Insider Pages Reviews for Edwards Apple Orchard

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is PLACE FOR DELICIOUS APPLES..!!!!!!!! (by Jesse B.)

Jesse B. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:43:00 GMT

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!

1 Stars: Commercialized & Over-Priced (by Meghan B.)

Meghan B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:34:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is the Best (by Lisa S.)

Lisa S. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:59:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is The BEST! (by Karen S.)

Karen S. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:44:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is ? (by Jane D.)

Jane D. — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:50:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is a one of a kind (by Daniel W.)

Daniel W. — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:34:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is A Family Tradition! (by Megan S.)

Megan S. — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:50:00 GMT

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! :)

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is great (by Kelly H.)

Kelly H. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:18:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is Awesome (by Mary K.)

Mary K. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:17:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: The best Orchard ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (by Shelley D.)

Shelley D. — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:15:00 GMT

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!!!!

4 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard makes me happy! (by Casandra G.)

Casandra G. — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:57:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard is great (by deb m.)

deb m. — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:59:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Every Year Event (by Jane W.)

Jane W. — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:11:00 GMT

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!

4 Stars: help! looking to visit during season. (by vincent n.)

vincent n. — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:20:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: So glad they are back! Time for a WEB site? (by Meri O.)

Meri O. — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:12:00 GMT

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?!

5 Stars: Joe & Ellie Reichenbach, Rockford, Il (by Joe R.)

Joe R. — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:31:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: summary in a nutshell (by patrick r.)

patrick r. — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:41:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Wonderful!! (by Tracy K.)

Tracy K. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:08:00 GMT

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.

1 Stars: Disappointed (by Dee M.)

Dee M. — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:37:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Best Apple Orchard Ever (by cassie h.)

cassie h. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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.

3 Stars: Debbie P. (by Debbie P.)

Debbie P. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:46:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Apples Are Great. (by Gabrielle J.)

Gabrielle J. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:15:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Debbie P. is too picky! (by Shelley D.)

Shelley D. — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:55:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Edwards Apple Orchard (by Shari W.)

Shari W. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:10:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: autumn caramel corn nuggets (by Ki V.)

Ki V. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:50:00 GMT

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?

5 Stars: Been gone for so long! (by Carin D.)

Carin D. — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:13:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Can't Wait (by Theresa T.)

Theresa T. — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:17:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: They've reopened! (by Rachel S.)

Rachel S. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:57:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: My favorite for 30 years (by Linda S.)

Linda S. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:35:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Always has a special place in my thoughts. (by Don G.)

Don G. — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:26:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Best Apple Orchard (by Tanya M.)

Tanya M. — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:45:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Help from an old friend (by Harold W.)

Harold W. — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:18:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Thoughts from North Carolina (by Suzie M.)

Suzie M. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:48:00 GMT

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!!!

1 Stars: Thinking of you from Reno, NV (by Pam Q.)

Pam Q. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:18:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Love and Support From Chicago (by Julie D.)

Julie D. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:54:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Best wishes (by Julia W.)

Julia W. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:52:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: From an old classmate (by Joe M.)

Joe M. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:16:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: pgumc@northboone.net (by Linda G.)

Linda G. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:56:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Remembering you from long ago (by Christine L.)

Christine L. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:44:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: How can we help? (by Ashley M.)

Ashley M. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:59:00 GMT

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.

2 Stars: We are thinking of you! (by Michelle G.)

Michelle G. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:02:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Sign me up!! (by Tracy W.)

Tracy W. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:48:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Possibly the Best Fall Tradition in the Midwest (by Matt P.)

Matt P. — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:48:00 GMT

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.

1 Stars: Bad apples (by Gerald G.)

Gerald G. — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: 18 years later... (by Kirsten O.)

Kirsten O. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:38:00 GMT

I am 18 years old and have attended the Apple orchard for 18 year never missing one even as a baby. This place is a comfy little family owned orchard/tourist attraction. Kids always seem to have a blast. And everyone has to ring their bell at least once. It sets off the trip. This year I will be taking my boyfriend and introducing him to the family tradition. The cider, the donuts, the apple butter, delicious apples, and the amazingly tasty raspberries. completely recommend it for a perfect family outing to set of the fall season in spirit.

