Blake Farms South Lyon — Local services in Lyon Charter Township

Rotten to the core

My family and I hadn’t been to an apple orchard since before the lockdowns. It was such a beautiful day we decided to make the trip to Blake’s for the afternoon. We had the best time enjoying the scenery and lovely weather on the tractor, electing to skip the apple picking because we had so many store bought apples at home already. When it came time to exit the tractor area our driver cornered us suddenly as the rest of the patrons walked passed and began interrogating us about whether or not we paid for the ride. Stunned, we replied that we genuinely didn’t know we had to pay as the myriad of displayed signage never mentioned a cost to ride. My mom immediately apologized to the driver and agreed if there was a cost then we must pay, but the man was already ahead pointing back at us and loudly proclaiming for all to hear that “those people” hadn’t paid. He paraded us to the podium, in front of the line where there were 10+ families who had been waiting God knows how long to purchase bags (as the signs all indicates the cost of bags only) and proceed to berate us to on-lookers and the woman at the counter, instructing her to charge us $4 per person. My mom was already producing the cash to pay as she glanced over at the audience behind him and offered to get in line instead of cutting off all those people. The man scoffed and demanded we pay in front of him stating “I’m about to leave and need to make sure you pay before I go” as if he didn’t trust that we would pay despite having the money in hand, never having argued until that point, and having already been humiliated in front of other families. My brother asked the woman to see the sign that stated the cost for riding the wagon and the woman said there wasn’t one. How do we know this man didn’t make up the $4 rule? What about the other riders who exited with us that also had no bags or apples in sight? What made this man so sure that we were the ones worth addressing? The man told us that the others had paid but was unable to tell me how he knew they paid. After already acknowledging and accepting the need to pay, what was the purpose of demanding an audience to our compliance? This was not a misunderstanding. This was a miscommunication of the most menacing kind. No where at that establishment did it say how much it costs to ride the tractor without a bag for apples nor that a bag was even required to ride. Many riders exited with us/after us with no apple bag in sight. The orchard not only failed to communicate alleged rules for riding, but allowed their man to target riders at will and decide that the consequence of breaking the alleged rules was his personalized humiliating retribution. We had already apologized and agreed to pay. We were already in the process of paying. But it seemed like he was determined to make us pay for more than a lousy tractor ride. If the orchard is so strapped for cash then why not charge for admission? Why not charge for parking? Those options seem easier to moderate than allowing drivers to pick and choose who to hunt down and parade up to the podium where they make a show of their own bigoted brand of justice. I understand that this man has seen many a bad apple, but it was his underlying malice and complete lack of decorum that spoiled the bunch....

We have lived by Erwin’s for over 30 years and were very disappointed they sold out but I can’t fault them for wanting to retire. We have not stopped to check out Blake’s until this morning because it seemed so commercialized and we have no young children any longer. The store was nice but everything, except for the jam, seemed to be over-priced, and has been stated in other reviews, is not made by Blake’s. I was disappointed they closed off the cider press, which was one of the draws of Erwin’s. Then I realized they most likely press all their cider in Armada. I know prices in general have gone up for inflation but $7.95 for a half gallon of cider was more than I wanted to pay, although I wanted to try their cider so I purchased a half gallon. The gourmet donuts were a little more than I would have expected (3 for $4.99) but the cinnamon apple frosting was very good. I did purchase a jar of jam for $6.99, which was very reasonable compared with other tourist-type traps we’ve visited, and from which I’ve purchased. Considering Erwin’s won first prize in the Cider Guild contest four years in a row, my wife and I were very disappointed in the flavor of the cider. All things considered, this will likely be our only visit to this cider mill (which in reality is no longer an actual cider mill). We will go back to Parmenter’s in Northville if we want good cider. I have to amend my review after visiting two other cider mills in the area. What I thought was expensive at $7.95 was actually the lowest price we paid for a half gallon. Plymouth Orchards was $8.00 for a half gallon and Parmenter’s was $9.25 for a half gallon. The gourmet donuts at Blake’s were better than either of the other two and the cost was comparable. Parmenter’s still had the best cider but Blake’s was comparable to Plymouth Orchards. And since it is right around the corner for us, we may buy cider here rather than drive farther and pay a higher price. I raised the review to four stars but I still don’t like the...

Took two grandchildren for a visit. Bought tickets on line to save time ( per the website) and arrived to the Funland about 10 minutes before opening. Advance purchase does not expedite entry. Waited in line while two staff tried to process everyone and apply wrist bands. Very slow.

Bounce houses were wet with dew. Would have been nice to have these wiped down as kids could not use them. Later they dried off just due to the kids sliding and bouncing around but we did not return due to the large number of kids on each. Should be staff to monitor for safety Petting area was clean and animals looked healthy. The only place to buy the tiny $2 cup of feed was back at the entrance. Not worth it. There was an area to shoot hoops as well as throw footballs and baseballs through targets which the kids enjoyed;however the ground was not sloped so balls did not return to an area where kids could retrieve them to use again. Signs indicated not to go into the area to retrieve balls No staff at any of the areas to assist, so that limited the fun . Corn maze was ok. The bounce pillows were divided by age; however there were no limits posted on number of kids who could be on at once. Despite signage indicating “ no somersaults” , adults present did not instruct children. Again, no staff in the area.

Although the $12.95 admission was probably reasonable for kids, I do not believe adults should be charged especially since the adults were basically required to staff the area. Thought the cider and donuts were expensive compared to other places. Even early in the day the outhouses were dirty but at least there was tissue and sanitizer.

The kids said they did enjoy their time which is why, despite all of the above, I gave 3 stars. Otherwise it would have been no...