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Brooksby Farm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Brooksby Farm
17 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer A.
Lynn, MA
9/21/2010
This farm has everything! Great pick your own apples at great prices ($7 for a half peck, $12 for a peck, and $23 for 2 pecks) Lots of parking. Farm animals for the kids to see and play with.
Downside is that sometimes the line for the hot cider donuts is very very long, but trust me, it is worth the wait. When they first come out of the oven it's like Christmas in your mouth. Totally worth it all! Their farmstand has so much else to offer as well including lots of locally made jams, jellies and marinades as well as some fresh vegetables.
The bathrooms are gnarly there though, so if you can, relieve yourself before you get there!
Brooksby Farms gets a big 2 thumbs up from me, and I will return next year for more apple picking! -
Review from Nichole C.
Revere, MA
7/14/2011
I was a bit underwhelmed by the farm as a whole.
Good points:
-Iced coffee was $2 and good, doughnuts were $5 for 6 and pretty good too.
-Raspberries were plentiful, delicious and easy to access. Close to the store and mowed between rows.
-They have animals to look at.
-People were very helpful and friendly.
No so pleased conclusions:
-Animals were in pens that had many different places for kids to snag their clothes or hurt themselves on the loose wire. There was actually a large gap that my child was able to easily fit into to walk into the emu,
llama and sheep pen.
-Produce in the store was not fresh and really pricey.
-Raspberries were $4.75 a 1/2 quart.
I'll keep checking out other places, since I wasn't as pleased with the farm as I expected to be! It seemed a little run down - lots of weeds and old, wilted veggies. We had a really nice day, though! -
Review from Brandon F.
Brookline, MA
10/2/2011
Went to Brooksby this morning with my gf and had a nice time. Empire apples taste great and were reasonably priced. We had a great time walking through the orchard picking apples.
Cider Donuts were ok.... nothing special. Apple Cider was great (I bought a half gallon) but when I asked for a cup it was a big deal and they would not give me a styrofoam cup that they use for the hot cider. I asked why? I was then told that "they are too expensive", but that i can surely have a plastic cup. I thought that was very strange. I was then handed the smallest plastic cup I have ever scene. It was about the size of a shot glass and it reminded me of a baby cup. I guess I should have offered the person a quarter so I could have a big boys cup. Oh well... great place to go but be sure not to ask for a big cup because you'll surely not get one. -
Review from D C.
Brighton, MA
10/20/2011 4 photos
Smolak Farms is my usual go-to for pick-your-own, but since I was unable to get them on the phone to verify they had fruit at the beginning of October, I opted for Brooksby. I had been warned by a friend who'd gone in September that the apples near the ground were picked-clean, and she was absolutely right. The only way to get apples was to get one of those apple-picking grabber things (no idea where folks got them!) or climb the trees, which some in my party opted for. Standing beneath a tree while my friend tosses apples down to/at me is not my idea of apple-picking, but might work for some folks. We found some young, trellised "trees" toward the edge of the orchard in many varieties with lots of great fruit. I didn't feel great about picking these, kinda like cheating but the fruit was delicious. They have some amazing green-hued version of Golden Delicious that's really sweet and wonderful. The apples were inexpensive as well, which I appreciated.
Brooksby offers a free hay ride to/from the fruit trees, which was cool, as many orchards charge extra for hay rides. I have to say I was amused watching other passengers dodge the tree branches slapping against the tractor as we passed. Lol.
There was a MASSIVE line in the farm stand store. Massive. But they have the standards, like cider doughnuts (with no cinnamon sugar, boo!), apple cider, pies, etc. They also had some unusual finds, like pumpkin fudge and maple candy, as well as a huge selection of gourds.
The prices were high though, so I stuck to the cider and doughnuts. Even without the cinnamon sugar, the doughnuts were pretty delectable.
They had pigs, sheep, roosters and hens, emus and llamas, but they were fenced-off so you couldn't really pet them. The farm is large and scenic though, some nice little walks if you're so-inclined.
I think I'll return to Smolak from now on, but Brooksby was A-OK for a day. -
Review from Ashlee C.
Queens, NY
10/4/2008
APPLES, many of them, ripe for the picking. I have never seen this many apples in my life. The orchards I have visited in the past pale in comparison to this one. They have some apple trees at this place that are "Giving Tree" in size.
Prices are fair, you can get a half peck for $7 (about 15 apples), a peck for $12 (about 30 apples) , or a half bushel for $22 (a lot of fucking apples).
I also had my first cider doughnut here which was amazing. The smell outside of the store was so intoxicating it would have been impossible for me to not succumb. This was the best friggin' doughnut I have ever had, so cinnamony and still hot. -
Review from Christine H.
