YA YA Farm & Orchard — Attraction in Longmont

We decided to check out this place based on the recommendation of another produce market a bit further up the road from it. The entrance to this place was very small, and very easy to miss. Parking is limited, and is not paved (it was a little muddy when we went at 1030 in the morning). There are chickens, horses, peacocks, and donkeys (which were very friendly). The produce, and other items for sell are quite pricey. We were told they are known for their apple cider donuts, but again they are a bit on the expensive side. If you are looking for fresh fruit and vegetables I would recommend looking elsewhere. In response to the owner, it is not smart responding as you did when you know nothing about the person you are responding to. Your "farm" is hardly located in the country. I grew up on farms, and ranches that were far more country than that. Places that were hours away from any cities or towns. Places where respect is earned through hard work, attention to detail, and professionalism. Where I grew up, animal pens were cleaned out before the sun came up, and again before the sun went down. The eggs were gathered, and the cows were milked before breakfast was even served. Facilities were repainted at least yearly, repairs were made when needed, and roads were kept well graveled. While on your farm, eggs were laying all over the ground, the animal pens looked like they hadn't been properly cleaned in quite some time, facilities were in need of both fresh paint and repairs, and there was no gravel. My review was based, as all reviews are, on my personal opinion. While your response was simply rude. It shows a total lack of customer service and respect for the opinions of others. It is sad to see that some people simply have a problem accepting constructive criticism, or just plain reality. As for "the farmers across this great land", not only did I spend my younger years working directly along side them, I have dedicated the last 20 years to defending their freedoms while serving in the Unites States Air Force. I sincerely hope that others read this review, and that it helps them make an...

First, read the owner's response to some of the reviews and ask yourself if this is a business you want to support.

Second, their website is deceiving; they advertise themselves as a u-pick apple orchard and unless you make it all the way through the "About Us" section you will miss the stipulation that you MUST MAKE A RESERVATION to pick MONTHS IN ADVANCE. It was a waste of my time to drive the hour there to just walk through their store. I believe from the reviews this is a common occurrence and yet they make no effort to make it very obvious on their website that you must make a reservation way in advance. (Why would they? It brings people to their store as individuals drive all that way there assuming they can pick apples.) I support honest and ethical business practices and unfortunately I do not believe this is one.

To respond to the owner's comment: Your first paragraph:

"Part of a historic century-old farm specializing in heirloom apples, YA YA Farm & Orchard is a U-Pick-It Apple Orchard located in Boulder County,  Colorado.    We offer family-oriented fall activities,. While not certified organic, we practice natural and organic methods."

Poorly describes your orchard and clearly it does not suffice as many of people have run into the same issue. Burying crucial details later on is not an acceptable means of conveying information. For clarity may I suggest changing your first paragraph to:

"Part of a historic century-old farm specializing in heirloom apples, YA YA Farm & Orchard is [an] Apple Orchard located in Boulder County,  Colorado. We offer family-oriented fall activities. While not certified organic, we practice natural and organic methods. [Please note, reservations are required in advance to pick apples.]"

And maybe bold "Please note, reservations are required in advance to pick apples." like you've done for "YA YA Farm & Orchard". "U-Pick-It Apple Orchard" is not a proper description of your orchard. You can feed the sharks at the Denver Aquarium if you buy tickets ahead but the Aquarium doesn't call themselves the "Denver...

I hope that people take the time to truly read these reviews and what is said. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I would hope that some This review is being written based on four, full years of some of the most memorable experiences my wife and I have ever experienced in Boulder County and in our married lives together. We first found Ya Ya's on a Google search for apple picking. 4 years later, and after two seasons of farm share pick up's, we now consider Sharon and her husband to be dear friends. Case in point: we both celebrated our 30th birthdays on her farm, amongst her animals, and with the most sincerely awe-inspiring mountain views one would ever hope to see. Sharon and I are on first-name bases: her love for her craft, her family, her farm, her animals (dogs, chickens, horses, and the like) and her knowledge of how to cultivate both a responsible business and ethical and spiritual relationship with the land is positively inspiring. On multiple times, a simple 15-minute stop by for a few of the tastiest (and rarest) apples we've ever eaten has turned into a 45 minute relaxation session of mind, body, and soul.

I encourage you all to spend some time here. You might just find that her apples taste just a BIT better than any you've ever experienced, that the donuts are just THAT much sweeter, and that the mountain views restore your soul to a grounding that we all need some time.

Thank you, Sharon! We'll see...