Eckert's Grafton Farm — Attraction in Jerseyville

We visited last weekend on a whim while exploring outdoors. I am high risk for complications if I catch coronavirus, so we've been enjoying outdoor activities and avoiding crowds. I thought this would be a good choice for doing that.

Masks required, so that's good. For the most part everyone wore them, however there was no enforcement from the employees. It seems a few visitors enjoy them as chin-guards, but I didn't realize that your chin was susceptible to a virus. Some employees serving drinks/food were not wearing them at all.

We purchased our tickets ahead of time for picking, and arrived before our timeslot.

The shop isn't laid out very well for avoiding other patrons. Too many obstacles on the main floor to safely work your way around. The line was not distanced in any way to check out, so we skipped it.

When our timeslot came up, we asked about skipping the ride on the trailer. The employee told us that it was mandatory to ride to go out into the field. I asked about the front pumpkin patch, and he replied that you must ride the trailer to go to the furthest field first, then the closer one. I honestly tried to wait and see how it would go. When they loaded the trailer, there were too many people sitting next to each other. The divider didn't mean much if you have crowds sitting next to each other. So, we had to skip that.

So basically, I bought the inexpensive tickets, bought apple cider, watched people, then left. Not sure of where to get a refund on that one.

You'll have plenty of fun if you're a covid conspiracy nut and don't mind piling into a trailer with...

I've been coming to this Eckerts for over 40 years. Despite the snafu a few years ago, where they suddenly stopped allowing dogs in the field (forcing a family member to hang back at the picnic tables), I still visit every year and was pleased when they came to their senses and allowed dogs again.

Then, they started charging a field access fee. I was not happy but didn't think $2 was terrible. It's gone up over the past few years, and while I thought it's silly, I am literally shocked it is now $8.00 per person....simply to access the field. For my small group including kids...it cost $40!

Then there's the price of the actual apples. $2.99/pound! I pick A LOT of apples, so being charged nearly $80.00 for roughly 26lbs is highway robbery! That doesn't include any cider/beer, food, or feed for the farm animals (which is $.50 for one handful).

I've always loved Grafton, since it's not the overhyped Belleville or Millstadt farms that always feel more like a racket and are far too "busy" for me. Sadly, Grafton has finally resorted to racketeering as well and has gotten to be too expensive for what it's worth. My husband and I spent nearly $150 when it was all said and done (not including the cost of the ferry ride and gas).

I'm so sad that after 40+ years it's time to find a new orchard that doesn't nickel and dime...

One of my family's great annual traditions is picking fruit at Eckert's. While it's true that their prices are similar to a grocery store's, nothing beats the pleasure of picking your own berries, peaches, etc.

You pay by weight, and get to enjoy snacking on fresh fruit - fruit you KNOW is fresh because you personally took it off the tree.

You also pay a per person entrance fee, which doesn't bother me - I'm sure it covers an operating cost, but really, if you consider how much fruit you and the kids eat while you're in the fields, there's not much room to complain about the entry fee.

There is a restroom areas with portable toilets. Also, there is a hand washing station to use before and after fruit picking.

There is a playground area for kids (and adults) to play in after the "work" is done.

I look forward to coming here for every...