Drew Farm — Attraction in Westford

I had a slightly unsettling experience today. I haven’t been apple picking since I was a young child because I moved out of MA. Today I decided to take my son apple picking for the first time. We purchased a $25 bag and we were nearly done but had space for maybe 2 more and were considering a variety we’ve never seen before. My son picked an apple and was tasting it and I was asking him if he liked it, what it tasted like, the texture, etc. I understand that some farms don’t allow tasting but I didn’t see anything posted about it and I’m also attaching their online rules, which don’t mention anything about it either. There were people all over, young and old, eating apples and so I thought it was okay. The pre picked apples were $10 and PYO was $15 so I assumed the premium is there in part for tasting.

Anyway, an older man who worked there (or was the owner?) stood 3 feet away from us, staring at us with open hostility. When I looked at him he asked if we had any questions. I said I wasn’t familiar with this variety, could he tell me about it. He said, well he’s eating it so he could tell you. I responded that my son is a child and not particularly descriptive. He said my bag is almost full and I said yes, that’s why I better be selective, how do I know if this variety is ripe? He responded, it’s ripe when I say so and open up the lane for picking. The conversation goes on for about a minute like this, generally unfriendly, and then we part ways.

I kept thinking about the conversation because my family believes in following rules, supporting small businesses and we wanted to have a pleasant experience. If tasting isn’t allowed and included in your prices, just communicate that up front. If you want each person to purchase their own bag, go ahead and require it. I would happily pay for a bag per person if it meant we wouldn’t have had that interaction. Your customers did not come all the way out here with the intent of trying to take advantage of you. Passive aggressive hostility does not leave a fond impression of your business nor does it bring...

My new favorite place to go apple picking! They’re a dog friendly orchard with a good selection of apple varieties and a small farm stand.

They do sell cider donuts that are fresh but don’t expect them to be hot but they’re still tasty! The small farm stand has a large variety of pumpkins and prepicked apples that range in price from $10-16 for a 1/2 peck. If you want to pick your own prices were $15 for a 1/2 peck, $25 for a peck and there was a larger size I didn’t note the price of.

There’s plenty of photo opportunities and it was a very family friendly place. They even have a s’mores stand where you can make your own s’mores in a fire pit (bring cash for this) which the kids love. There is a pumpkin patch as well where you can select a pumpkin and take photos.

They do reserve the right to not allow unfriendly dogs and I did see them tell one couple they couldn’t bring their dog who was acting aggressive towards a few other dogs in the parking lot.

Staff was very friendly and helpful and had stickers for the kids. There is a few port-o-johns on site if you need the bathroom and the main farm stand does accept credit cards.

They don’t have a hay ride, petting zoo or corn maze but they also don’t have ridiculous crowds or very high prices.

Be advised there is a probably 25-50ft hill you need to walk up (a very well maintained sand/gravel path) and while in the orchard there are tractor tracks in the rows so people with mobility issues may want to skip the pick...

Who doesn't love this place!!???!?!?!?!??! Pet friendly! So bring your puppy

Right now we are only picking a couple types which is why you have to visit us a couple times a season to get all our varieties. Yellow delicious- my favorite Macintosh Cortland Empire Macoun Ever crisp Autumn gala

Don't forget the cider donuts and cider and root beer, LIVE BAND 1230-5, fire & s'mores, fantastic employees....dont forget the amazing view and playing on the store walls

Right now there are mum's for sale and then in October the pumpkins & gordes will arrive.

Can't wait to see every one again this year. All the kids will be older and maybe some families will have added to their crew. Dads....you'll enjoy yourselves too! (You can record the football game then fast-forward through the commercials)

Don't forget that there is a banana hidden somewhere up there. Find it and return it to cashier...