Edwards Apple Orchard

The best apples we ever had!!!! That's one of the places we miss the most, since we moved from Rockford. Its been 5 long years. Cant wait to go back for those donuts and the apple cyder. Its a great place to spend your weekend with the family.If you like apples and don't mind spending a few extra dollars. You will go back.year after year. It is well worth it!

Posted 10/15/09 | Report Abuse

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A friend and I drove up from Chicago to go to this orchard and were extremely disappointed. Everything was very commercial, with long lines everywhere and no indication of where things were located. We were hoping to to pick apples, but decided to try a different orchard next weekend instead because Edwards was so expensive. The apples looked great, but we couldn't justify spending $35 on one basket.

Posted 10/12/09 | Report Abuse

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Apples you can eat right off the tree! Good quality apples and a very clean and well maintained orchard. The hot apple pie w/ice cream is very good. The apple donuts are yummy!

Posted 10/07/09 | Report Abuse

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Our family LOVES Edwards. We started coming 21 years ago when our youngest was 3 yrs old. This year will be our grandson's 3rd visit. It is one of our favorite family traditions. We still have our very old bushel basket that we take every year to pick apples. Can't wait to go next weekend.

Posted 10/06/09 | Report Abuse

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Is Edwards Handicap accesible? I have mobility issues and walk with a cane but would prob need a wheelchair for a venue like this. I have seen other orchards and farms that are handicap accessible but they are a lil further out.

Posted 10/04/09 | Report Abuse

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My family and I have been going to edwards since it was opened. I now have my own family and take them there every october. the cider doughnuts are to die for. if you dont go your missing out on a great experience. Edwards apple orchard will be your new family tradition. I

Posted 10/03/09 | Report Abuse

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I've been going to Edwards Apple Orchard since I was very, very little! We would always go every October! We haven't been in 7 years! but are going next Saturday!!! We used to love the pony rides - but we're all too big now! We also love the tractor ride out to the orchards, the cider and the donuts! We're excited to see what it looks like now after so many years and after the tragedy! This is a wonderful family tradition that we're bringing back! :)

Posted 10/02/09 | Report Abuse

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I Love going out to the apple orchard, especially when the Honey Crisp apples are in season. I, too, wish they would post the hours and the apples that are in season. I called today and found the hours and decided to post them for everyone. They are open 7 days a week...9am-6pm daily.

Posted 09/28/09 | Report Abuse

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My family and I have been going to Edwards Apple Orchard for over 30 years It's been an annual trip since since we were a family of four and now we are a family of 15! It's a great fall experience. They did an awesome job of rebuilding after the tornado which made the hearts of so many Edwards fans ache 2 years ago. It's worth the trip!

Posted 09/28/09 | Report Abuse

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Yahoo!!! It's apple picking time again!!! My sister and I are coming to get apples and cider doughnuts on Saturday and I can hardly wait. I love Edwards Apple Orchard, I've been coming there since I was a very little girl with my family and I'm 42 now and I take my boys, it's a fun family tradition!!!! Don't ever go away Edwards!!!!

Posted 09/18/09 | Report Abuse

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I've been going to the Apple Orchard almost every year since I was really little. I haven't been back since the tornado last year. Hoping to go this weekend.

Posted 09/16/09 | Report Abuse

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going tomorrow. always have a great time there. i would like to see hours and what apples are available on your website. I dont know the hours during the week so im going to take a chance and come out there. Looking forward to the apples,cider and the donuts.

Posted 09/15/09 | Report Abuse

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What can I say..You are the best!!!! My husband starting bring his children here when they were small and now we are keeping the tradition with our grandchildren this year. It is the beginning of our fall season excitement with the children calling us asking when are we going to pick apples at Edwards Orchard? From riding on the hay wagons and having fun picking apples to getting back to seeing the museum and eating hot donuts : ),freshly baked apple pie and ice cream, having hot cider or coffee or a stuffed baked potatoes with the works ,then browsing through the gift shop and always buying things to take away and keep the memories throughout the season to enjoy at home.Thank you for our memories!

Posted 09/06/09 | Report Abuse

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looking to visit in early october 2009 with my 11 year old for her first visit. can't seem to find a web site specific to edwards. any help would be appreciated. please email to floorplay@aol.com.