Amesbury, MA
9/20/2010 3 photos
The bf & I have always been loyal to Cider Hill in Amesbury so I have to compare, just a little. Unfortunately today we were strapped for time so we chose a more local farm to go apple picking in, Brooksby Farm.
We went on a Monday around 12pm. We thought it'd be quiet, but no, there were school buses in the parking lot and screaming children running rampant (sigh) we walked inside and waited in line to get our bag.
The farm was nice. We walked a while to get away from the crowds and realized the farm is much bigger than it appears from the parking lot. It was actually quite peaceful out there. After picking, we walked back and grabbed a cider donut and some cider as well. The donut had nothing on Cider Hill's donuts, sorry. there's just no competition. We walked out of the store to find my favorite part of the farm, the animals! The pigs stole my heart, just laying in the mud enjoying life.
This was a nice farm for a quick afternoon visit but if you're looking for a day trip - the drive to Amesbury is worth it IMO. -
Review from Richard F.
Medford, MA
10/15/2007
Let me start by saying I'm not entirely sure what separates a "good" from a "great" apple orchard-- this past week I went apple-picking for the first time in my young life this past week. But Brooksby seemed to have all of the things you'd want: good size, plentiful parking, good location and a decent variety of apples. The store features tasty cider, cider apples and all-manner of overpriced fall and farm goods. They also have a pumpkin patch, hay rides and host kids' parties. In short, it seemed like a good-old-fashioned spot for some classic fall New England family fun.
I'm not sure what prices are good or bad-- a half bushel was $22, while a quarter was $15-- but the Brooksby prices seemed a little step to us. They also take a deposit if you want one of the "cool" apple pickers.
I'm not sure I enjoy apple picking--I don't like apples, and I prefer to have others pick my food for me--but if I did, I think I'd be back to Brooksby Farm. -
Review from Julie R.
10/25/2009 2 photos
Apple picking mania! Hot cider, warm donuts and farm animals...check!
Brooksby Farm was a great way to spend a sunny fall afternoon. It's on vast acreage with tons of apple trees. They surely will not be running out of apples. I found the apple peck prices reasonable cause there was no separate admission charge. About $7 for 15 apples in a bag, then the prices goes up slightly with the bigger bags. You can take a hayride out to the orchards for $3 each or $5 for 2 people. Even if your not picking its a fun way to get a tour of the land. From the hills you can see beautiful foliage all around.
The country store inside is loaded with so many goodies, all home made or locally made. They had a huge selection of canned jars of everything from jellies to soy candles. Then bagged pastries, pancake mixes and bread. Even frozen dessert and chicken pies. If your looking to make a gift basket for someone you could get a bunch of neat stuff in there.
You must go into the back of the store and try one of the warm cider donuts with a hot cider. They are out of this world. Then take them outside and walk around the land. You'll encounter hogs, chickens, turkeys, ostriches, llamas, sheep, goats and maybe some others I'm forgetting.
The pumpkin selection was in the hundreds, all shapes, sizes and colors, then around 50cents a lb. Also gourds and decorative corn too.
Go here for a country getaway! There is plenty of parking and so much space that you won't feel crowded even if its mobbed on a beautiful fall day. -
Review from Ian C.
Wakefield, MA
7/31/2008
Brooksby's is a great place for an afternoon out with the kids - an oasis of farmland in the heart of the suburbs. When you park on the road and get out of the car it's almost as if you're transported to another place entirely. Somehow it doesn't seem like suburban Massachusetts anymore and it feels like you're in an earlier, simpler time.
You can pick apples or other fruits, then you can wander around the farm looking at the animals. There's a little farmstand style grocery store with jams, marmalades, maple syrup candy and some produce from the farm.
All-in-all, it's a great day-trip for the whole family. -
Review from Quinn E.
9/19/2008
I took some kids here a couple times. My favorite kid chased the chickens and whisper-yelled, "FLY!!" He's autistic and only says a few words. When he tried to climb in the emu pen, we decided it was time to go home, but up until then we all had a blast. There's plenty of entertainment to be had here, even if you don't have an adorable child who loves animals and might go off at any second. There's apple-picking, which is acceptable for adults to do without children. There's a decent store too, complete with cider and yummy donuts. It's not too far from Boston and you probably won't have to wait in a huge line of cars to get to the parking lot. The place is teeming with kids, and the autistic ones I brought were among the best behaved. So be prepared for some brats, and clueless parents trying to reason with them. Then again, you kind of have to be prepared for that anywhere.
Listed in: Let's Go Outside!
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Review from Louis P.
Peabody, MA
10/11/2010
Wow, this place is fantastic! I took my daughter here today and we really had a good time. Apple picking was a lot of fun and the cost was very reasonable, well within budget for any families to enjoy. They don't have a huge pumpkin patch but they do sell variety of pumpkin for families to pick out.
we also enjoyed looking at the farm animals as well. Their donut was very yummy and our family had a great time here and will definately be going back there. i would recommend this place for any family! -
Review from francisco p.
