Rachel B.
Yelp
TL;DR: Great apple picking (Honeycrisp & Ruby Red), friendly staff, and delicious fresh cider. Festival is best for families with young kids--older visitors might prefer weekdays to avoid weekend admission. Country store & cider are must-stops; donuts were just okay. Fun seasonal spot for friends or family!
My friends and I visited Swans Trail Farms on the first day of their Fall Festival, and we started with U-pick apples to see if we'd want to come back for more festival fun.
Crowds & Vibes
For being opening weekend, I was pleasantly surprised--it didn't feel overcrowded at all and wait times were minimal. The festival is definitely geared more toward families with younger kids, but for older visitors, I'd recommend going on a weekday. That way you skip the weekend admission prices while still enjoying the apples, food, and cider.
Apple Picking
Apple picking was the highlight! At the time, there were two varieties available (Honeycrisp & Ruby Red), with more to come later in the season. The staff running the U-pick were super friendly and explained both the varieties and the proper way to pick. I also loved that the trees are grown short--more like tall bushes--so picking is easy for everyone. At $3.50/lb, I left with a bag full of crisp, delicious apples.
Cider & Snacks
Don't miss the fresh-pressed apple cider (and definitely stop by the cider barn to see it being made). Their hard cider is also worth trying--made on-site with fun, layered apple notes . The apple cider donuts were good, though not quite the "wow" factor I was hoping for (tasted more like grocery store donuts).
Extra Perks
One thing I really appreciate: the country store and food vendors are outside the admission area, so you can enjoy fresh cider, snacks, and seasonal goods without buying a festival ticket. The store itself is a treat--stocked with local goodies like salsa, pickles, and cider.
Festival Activities
For me, the hayride and corn maze looked like the most enjoyable "festival" attractions. Families with little ones will definitely get the most out of the full event.
Overall
Swans Trail Farms is a charming seasonal stop--whether you're there for apple picking, cider sipping, or a full family festival day. Great for a fall outing with friends or kids.