Posted 08/26/09 | Report Abuse

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I was very pleased with the great job that was done on the renovation. We were their in early October and things looked "the same, but better" than before the tornado.

I would love to be able to order things to be shipped from Edwards. Any chance of that....or do I just need to load up on Cashew Crunch and Autumn Carmel Corn Nuggets once a year when I am up north?!

Posted 10/23/08 | Report Abuse

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We absolutely love your place and look forward to coming every year. We were devastated to hear about the tornado, but after our visit yesterday we are so pleased with the rebuild. Better than ever. What a wonderful place to bring the family, something for everyone and no entry fee. We make a special trip just for the donuts. We are motorcyclists and we are especially pleased that you have assigned parking for the "Bikes". We do miss the dog. He was always in the driveway to greet the customers. We'll be back. Keep up the good work.
God Bless You

Posted 10/12/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been going to Edward's for years. In January 2008, the farm buildings were devastated by a tornado. Fortunately, it appears that the orchard itself was spared any major damage. Edward's did what any successful business would do. It rebuilt, expanded, and launched itself back to supremacy in the industry. What a fantastic place to take your family! There is literally something for everybody at the country styled craft / gourmet food store. Showcasing the area's gourmet foods, home decor, petting zoo, antique vehicle barn and friendly helpful family oriented staff. Oh, did I forget to mention the hundreds of acres of delicious "you pick" apples? As I said before, the building were devastated by a tornado in '08. The new buildings are well designed, well lit, easy to maneuver through and look as if it has been around for a century. Good Job Edward's , God bless, and Good Luck to you!

Posted 10/12/08 | Report Abuse

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Edwards Apple Orchard IS a busy place, but VERY well organized! There are plenty of check out lanes & it's very clean for a farming atmosphere! I like it's farm like atmosphere, without it being commercialized.

Posted 10/07/08 | Report Abuse

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I was very disappointed on our first visit to the orchard. There was absolutely no sense of direction as to where to pick apples or pumpkins, how to pay, where to pet the animals etc. There was a line for everything and very few samples to try. I found the store very commercialized, something I would see at Cracker Barrel. The check out area was like an assembly line and not very friendly.Nothing very original. The jelly was very watery and some of the apples didn't look appealing at all for fresh apples. They had pre-made caramel apples that were small and already packaged plain or peanut. It was very sad to see this at an apple orchard.

Posted 10/05/08 | Report Abuse

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Hey Picky Debbie P.... If you want to guarantee perfect apples maybe you should pick your own off the tree or stick to the grocery store and leave Edwards to the people who really appreciate it.

Posted 09/30/08 | Report Abuse

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I think Edwards in their haste to reopen from their devastating losses, have let some of their quality control lapse. We recently bought several pecks of different types of apples and in both pecks there were 3-4 apples that were damaged or bruised.

In the past, this was never, ever the case. These apples would never have made it to the bags, but unfortunately they did and when they were cut into or bit into the damage to the apple was apparent.

I think going forward they might want to double check the quality of the apples put into the bags for purchase since the apples are their primary business.

Posted 09/30/08 | Report Abuse

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When you go to Edwards Apple Orchard you have to spend the whole day there. It is so much fun. You get to pick apples, rasberries, corn and pumpkins.You also get to pet animals and ride ponies. It makes you feel very excited. You have to go to Edwards Apple Ochard to feel the wonderful experience for yourself.

Posted 09/28/08 | Report Abuse

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Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, you are way too picky about a couple of bruised apples. If you can't stand to have a couple of damaged spots on your apples than you need to get on the wagon and ride out into the orchard and pick your own off of the trees. If your apple has a bruise or damaged spot just cut it off with a knife. If that is still to much for you to deal with, toss it outside and let an animal have it. Life is way to short for you to be crying about a couple of imperfect apples, so get over it and move on!