Beverly, MA
11/26/2010
Whats not to like. They have a great mix of things for every season. Its a great place to stop for a few minutes to see the animals. Its not a zoo so don't expect a ton of animals, but my two year old loves to feed the sheep and see the pigs and chicken. And if your short on cash its free! All you pay for is 50 cents if you want to feed the animals.
The farm store is great and they have a lot of great sauces, salad dressings, chicken pot pies, and fresh fruit. (The Vidalia Onion and Peppercorn salad dressing is the best ever!)
Fruit picking here is great for kids and they have very reasonable prices. Some places charge per person, Brooksby charges per bag which is perfect if your going picking for the experience but dont want to pay a ton of money to bring the whole family.
I also get my Christmas tree here every year, they have decent prices and bigger trees than some of the random tree lots that pop up everywhere. The last two trees I have gotten were massive for under $50. They do go fast so the earlier you look the better selection they will have.
Overall this is an awesome farm worth checking out if you are in the area. Not a huge or fancy place, but definitely good value. -
Review from Jim M.
Boston, MA
9/26/2011
I visited Brooksby Farm twice in one week. The first visit was on a Sunday and I had a great time.
The second visit was not so pleasant. There was no transportation to the field (the Hayride) so we had to walk and that was difficultt for us.
We were directed to the field across the street, there were very few apples on the trees at all.
Eventually after walking further we found many apples in a different field, we asked where to go, we were not told to go to the farther field section.
After we finished we returned to the Farm section, only to find they don't make much at all of all the items they sell.
I also didn't smell the apple donuts cooking, guess they only don that on the weekeknd.
The bathrooms we absolutely disgusting, both men's and ladies rooms.
So my overall weekday visit I would rate as a 1 Star. that's the best I could do, after everything considered on my second weekday visit.
Best to visit on the weekend.if your going to this farm -
Review from jenilee p.
Salem, MA
8/31/2008
i had a pleasant afternoon today at brooksby farm. it's located very close to the north shore mall, but it's really a world away. there are emus, pigs, sheep, and a whole bunch of hens. it's overall a very nice atmosphere. the farm stand itself is wonderful. we picked up some local corn, pickled beets, dill pickles, asian pears, peaches, granny smith apples and tomatoes. every bit has been delicious thus far.
i very much look forward to visiting this little farm when it is time to pick more apples, and the seasons first pumpkins. an excellent find and an excellent day out. -
Review from Ravi B.
North Andover, MA
10/11/2010
The best Apple Picking experience I have ever had in massachusetts.
Very reasonable price: $7, $13 and $23 bags which would approximately hold 5lb, 10lb and 20lb. Friendly people, huge orchard, free Hay ride to the orchard every 10 minutes which kids love. -
Review from Chris M.
Salem, MA
7/18/2008 2 Check-ins Here
I love Brooksby farm! I have been coming here since I was little so perhaps that is why I am so fond of it. The orchard is very pretty, but it is not huge so it can get super crowded in prime season. I you don't like kids crashing in to you, you may want to just grab the already picked apples and get the hell out of there. They open in June and stay open through the fall. In the summer you can get plants for the first few weeks but they don't have much for produce. Starting in mid June they have strawberries. Then in July they get other types of berries and I believe peaches. They carry vegetables, awesome peppers, eggplants and zucchini and have herbs and herb plants. There is still cider in the summer, frozen pies and ice cream from Puleo's in Salem. They have their own honey, various sauces and canned goods. Fall is the best, that is when you can pick your own and the bakery opens. I love their cider donuts. There is an area where you can feed the animals, they have sheep, chickens, a peacock and I think it is an Alpaca. It is right down the street from the North Shore mall; check it out if you are in the area.
Listed in: Lets do the local thaaang, This is Farmer Fred...
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Review from Linda J.
Reading, MA
6/30/2010
We recently held a kids' birthday party at Brooksby Farm and could not have been happier. The prices are reasonable, the staff is beyond terrific and young and old really enjoyed themselves. You have your own covered picnic table area (no guest limit) and can bring in your own food and decorations. Other places I checked limit you to 20 people and you must use their caterer and cake. They have a walk in cooler and freezer where we stored the ice cream and extra sandwiches until needed. There was a welcome sign and a food table and trash cans set out when we arrived. We didn't need to bring table cloths as the picnic tables are in fine condition. The kids feed the farm animals and the cones filled with food are included in the rental fee. We added a hayride which was very popular with our guests and about 30 people can fit in the trailer and see the orchards up close. There is a farm store and greenhouses and many of our guests took the opportunity to shop too. This is a really good choice for young kids!
