonding trip and brought our families. Note: when you put the location in maps, depending where you're coming from, it might take you to the front of the orchard, the parking lot is on the side, its grass parking and then a gravel walkway. (Please prepare accordingly). If there's no parking, I've seen people park on the street, and walk. This place is pretty hopping. We arrived at 11am and the cider/donut/checkout line did not die down. Since this was the second weekend of the season, only a handful of flavors were available: McIntosh, cortland, and daybreak Fuji. For those looking to bake: the daybreak Fuji are the best of the three as it won't reduce to mush, but the other two are great for applesauce etc. I made an apple crisp with a mix of the daybreak Fuji and the cortland, it turned out really solid. They have portapotties here and a sink to wash your hands. They do provide plastic bags for apple picking, and their cider mill dog; Cider; is "guarding" the bags. No really, she just wants to be petted and give her attention, she's insanely friendly. They do have pumpkins here for 5$ each. I didn't get one because it was too early for me and the deer would've just ate it off my lawn. You can bring your own bags to pick apples since you purchase by the weight. If you're planning to get a lot of apples, the reusable grocery bags are solid. We met at the picnic tables by the front and then walked over to the orchards to start picking apples. The apples that are not ready, are tapered off with colored plastic string rope. Each row of trees is labelled with what type they are for easy identification. We all split up and started picking apples, no rhythm or reason to it, just happily picking. Very friendly for kids to pick too as some apples hang lower. It was a very chill day and event full of happy. Post-overloading our bags with apples, we went back to the entrance where the cider/donut/checkout line did not die down. It kept moving but kept growing. We waited about 15minutes to purchase donuts slushies and pay for our apples. There are Concord grapes for purchase up front, and gallons of cider. I got six donuts and a cider slushie, a bag of Concord grapes and we had two heaping bags of apples, and we paid I believe 50$ ish for everything. Granted my bag of apples was like 20$ for how much it weighed. We used about 20-25 apples Saturday for cooking/baking/juicing, and we still have another heaping bag left. Probably going to make some sort of bread and maybe a pie. Anyway. The cider slushie is so good and refreshing, I wish I had ordered two up front because that line did not die down. They had so many folks working the counter though that it kept moving which shows you how much traffic the place was receiving. But also to show you to appreciate the business and the work that goes into every weekend event. The cinnamon sugar fry cake donuts I ordered six, ate three there, and three on way home/at home. They were piping hot when we got them, so insanely fresh. Delicious. It was a really fun afternoon of at your leisure bonding. read more

See all

While there are definitely personal opinions in this review, like in ALL reviews, there are NO EXAGGERATED CLAIMS. There were barely any apples to be picked, there was a dog that lived on the premise that almost bit my baby, I had a soggy donut, and I had a horrible time. A rebuttal from the owner like this tells me a lot about an establishment, this blatant refusal to apologize tells me that you're NOT interested in the customer's experience. read more

I went after apple picking season so all of the apples were in bins already. The apples were still delicious. I also got the donuts and cider. Both excellent as well. Very reasonable prices. A half gallon of cider, 2 donuts, a bag of apples, and a hot cider turned out to $13. Very cute little place I will definitely be going back to next season! read more

Reasonably priced! Friendly staff! Donuts were yummy! The family golden retriever lounging around really tied it all together. Super cute and lots of fun, will be back next year! read more

See all

First time apple picking and this was a great place! Easy to get to and park. Easy going and friendly staff. We got to meander through the orchard to find our chosen apples. We picked a few (crispin apples) and got ourselves an apple cider slush and apple cider donut. The was experience was good, the apples, slush and donut were all tasty. read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

The apples were already picked for the season when we went, but my Young Black Professionals of WNY Meetup group had a great time enjoying delicious cider (hot and cold options), cider donuts, and watching the apples get pressed. Bought a gallon of cider to go ($6.50) and a 1/2 dozen of cider donuts ($1 each) for the road and most didn't even make it home, haha. read more

See all

Now THIS is an ideal apple picking experience! My boyfriend and I decided to go here for our annual apple picking outing, since our usual spot raised their entry ticket costs by a huge margin. Smith's doesn't charge an entry fee or for parking, which are huge bonuses in my book. They offer a no-frills sort of experience, but honestly, I loved it. Get your apple picking bags up front and walk right over to the orchard! When we went, there were 3 varieties of apples available to be picked. After you pick your apples, you jump in line at the weighing station where you can also purchase apple cider, cider slushies, and donuts. In total, we spent $11 on our apples, a cup of cold cider, and a donut. Such good pricing! And the donut and cider were delicious, too. I would highly recommend Smith's over other more popular apple orchards in the area. Not only are the prices extremely affordable (especially for families), it wasn't crowded and there were plenty of apples to be picked. We'll definitely come back next year! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