Shelley in Kenosha

Posted 09/22/08 | Report Abuse

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I grew up around that area and have been going there as long as I can remember, I live up in Wisconsin now, and have never found anything close to Edwards Apple Orchard, so, we go down there every year in the fall and induldge in a little bit of everything so we can bring it back home and enjoy it for a while. There's a few things that I really miss not living down there. 1. Edwards Apple Orchard, 2. Fishers Potato Chips, 3. Beefaroo and Sam's Pizza. Can't even imitate any of those things up here. I live in Appleton, Wisconsin and inviting you to have an Edward's Apple Orchard North, this is such a "family orientated" town. Thank you for being there,Shari Wells

Posted 09/21/08 | Report Abuse

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Your caramel corn nuggets are WONDERFUL. Unlike other caramel corns they are not tacky, or hard. You have just the right blends and textures. Do you have a web sight I can purchase this product from?

Posted 09/15/08 | Report Abuse

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We're just moved back to Illinois and i am excited to bring my children to the place where i used to go every year growing up, and Im so happy to know they're still there. Picking pumpkins off the vine, jonagolds, home made cider, jellies, and fudge, feeding the goats :) I just hope the kids love it as much as i do.

Posted 09/14/08 | Report Abuse

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I have been waiting for the season to come where we can get out to Edwards.
We didn't make it last year and were sad when the disaster happened. But now we are ready to go and get all the great things we love. We will be taking our 1 year old there for the first time.
Can't wait to taste the apple cider and warm donuts!
Edwards is a joy you have to do every year!

Posted 09/13/08 | Report Abuse

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We visited Edwards this past weekend (Labor Day 2008) and they have reopened! They have expanded the barn area and updated their facilities. This was my first trip there, so I cannot compare it to previous years, but they seem ready for business. It wasn't quite time for pick your own, so we will be back later this fall.

Posted 08/31/08 | Report Abuse

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Ive been taking ;my family to Edwards for over 30years. We've been to several others over the years but none can measure up.We always make our 2 or 3 trips too our favorite fall spot, and of course we tell everyone about it!! Thank you Edwards for the wonderful memory making! Linda Smith, Aurora IL.

Posted 08/21/08 | Report Abuse

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This is the very best place to get family together at harvest time. Their store contained a lot of local cheeses and sausages. Their donuts were world class and so was their cider. Lets band together and get them up and running by fall. Nominate them for extreme makeover!

Posted 01/22/08 | Report Abuse

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for many years i have visited the orchard. it was always a relaxing treat to go there. when i heard about the tornado i was devestated; now i wont be able to take friends and family to the one place i loved going. there has got to be something we can do. i thought about it for long and how about we audition them for extreme makeover home edition. in a way its a home to all of us and the family that owns the orchard. whos in it?

Posted 01/20/08 | Report Abuse

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I was extremely saddened when my son called me from Machesney Park to tell me about the orchard. I was in town in September for one my daughters' wedding and we took all the grandkids out to the orchard between the wedding and the reception. Fancy clothes and all! Had a great time as always. I live in Irving Texas now and don't always get to come up when they are open but my kids always freeze some cider and some doughnuts for me to have at Christmas. I love it. I have always had a special connection to the orchard because when I was in school at North Boone I helped plant the trees when they first decided to become an orchard. This has always been something I have been proud of. I know you will rebuild and make it as nice as it was. I don't think you could make it any better than it was. I'm glad no one was hurt. Good luck and I'll be looking forward to my next visit. Don Griffis D.C.

Posted 01/11/08 | Report Abuse

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I love this apple orchard and everything about it. Whether just stopping in for a dozen doughnuts or a bag of apples you cannot beat it. When I heard the tornado struck the orchard I was so heartsick, even thinking about it now makes me cry. I hope and deep in my heart I know you will be able to rebuild and come out of this even better (if that is possible) than before. Your family and employees are in my thoughts and prayers every day. A loyal customer.

Posted 01/10/08 | Report Abuse

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I hope someone from Edwards is watching this. You and us go back to graduation at N. Boone, 1973.

A good, ol' fashion barn raising is a great idea !! The barn was the BIG draw. Rebuild a good, 'ol fashioned barn.

Clint

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

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My Mom and I are from Raleigh, North Carolina and we visit your apple orchard at least once a year. My Aunt Sharon Semple lives in Cherry Valley and introduced us to your wonderful orchard a few year ago. Our thoughts and prayers are will you as you deal with the loss of you orchard. We are so grateful that no one was hurt. We wish you the best as you re-build!!!

