Was really looking forward to visiting the big apple on my way back to toronto, was attending a dinner and I was in charge of dessert. It smells lovely inside with the on looking to the bakery. - I was very disappointed when I couldn't buy pies that were 3 days old, I could not get any fresher ones. I ended up throwing out the pies and picking up new ones closer to my dinner plans.
For years, The Big Apple had a negative reputation. That is being turned around due to new ownership. I was part of a group from out of town who toured The Big Apple today as part of an economic development initiative. The new owners of The Big Apple are obviously committed to customer service, quality experiences and turning the place around. It is really cool there! Great bake shop, candy and chocolate store, restaurant, and a cider brewery to open soon. Check it out!
Yes, they have Great Apple Pie but they also have fresh apple bread, cakes, cider, fresh apples and more varieties of apple pies! Lots of candy! Gift baskets, collectables, natural sauces, bbq sauces, etc. Great stop over for everyone after a long drive. Clean Bathrooms. Fresh coffee, comfortable dining area. They also have an area for kids to play or walk your dog. This time of the year they had a Christmas theme. Also if you need to fill up with GAS, just before you drive into the Big Apple, (exit # 497) the gas station you drive by has one of cheapest gas from Toronto to Napanee. It was $.04 cheaper than in Toronto.
I have probably driven past this place 100+ times, and finally my curiosity got the best of me. How can a place that has sold close to 5,000,000 pies be bad? There are all kinds of food choices, and on-site pie baking factory, restaurant, souvenir store, mini-putt, mini train ride, and lots more. great place to pull over for a coffee & a bite while on the road.FYI - The same exit also has an Ultramar gas station - which is one of the cheapest gas stations along the 401, and it is at the corner where you enter/exit the Big Apple.worth the stop!
I can't count the number of time I passed the Big Apple, finally I decided to stop during our last trip from Toronto to OttawaLarge variety of food, from coffee to sweets and ANYTHING apple.One area is the sweets area - chocolate, candy, frozen yogurt, ice cream. Another area thefood area but also condiments like apple jam, frozen desserts, etc.I did return a pie which had a fruit fly trapped in the box, the clerk exchanged it without question. The is another area with souvenirs and clothing. Plenty of parking.Animals were a hit with my toddlers. I'm certain the mini golf course is busy during the warmer months. This is going to be out next pit stop from now on.
If your looking for something different than "Enroute" it's a good diversion. Apple pies are over priced as they are nothing special.
Dear valued customer,We are very sorry that you found the crust of your recently-purchased pie such a disappointment and not flaky enough. Customers are of the utmost importance to us and we value your feedback. We will definitely be reviewing the recipes and procedures with our head baker to improve our crusts' quality,Again, we are very sorry, and we hope your next visit will be more enjoyable. If you would like to discuss the issue further, please contact us at: 'thebigapple@bellnet.ca'Best regards,The Big Apple Management
My wife and I stopped there as we drove home from visiting a family member near Ottawa. We have stopped there numerous times on our way through, to pick up gluten free pies for our neighbour! This time however, we could not see the gluten free pies, so my wife went to ask a employee where they might be. The employee points at 2 different areas and says " if they aren't there, we don't have them", then, walks away. My wife did not even have a chance to ask if they might be making more, etc...we stopped there at approximately 11:30 am. I don't know how many gluten free pies they make, but it sure can't be too many...We promptly left.. We won't waste our time stopping there again...We don't need the attitude...
I have stopped at Big Apple on 401 near Kingston a few times. My family loves it for the petting zoo and I enjoyed picking up treats in the main store. The petting zoo has about 4-5 types of animals. There are other recreational activities on this property but I have not tried so cannot provide any details. There is a coffee shop and candy store inside the main building. The washrooms are clean and not as busy as OnRoute locations - unless you pull in at the same time as a tour bus. Gas station and Tim Hortons is outside of this property at the main intersection. Apple and other types of pies are good and reasonably priced. I usually pick up one or two pies on my way to visit family. The only negative is multiple stops are required for gas and there is no direct off or on ramp to the 401. Overall good experience so far.