We visited Smiths the morning they opened. They were very busy but they handled the crowd well. We were not there to pick apples, but to enjoy the cider slushies and apple cider doughnuts. They were very good. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit at an enjoy your treats. read more

This is our #1 go-to place for apples, cider, and cider donuts. We believe it's the best in WNY.

the owner treats his employees poorly and their cider gave my whole family food poisoning i would not recommend going here for anything and there are better apple picking places in ransomville and better cider in sanborn read more

I wanted to check out this cider mill for awhile now . When we arrived, we discovered this family establishment was quite small . Ordered 1/2 gallon cider and a few cider donuts. ($1 a piece) The cinnamon sugar donut was fresh and delicious and perfect in size , highly recommended. The cider was pretty good too , similar tasting to Mayer brothers in Buffalo. I would try a cider slushee and another one of those donuts if I was in the area again. read more

See all

Yes, yes many places make apple cider donuts in WNY. Smith's orchard just happens to make them BETTER than most! You can also go apple picking here and they take cards. read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Open air store - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...but hardly the crowds! It's a busy Saturday afternoon, not that you can avoid it. This place only has weekend hours, so prepare to be surrounded by people. You'll also meet your fair share of bees, hype to get a taste of your fresh cider. We skipped the popular slushies in favor of heading straight for the field after grabbing a plastic bag from the informative greeter, who gave us directions we ultimately forgot. It's alright, as the aisles are labeled with the variety names. They had your choice of four, of which we chose three (not falling for the false advertising of the name red delicious). I headed towards the back, away from the bustle of pickers halting to have convos and photo ops, to find the perfect apple. The trees were fuller there. Still, there were tripping hazards about, having fallen from the tree. Or so I thought, until I heard a distraught father ask his kid "why are you picking them and placing them on the ground?" In areas there is slush on the ground that will have you eating dirt if you aren't careful. Which you aren't there for. You're there for apples, obviously. My mate and I took bets on the weight of our bag. For ten normal apples, and one rabbit sized snack of an apple, it came in at four pounds, for 5 dollars. A buck twenty five a pound is better than a lot of supermarket deals, especially considering you get to get time in the sun, and wind, and don't have to worry about any hidden defects. The wait to weight is long, I'll admit, as it took us 13 minutes to get to the cashier. Call it an unlucky number, but as someone who couldn't even wait until they drove away to sample the goods (let's blame it on wanting to have an accurate review, eh?), I'm thinking this place operates in your favor. read more

See all

An absolutely lovely family-owned orchard! This orchard is run by a wonderful and friendly family who continually checked in on their guests and visiting is a perfect Fall activity for everyone. This was my first time going apple picking and I had so much fun! The homemade Apple Cider Slushy and Apple Cider Donuts were absolutely delicious!! Plus, the apples that I picked were wonderful in a homemade apple crisp. I can't wait to go back next year!! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Apple Cider Donut - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

I really loved this place and I never knew they existed despite my grandma living literally around the corner all of my life. Their prices were exceptional with places like Becker Farms quite literally pricing me out of visiting. They have apple picking with loads of delicious beautiful apples at an astonishing 1 dollar per pound! They have delicious apple cider donuts, slushes, hot and cold cider, and nice places to sit and enjoy a fall experience. I really enjoyed my time here and I look forward to making this a new fall tradition for many years to come! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

This review will be short and to the point. There's not much to talk about. If you're ever in the area or plan on being there, make sure you and the family end up here because it amazing. Great family atmosphere with a beautiful setting. Such a fun experience. You can pick apples for the afternoon and the kids and family will love it. Its a perfect setting for pictures. After you're done picking, just run over to the register and buy yourself a few "cider donuts" and you'll be in business. They're fluffy, delicious and one of a kind. At the price of a dollar each they're giving them away. So worth the drive. Then, make sure you have a cold, fresh cup of the "cider". Trust me, it will make your afternoon. My family and I loved it from beginning to end. It was a great overall experience and so worth the distance we traveled to get there. So if you're ever in the Buffalo, NY area, make the drive. It will be a memorable afternoon for you and the family. read more

See all

My favorite fall go-to for apple cider and donuts! It's always super packed when I go, but it's worth it! There's a small parking lot behind the main building, but most of the time I have to park on the side of the road. The lines usually go fast though and most of the time there's a "cider and donut only" line which makes it go by faster. If you're in the area, definite stop by. It's worth it! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Donuts - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

First time here and it was very beautiful and cute spot for apple picking. The donut and hot cider was to die for. Wanted to go again but there was no time but definitely would return!! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Apple tree - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