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Our thoughts and prayers, from myself and the entire Quig family, are with you during these difficult times. I was horrified to here the news yesterday! However, I am very happy to hear that no one was hurt. You are a wonderful family, and I miss seeing you at the orchard conventions. I hope you guys can pull through this. As if farming isn't hard enough as it is! Hang in there, and know we are thinking about you.
Pam Quig Berek,
Reno, Nevada

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I'm originally from Roscoe and have been going to Edwards since we moved to the area in 1980. Now my husband and I drive up at least once every season from Chicago to take our two young sons to enjoy what has become a family tradition. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Julie D.
Chicago, IL

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

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It is a family tradition every fall to visit the orchard. We are from Loves Park and we love spending the day with the kids letting them play, pick apples, shop and eat your delicious treats. Best of all is the donuts! We have many memories and pictures of our trips and I hope to continue many more years to come. Best wishes to your family and the long road in front of you and I hope to see you this fall. I know that you will overcome this tragedy and be the best apple orchard that we all love.

Julia W.

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Dear Barb and Ken,
Just a note of concern and also relief that there were no major injuries yesterday. Our prayers are with you and your family and we hope you will be able to rebuild.
We always have enjoyed the cider and doughnuts that my folks would bring down to us when they visited before they retired, and the few trips we made up there when our girls were small.
Sincerely, Joe & Janet McLay
Sherman, Il

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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Thank you for your concern and prayers. Visit edwardsorchard.info for Edwards Orchard updates as recovery begins. - Poplar Grove United Methodist Church

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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I couldn't believe my ears and eyes when I heard about the devastation caused by the tornadoes. I actually worked there as a teenager way back in the late 70's! I remember Barb and Mike (sorry I can't remember all of you Edwards) and my heart goes out to you. You will be in my prayers!

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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We love Edward's! What a great family! Glad to hear everyone got out safe. If you need any volunteers to help rebuild, let us know! :) You're in our prayers.

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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Our family has been going to Edward's Apple Orchard every Fall for over ten years. It is a place we all enjoy going very much. We are very thankful that no one was hurt in the tornado. If there is an opportunity for pulic help in rebuilding, we would love to help!

Good Luck and God Bless!

Michelle Giuffre
Naperville, IL

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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As many people have expressed, Edwards Orchard is a long standing tradition each fall. It was sad to see the damage that happened yesterday but I am so happy to hear that no-one was hurt and the orchard trees were spared. I have great confidence that things will be rebuilt and if you are looking for help please let the public know so we can pitch in also. I live about 20 miles away and it is never fall until we come and visit your place. Thank you!

Posted 01/08/08 | Report Abuse

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As a child I cherished our trips to the orchard. There hasn't been a year in my memory that hasn't included a visit to Edward's. If the orchard needs community help to rebuild, I will be there helping any way possible. I look forward to taking my children again, and again.

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been all over the U.S., and several places around the world, and I cannot think of a better family place for the Fall. Our family would be very sad indeed if we had no Edward's Apple Orchard in the future. Many, many great memories in just the couple of years that we've been going. We visit a few times every week during the season. Ironically, my wife and daughters ate the last bag of donuts that we had frozen just yesterday. Our prayers are with you, and we will help where we can.

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

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I was reading the previous post and there was a mention of someone helping if there is a rebuild effort well that person has brought forth a great Jaycees project and we can use the communities help. Lets work together to rebuild Edward's Apple Orchard making it better and maybe even bigger then before.

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

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I hope that you can rebuild your dream from the tornado today. My family visits you every year and look forward to your annual newsletter. I am glad everyone is safe...including the dog. I hope that all the annual visitors will be able to enjoy your awesome orchard again this fall. I truly sorry for your loss. If there are community wide rebuild efforts, I would gladly help.

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

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The Orchard will be able to come back as I heard it was destroyed by the tornado that hit Poplar Grove today.

Hopefully everyone is okay and everyone is safe.

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

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What a surprise. Today, 11-07-2007, my wife and I went to Edwards for a few apples. We bought some red delicious and granny smith apples. The granny smiths were great. The red delicious were terrible. They must have been picked years ago as they were as soft as apple sauce. Either maybe they were shipped in or were not stored properly. I have had apples from here before and they were crisp and tasty, but not this year.

Posted 11/07/07 | Report Abuse

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