4 Stars: great orchard for the family (by Girlfriend a.)

Girlfriend a. — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:51:00 GMT

we just visited this orchard this past weekend...there is plenty to do there and the kids had a ball. The pony rides are now 3 bucks a kid and the wagon rides I believe are also 3 bucks a person so it can get expensive but there is enough to do that you do not need to pay for those things.

go you will enjoy it.

5 Stars: Most relaxing (by Debra C.)

Debra C. — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:38:00 GMT

I love love love this apple orchard. I make the effort to go several times during the season. The cider donuts and the homade fudge...to die for. Never is there a shortage of things to do. There's a petting zoo,play ground,mini maze fort the young ones,pony rides, and horse drawn wagon ride. Then there's the gift items and gormet food items...YUM!!! If you have a chance make the trek. I promise you will not be sorry. Dont forget to pick your own...apples, raspberries, and even pumpkins when is season.

PROS: Lots to do at reasonable prices, Very family oriented
CONS: A little tight on space for wheel chairs.

5 Stars: I love this place!!! (by Angela B.)

Angela B. — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 14:41:00 GMT

We live in Wisconsin, but we make sure whenever we are in the area visiting family we stop at Edwards. The apple cider donuts are to die for. Great entertainment for families.

5 Stars: It's not Fall until you go to Edward's! (by Kristen A.)

Kristen A. — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 16:56:00 GMT

We have made Edward's part of our fall family tradition for the past 7 years, and plan to for years to come! We spend a afternoon picking apples, walking visit the petting zoo and the kids ride the ponies and the wagon ride. Their selection of specialty foods and snacks is wonderful (and we always love the samples of everything) No trip is complete without a dozen of their apple cider donuts! And this year we even tried their "pick you own pumpkin" and that was an afternoon of fun too! I am lucky that we live close enough to visit often on the weekdays, it does get crazy there on the weekends! It is definately worth the crowd though. We have friends who drive all the way from Naperville every year to spend an afternoon at the orchard with us!

PROS: Fun atmosphere, delicious apples (and DONUTS!) so close to home.
CONS: The only con is the crowds! It's still worth it though!

5 Stars: Family Fun at the Orchard (by Liz Z.)

Liz Z. — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 17:02:00 GMT

Plan on spending the afternoon at this orchard as there is lots to do. You can take a hayride, visit the animals at the petting zoo, pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. The food is very tasty, particularly the pie and warm cinnamon and cider donuts. Don't forget to visit the store.

PROS: petting zoo is free
CONS: very crowded the first few weekends after opening for the season

5 Stars: Warm, fresh donuts... mmmm (by Jason B.)

Jason B. — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 08:51:00 GMT

This year was the first year that I was able to go to the orchard since I moved here 5 years ago. I wish I would have gone sooner. The location is great. The gift shop resembles the one in Cracker Barrel. You can watch the cider being made, as well as select pecks of freshly picked apples, get fresh, warm donuts (my favorite), and carmel apples. Totally worth the drive out of town. Try the Honey Crisp apples.. simply unreal.

5 Stars: Apple Pie Not To Be Missed (by Sue W.)

Sue W. — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 19:25:00 GMT

Great shop out in the middle of nowhere. You'll find fresh fruit in season and lots of gift items. There is even a petting zoo in the back for the kids. If you go, make sure to visit the lower level for the apple pie. It is the best I've ever tasted. You can have it heated with cheddar cheese, ice creame or both! If you go, take cash or checks as they don't take credit cards. However, they do have an ATM right there.

5 Stars: Apple Orchard (by stacia j.)

stacia j. — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 20:49:00 GMT

This is a local fall-time family tradition. You just can't beat a trip to Edwards. Do not leave without eating an Apple Cider Donut! Trust me! You can pick your own apples, or just buy by the peck. They tend to be more than the grocery, but the experience is worth it. The Honey Crisp apples are the best and go out early. Tends to be crowded on weekends, best to take an afternoon off!

PROS: FUN for the whole family
CONS: Crowded weekends

5 Stars: A great Fall Adventure. (by cortney k.)

cortney k. — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 11:19:00 GMT

We always look forward to fall, and our family visit to Edwards Apple Orchard. Their apples are always fresh, and the apple cider and apple cider donuts are a must. In the Apple barn you can watch and see how the cider is made. They also have a small farm museum, pony rides and hay rides out to pick your own apples. Its a great fall tradition that we always look forward to and are never disappointed. Be sure and try to visit during the week, as weekends can be very crowded.

PROS: Smells great, tastes even better
CONS: Can be crowded on weekends