This place is on my must-go list every fall, thanks to the cider slushees. They're outstanding! I always grab a gallon of cider and freeze a bunch of it in ice cube trays so I can recreate the slushee at home (yes, I'm that obsessed)! This time, I also grabbed a couple donuts, but haven't tried them yet so I can't comment. Will update--or, just see the other reviews. I didn't get any apples this year because I was just gifted a bushel of them from friends who live near an orchard, but I've bought from here in previous years and never had any complaints. I've never picked apples here, or any other orchard. Having grown up with apple trees in my yard, picking my own apples has lost its ap-peel (get it?!) But if you want that experience, go for it. Just make sure to stop before you leave for a cider slushee and more to freeze at home - or just drink it like normal, that works, too! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Apple slushy - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

Can't say enough about this wonderful family operation. I came across this establishment while googling to find an orchard for some friends and I to do some apple picking at in mid October. We were hoping to avoid some of the commercialism of other orchards and find something closer, and boy were we pleased with the result. Smith's Orchard was a pleasant experience from the moment we got there to the moment we left, which was quite a bit later despite not having all the gimicky play houses and farm animals. It started with the friendly staff that was helpful and friendly. We were given the lowdown on how u-pick works here, you pay per pound (0.84 I believe) which I also liked. At some places you pay per bag so you feel the need to make sure it is completely full, this way you can take as much as you'd like, and you'd pay proportionately. The Orchard was right next to the barn where we got our bags which was very convenient and the best part was every single apple we found on the trees seemed wonderful and blemish free. I go apple picking nearly once a year and typically I turn the apples around before picking them because understandably some have worm holes or other blemishes. I've never been mad about it because I understand nature, but that's why it made it even cooler that with 4 adults and some small kids we didn't find any on the trees that we didn't want to take. After we picked our apples we went to pay and decided to get some donuts and cider slushies as well. I bought two donuts and two cider slushies and the total came to $5. I couldn't believe it! I expected the slushies to be maybe $5 each but was pleasantly surprised to find they were $1.50 for a 16 ounce apple cider slushy, and besides the brain freeze they caused they were delicious. They also had theses awesome picnic benches out front for us to enjoy the slushies and donuts on. We stayed for quite a while just talking and enjoying our food. They had a golden retriever dog that hung around and our friends kids played with. The owner came around and chatted with people asking us about our experience. It was really a great day. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to pick some apples, enjoy some cider slushies and really just have a great fall afternoon. read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Our friend's daughter and the orchard's resident dog - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

Depressing! Hardly any U-Pick apples left! Should not be open for U-Pick if there isn't anything to pick! Apples left in the bins aren't even from there orchard! The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is for the apple cider donuts and the cute dog named cider. read more

I would be lying if I said I don't come here multiple times a year during the season of cider. This place is so wonderful. The apple picking is fun and my family enjoys it. The donuts, cider and apple slushees are all amazing. Just a great thing to do on an autumn afternoon... unless your like me and show up just to get a dozen warm donuts and inhale them before you get home so you don't have to share with your children who've been home all day virtual learning. In that case it's good for you too! Enjoy and see you there! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - A box of heaven aka cider donuts. - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

Made a quick visit when my husbands job had us in Buffalo and had a Blast! The staff is super friendly and helpful! The apples, donuts & cider slushes are amazing! We had soooo much fun! Would highly recommend making a trip if you are in the area read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Reaching high to get a "good one" - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

Took a trip to this apple orchard with my family. It was very busy, there were a decent amount of apple trees to pick from. Even though a lot of the trees had already dropped their apples in the ground around them. There honestly might have been more apples on the ground around the apples then on the trees. When you first go in, you should get a bag which you will later have to wait in a line to get weighted to see how many pounds of apples you picked. They charge $1 per pound, which isn't that bad at all. They also offer cider doughnuts, cider slushies and hot or cold apple cider. The best tip I have is if you have apples to weight use that line to weight your apples and get your apple treats too, it will be a lot quicker then waiting in the separate line just for apple treats. read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

Amazing apple orchard! They still have apples on the trees. Their apple cider donuts and slushes were AMAZING. We got two dozens of donuts and tons of apples. Will definitely stop by next fall for more apple picking. read more

See all

I've been going here for years. I remember when it was just a little stand and now it's grown into a big place where you can sit down and everything. There's apple picking, cider, cider donuts, cider slushies (my fave) and apples to go. Everything is super fresh and they're really friendly here. They have tables now and if you're lucky you'll meet doggo Cider, a golden retriever who is seriously living the best doggo life ever. She's so friendly and will come up right up to you for pets and say hello. It's definitely worth the drive out here. They open back up in the middle of September. Can't wait! read more

Great spot to go apple picking in the fall. There is apple picking, fresh cider, cider slushees, hot cider and apple cider donuts. Lots of picnic tables to sit at and plenty of parking. You can also watch them make the apple cider! read more

