By Colleen Johnson FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News)
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in Fayetteville has been ranked the best apple orchard in the country by USA TODAY. It was voted by fans as the best in the nation four times in the last six years. Beak and Skiff President Eddie Brennan believes winning the award again has not only helped bring more people into the orchard but has helped expand the company.
“It’s created a halo effect and really helped give validity to everything that we’re doing up here,” Brennan said. “So, it’s really helped with our hard cider brand, which is 1911.”
Brennan is the fifth generation in his family running the business. He thinks the fact that Beak & Skiff is 100% family owned helps separate them from their competition. He also said they offer a unique blend of family activities and entertainment for adults. This includes a 1911 tasting room, concerts in the summer, a kids’ treehouse and a bakery and general store for everyone.
For Fayetteville resident Lauren Knuth, Beak and Skiff is a special place she loves to visit. She thinks it sticks out from the other local orchards.
“I was, you know, raised here so I remember coming here when I was younger, and it’s just been growing and growing so I think it’s seeing what’s the new thing each year,” Knuth said. “But, it’s also just so beautiful.”
Even as the best orchard in the country, it still has had its challenges with the pandemic.
“We’ve struggled in terms of getting people to our campus, and just keeping our employees safe and healthy,” Brennan said.
Their hard cider did well during the pandemic because alcohol sales were up. However, at the orchard it was more difficult to find people who wanted to work in an environment where you interact with so many people. Certain attractions like the wagon rides were also shut down last year.
But this year there are less regulations in place. All of their employees are still wearing masks indoors, and they recommend all customers wear masks while visiting.
Knuth brought her four kids with her and felt safe.
“We chose to get vaccinated, my older children are vaccinated and so I brought masks but being outside I didn’t really consider it,” Knuth said. “We’ve just been enjoying the sunshine.”
Since there is so much to do outdoors at Beak & Skiff many people have found it to be a comfortable way to get out of the house during the pandemic.
Currently only McIntosh can be picked, but the popular Honeycrisp season starts on Wednesday.
