smolak farm

Went to Smolak today for a day of apple picking etc. and it was a nightmare. After waiting a long time to enter the parking lot, we headed to the main house to get our apple bag. We found out the orchard that was being picked was back up the long hill we just came down(had a 3 year old with us),so went back up the hill. We waited close to a half hour to get our bags. I overheard a woman who 'returned' her unused bag say that the apples were all full of black spots. When we finally got to where you pay I had an actual conversation with the girl asking about the black spots and why did the woman leave. She told me it was because the apples were too high up on the tree but for a $10 holding fee we could get a pole. So we did. We SCOURED the orchard and couldn't find a single decent apple. We returned to the cashier and without even asking why she said 'oh I guess you want your money back'. (please everyone remember today was in the 90's, very hot) and with little kids I explained to her that we felt misled. She apologized and said we must have gone to the wrong orchard!!! Really?Anyway, she refunded my money so to help salvage the day, we went to go get and icecream. Well after another 45 min. in the HOT sun, we placed our order. 15 min later, they said they didn't have 2 of the choices we paid for!! I felt like I was on candid camera. When I asked why it all took sooo long a young girl said 'sorry, we only have two people scooping'. They were so slow that they even "closed" the order line so they could catch up. It was honestly one of the worst experiences we've had. All they had to do was put up signs saying the apples are spotted but ok to eat and maybe reduce the high prices since we are buying a damaged product. And as far as the icecream experience, again, if you don't have the manpower then close the windows!There are so many other orchards in New England we wont go back. I wont give my money to a place that has very little respect for its customers.

Better bring plenty of cash if you plan on picking apples or pumpkins, petting animals or going down a slide. Ridiculously over crowded. Bouncy houses? They charge $20.00 per kid to pet the animals and go down a couple of slides. Or you can pay the family price of $79.00$5.00 for a short hay ride. $12.00 for a dozen tiny cider donuts. If you want a real apple picking experience you are better off going further North to a real farm. Filthy portapotties.

We went with our nieces and they loved picking the cherries, then heading to see the animals and grab a gorgeous ice cream. A great way to spend a few hours keeping the kids entertained on a sunny afternoon.

The best people to work with and BEST place to have your wedding!It could not have been any better!!

The farm is a lot of fun, we had a lot more fun berry picking in the summer, it was ridiculously crowded during apple season. It was still a lot of fun and the orchards are so expansive there’s plenty of room to walk around and spread out. We tasted all the apples as we walked through the orchards and by the time we left, we were sick of eating apples. Ha. But its a very fun day on a very scenic orchard. Great for a day drip.

Great for family with children & many farm animals, in season hay rides,apple picking,pumkin patch, peach picking % strawberry and raseberry.Excellent baked goods.

We rented a car for the day specifically to visit Smolak. The farm was recommended by our friend who used to live in Boston. It was a nice drive our in the country and great to see more of the leaves turning. The farm was much larger than I though with all different kinds of fruit, a petting zoo, store and wedding/party facilities. What a great place for both locals and people coming in like us. We really enjoyed our visit. Oh and the doughnuts and cider was excellent!!

I have to say I have been to Smolak Farms many times. Recently we went with a large group of exchange students. The staff in the orchard were rude and very suspicious - not friendly at all. Why put up with that when there are so many other orchards to go to? Also, the managment seems to come up with any idea they can to make a buck -such a turn off. Case in point, smashing pumpkins after halloween is over? Wow! What a smart way to get rid of your extra pumpkins. Not only do they charge a fee to participate but customers have to pay for the pumpkins, too.

this place is really a hidden gem. its never crowded and there are plenty of things for the kids:animals,hay ride,bakery and gift shop. (dont forget the apple donuts) we always go late august-early september for heirloom tomatoes,peaches,plums, and berries. we go back in october for apples. The only bad thing is eating a store bought tomato after we finished 10 pounds of fresh picked ones :)

We drove out on a sunny Fall day and witnessed many colours - then arrived at this homey little farm - there was a pumpkin patch out front with ducks on the little lake.. an area for petting animals as well as a hayride. There were heirloom tomatoes or raspberries or apples for picking, and a kitchen/bakery where you can order something delicious to take outdoors to eat in the sunshine. A perfect New England experience... with scrumptious apple pie to go to enjoy later that night.

The staff has eagle eyes when it comes to apple picking and pumpkin season. The staff sneaks around the orchard to see if guests are picking the fruit correctly. If you bite into one of the fruits they will hunt you down and reprimand you as well as make you pay for the ONE fruit in hand. Also one time we picked out a pumpkin and put it into our car. We proceeded to drive to the check out stand beacuse it was far from the picking area and the item was heavy ( also had a small child in tow). We were stopped by the staff who insisted we were stealing the pumpkin. After we explained out intent to drive to the check out stand they didn't care and called the North Andover police. All in all the police let us leave the farm without any citation. It was a humiliating experience. So becaerful on the farm premises...never know what may happen to you & family.

During the weekends there is always some sort of entertainment there. They do have some farm animals for the kids

My partner and I went for a date to Smolak as it was a favorite childhood place. We got there and all the apples were in season in addition to peaches, raspberries, and tomatoes. My main problem was that a small bag of apples(one peck) is $20- I felt like I didn't get as many apples as I should have for that price! But we had a lot of fun and really enjoyed ourselves. Oh, and the cider donuts are to die for!

We often go to Smolak's farm with family and grandchildren. They have a zoo where the children can feed the animals. They also have a play area with a pirate ship. They have an ice cream stand and a sitting area to enjoy your treat.In the fall there is apple picking and they have strawberry picking in season. They also have hayrides.They sell their farm produce and bakery products. They also feature area vendors selling their specialties.

Smolak farms is a great place for families. They are very popular for their hay rides, pumpkin,apple, berry picking and ice cream stand. They do make the best pies and muffins around.