Lawrence Farms Orchards — Local services in Town of Newburgh

Wow! Based on a few of the negative reviews, I’m going to assume that I visited this place on a good day because my experience was the complete opposite of what I’ve read. Now granted, I’ve been apple picking years ago but not at this location so I was a bit surprised to see that they were charging an entrance fee per visitor. I had pleasant interactions with the staff from start to finish and although I visited with family members, I live alone and being fully aware that there is a food shortage due to a drought and horrible weather conditions, I already went in not expecting to find much as well as being fully aware that the produce prices would be high to offset the loss. That’s why I picked just enough produce to last me a week and no more than enough for two people. I do understand that many don’t have that option but with inflation hitting everyone hard, you just have to learn to adjust your shopping and leisure habits. If you're looking for the same prices at picking farms as you do at your local market, chances are that you’re not going to get that which is what you really need to consider before making the long trek up there. Especially since you don’t know what the prices will be beforehand. As far as the produce goes….the pickings were slim. Again, I chalk that up to the drought because many of the produce were dried out, but I could also tell that critters had picked through a few, which rendered them inedible. So it’s going to take time and a lot of patience while walking through the fields until you find something to your liking. And don’t just pick something that looks good, then toss it in the bag. Be sure to FULLY inspect everything so that there are no surprises waiting for you when you get home. (ex. Worms, insects). By the time I was ready to cash out, my produce totaled $22. I bought a bottle of Pure Maple Syrup ($20..but I REALLY wanted it) and Apple Cider ($2.50). So I spent about $45. Which isn’t bad ( I actually expected to spend more ). I love being outdoors so I went more for the ambiance than the pickings. So for that alone, they get 4 stars. I took one star off because I actually did overhear a staff member speak rudely to another visitor which given the question that the customer asked (about condiments at the food stand) was completely uncalled for and it rubbed me the wrong way. A simple “No” was the more appropriate response for what was asked. There were a lot of young staffers there, this staffer was one of them. They might want to consider hiring more older staffers who have had a longer experience with customer service. The older staffers were who I interacted with and they were...

We've always enjoyed going to this place even if we only picked a small bag of fruits/vegetables. The prices are very high, of course, compared to even the most expensive supermarkets (pretty much double the price). To be fair, though, I have to say that I haven't been to other "pick your own" farms, and the extra cost is to be attributed to the "organic" or "natural" factor, perhaps. Have never felt down about the quality/taste of their produce, but can't lie and say that at least on the taste level they're worth twice the price of supermarket fruits. Be it as it may.

Wasn't really impressed about them introducing the entry fee last year. That being said, I sort of understood that and attributed it to them covering the cost of people "oversampling" the fruits. So, I don't make bones about paying the entry fee. The things is that now I won't tell the children to stop eating more than a couple simply because we haven't paid yet. And I myself don't feel guilty about filling my stomach while I'm filling the bucket. After all, they have in a way given me the permission and the motivation to act that way by introducing the entry fee. Anyone from Lawrence farms reading this? Pay attention, because I'm sure I am not the only one feeling this way. You've asked for it, guys. I'm still not going to give the place a complete low mark since so far so good, but you can be sure that the minute someone tells me I'm eating too much (and I don't really, just making a point here), I'm saying good bye to this place. One would think that the already high cost of the produce sort of covers the extra few pounds people will cost them in sampling/eating, but perhaps their calculations have found that $3/person entry fee is also needed. So, for now, my kids still enjoy going there (simply because they don't know/care about money/expense just yet), and I will go with that, but I'm kind of on the edge, one "notice" shy of making that my last visit.

P.S. Coda, the brown Labrador is one of the reasons I enjoy going there. He's awesome, and in my humble opinion, a big part of the attraction for the place. Oh, and the...

My family has been coming to this farm for over 15 years. Unfortunately, it feels very commercialized now and less like a family farm.

After not being here for a few years, being greeted with a $5/person admission was a rude awakening. Then, you still have to pay a high $30/bag for apples. Yes, you get “coupons” but it’s savings you really paid for so you’re not actually saving anything. Oh and guess what? You have to get your coupons within an HOUR of visiting. Why?

I get that the farm needs to account for a large family buying only 1 bag, but that’s what the overpriced bag of apples was supposed to cover. Now we’re being overcharged twice.

Most of the Apple trees have been cut short. Gone are the days where you could use a pole to grab some of the biggest and fresh untouched apples at the top. Staff said every tree is cut to allow you to reach almost to the top. This makes the farm feel less natural and more commercial.

Speaking of commercial, the pumpkins are no longer wild on the vine. They’re all pre-picked and placed on a pumpkin patch. Is that still “pick your own”? The selection was beautiful though.

Rather than being a day out in the country, this feels like going to a farm based theme park where you’re trying to be sold something every 10 feet. There are moving drink and donut stands. Registers and scales in the middle of farm paths. Rule signs telling you like a child how to act and how much fruit to sample, and of course, that you need to pay for it. The youngest member of our group is 29, we’re not children. Stores don’t do these things to prevent shoplifting.

Upon entry, you are handed a map with rules and legal liability disclaimers on it. Is that really necessary?

The farm is still beautiful and has a wonderful selection of fruits and veggies, but it really lost that real feel to it. Now it feels like a mix between a tourist attraction and a farmer’s market. One that also needs to lecture you and make sure they get every dollar they...