Appleton Farms — Attraction in Ipswich

I can't speak for the trails and farm itself, but the cooking class I took here was a hot mess and a huge disappointment. The instructor was kind, but the class was so disorganized and very overcrowded for the space. The disorganization and overcrowding also led to it being pretty unsafe, with people walking around with hot pans in very tight quarters. No one knew where basics like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spatulas were. We had to search for the ingredients we needed for each of our recipes, too. On top of that, the class was pitched as a farm to table class, but we used store bought seafood, not meat from the farm like we were supposed to, which was a big bummer. People were frantically going around trying to find what they needed, which just made it loud and stressful until we all sat down to eat. There was little to no instruction—just each couple making their own recipe on their own. As a Trustees member and for the amount the class cost, my partner and I were expecting a much more educational and enjoyable experience. We frequently go to cooking classes in the area and this was a very unexpected...

Purchased parking ticket weeks in advance. Arrived at 9:45am. Store was closed. We were stopped from entering the barn and visiting the surrounding grounds by a young lady that said we could not be there because of the school age kids visiting. Having masks and being vaccinated did not matter to this young lady who was rude to say the least. Nothing on the website telling us that schools kids would be there, nor that we could not enter if they were. Called and left messages for the trustees. No one returned our call. It was made abundantly clear that this operation is for locals only. Avoid this tourist trap and go visit the Russell orchards or Crane Estate at Castle Hill which are not far away. Appleton farms — NOT...

Appleton Farms has been around since before we were officially the United States of America - that says something in today's world, I'd say! (1636)

The Trustees are a great example of a non-profit doing the right thing. They are dedicated to preserving natural and historical places in Mass.

At Appleton Farms you will find both the natural and historical pieces. Numerous trails on site and many picturesque scenes on the farm property. Driving through the farm in Autumn is the quintessential New England landscape! I fully recommend stopping in to either pick up some great local food (including cheese or milk from Appleton); seeing a show/band; maybe a cooking class; or just walking the...