The first crisp apples of autumn are ready for picking at orchards around the Main Line and western suburbs. Beyond being a great way to spend a fall afternoon with the kids, these cornucopias of the Philly suburbs’ harvest are ideal places to restock your pantry. At some of the more elaborate operations, there’s live music, hayrides, petting zoos, fishing and even beer gardens for added fun with family and friends.
Barnard’s Orchard
1079 Wawaset Rd., Kennett Square
This season’s weather has produced a banner year of flavorful apple selections with up to nine varieties available to be picked throughout the fall at this small, family-run orchard. Crimson Crisps are a mid-September highlight at the orchard, while Stayman Winesaps make their appearance in October. Meander the Kennett Square destination’s 74 acres or peruse the petite onsite store for seasonal treats and décor.
Glen Willow Orchard
1657 Glen Willow Rd., Avondale
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Not far from the Barnard’s property in Avondale, Glen Willow Orchard has been operated by the Rosazza family since 1955. In addition to its apple orchards, Glen Willow grows its own vegetables and has a well-stocked farm stand that includes local mushrooms. Its colorful field-grown mums are a special treat in the fall.
Highland Orchards
1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Rd., West Chester
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Staymen, Ida Red, Winesap, Rome and other varieties are ready for daily picking at this 200-acre family-owned farm between West Chester and Downingtown. Don’t have time to hit the orchard? Grab a seven-pound to-go bag. Also running through the end of the month are fall harvest weekends, which offer freshly baked pies, seasonal pastries, legendary hot apple cider donuts and Levane’s Beer Garden for a refreshing fall sip. Kid-friendly pumpkin painting, carving and hayrides are also available during the fall harvest festivities.
Indian Orchards Farm
29 Copes Ln., Media
Known for organic farming, this small, family-owned farm has plenty of apples for picking. Grab a basket and hit the orchard for a $3.50 per person fee, plus a price per pound charge.
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
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It’s the peak season for apple picking at this area favorite. Look for a wealth of varieties, including Cameo, Jonagold, Mutsu, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride into the groves daily from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. for a $6 entrance fee (picking boxes are extra). Don’t forget to tour the kid-friendly Pumpkinland, with its larger-than-life scarecrows and haunted figures, to get into the spirit of Halloween.
Weaver’s Orchard
40 Fruit Ln., Morgantown
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Pick apples from dwarf trees at this farm, which has been active since the 1930s. Open six days a week, the farm is a must for Autumn Crisp, Crimson Crisp, Pixie Crunch, Gala, Macintosh and Smokehouse varieties with pre-pay bags. Shop for delicious baked goods, organic produce, local honey and deli items while you’re there. Don’t forget a stop at Kim’s Cafe for coffee and hot cider.
Related: These Farmers’ Markets Stock Fresh Produce Around the Main Line