Popular for a reason! Delicious apple cider and apples and chewy, spicy cider donuts. Worth a drive to Lockport. read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Look at those flecks of spice! - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

If you're looking for a smaller site for apple picking that's not going to cost a lot, this is the place! Free parking, lots of apples still on the trees and the most delicious cider doughnuts I've ever had! The doughnuts were still hot when I got them and it pairs perfectly with a cider slushie. Everyone was very friendly, the prices were much more reasonable then all the other overcrowded and money hungry places. A man who I think may have been the owner was driving around on a tractor helping you identify the apples and giving recommendations on which were the best ones to take. I will definitely be going here every year! read more

Great multi-generational experience. I had so much fun with my children and grandkids. They were so friendly. Line for checkout was long, so they brought out a mobile checkout! Will definitely return next year. read more

On my last cross border shopping trip to Buffalo in October, I stopped at Smith's and left with a bushel of Empire Apples and a couple of Gallon jugs of cider. After I got back home to Toronto, and tried the cider, I wished I had bought more. Best. Cider. Ever. Sweet, but not too sweet, and full of flavour, not at all watery like some ciders. The apples were great too. Did I mention the incredible prices? Incredible deals on full and part bushels, and the option to pick your own. Yes, we have apples and cider in Canada, but Smith's was the best I have ever tasted and I plan another trip in the fall to stock up on apples and cider. Didn't try the frozen cider slush but there was a lineup out the door for it, so it must be good and I will definitely give it a try next trip. Suzy Q's, Wegman's, Trader Joe's, Paula's Donuts and now Smith's Orchard... they all make the trip to Buffalo worthwhile! read more

Such a nice and cute orchard! Good prices for apples, donuts, etc. Definitely try the apple cider slushee, it's very good. The staff are friendly and helpful and there's some nice seating to plop down and eat an apple cider donut! read more

Smith's Orchard Cider Mill - Pick Your Own Farms Near Me - Lockport, New York

See all

Perfect family farm, with pleasant staff, and great prices! We walked in and were immediately greeted by staff who explained the pricing ($.75/lbs) and where we could find all types of apples! We set out for the empire apples and started filling our bags! We roamed around and made friends with the family puppy, before getting our hands on some fresh cider, and local honey. We spent less than $20 and had a perfect afternoon at this beautiful farm. Used half the apples for homemade apple crisp, could not be more farm fresh! Would absolutely recommend and we will be back soon! read more

See all

Smith's is the perfect fall outing. Our 2 year old loved being able to run around and pick apples. The fresh donuts and apple slushies are super delicious. They also have apple cider pressing demonstrations which was cool to watch. The owner and staff are wonderful. read more

A group of us that spent quite a bit, were treated very poorly by what we assumed to be the owner. Apparently you cannot use the cider slushee straws when you buy a slushee or help yourselves to an available clear plastic bag when you have purchased 15 lbs of apples breaking out of a grocery bag. ("Those are sixty cents each!") Will not be back! Advise you to go elsewhere. read more

Went today for apple cider slushies and donuts. I love this place! It's a no frills place to enjoy fresh cider and hot donuts without all the commercialized hoopla. While apple picking was done for the year in his orchard, he had bins of freshly picked apples for an amazing price of 1.00/pound! The owner was super thankful and polite. Came over and talked with us for about 20 minutes. As an added bonus, their super friendly dog Cider roams around looking for pets and of course warm donuts. read more

What an amazing field trip experience we had! On October 25th 2019 the Grand Island High Skills Life Skills class and their peer buddies went on a field trip! We showed up on that big yellow bus with 25 individuals. Upon arriving we were warmly greeted by the staff! The first thing we received was a tour of the refrigerator where apples are stored, in the cooler we had a taste of a snap dragon apple. We then proceeded to where the apples are pressed for apple cider, at this point we were able to taste the delicious cider. We followed the owner into the fields where we learned about how apple trees grow and are manicured. We were able to walk the field and pick apples. After picking each staff member and student received a delicious warm donut and a cider beverage. One of our students was celebrating his birthday, he was given a donut for each year of birth and a gallon of cider! He made this students day extremely special! I can't wait til we can do this again! What a fabulous fall field trip!! I highly recommend Smith's orchard! read more

Flew up to Buffalo for a pie making session with my aunt and uncle... stopped by Smith's for some apples and purchased half a bushel of Crispins and Empires for $7! The frozen apple cider was delish, but it was a bit cold for an icy drink. read more

Took a school field trip here. The owner is super knowledgeable and taught us a lot about growing apples and making cider. Then we had cider donuts and cider slushees - best ever! Can't recommend this place highly enough! read more