The leaves are changing, the sweaters are coming out of the closet and the pumpkin spice is brewing. This could only mean one thing…fall is coming. Ah yes, fall, that sweet time of the year where we shed our bathing suits from summer and brace ourselves for the cold weather that is to come.
There are so many great things about fall, as well as activities that are practically traditions every autumn. Jumping in leaf piles, sipping apple cider, and of course, apple picking. Apple picking is probably the most popular, not to mention most “instagrammable”, activity that the fall has to offer. There’s nothing better than picking that perfect, juicy apple right off the tree as you gallop around in your sweater that you’ve been waiting to wear all year.
I’m sure when you think of Philadelphia you don’t picture orchards and farms, which is understandable. Although there many not be huge orchards in the heart of the city, there are actually several places in the Philadelphia area that have all of your apple picking needs.
Here are seven places in the Philadelphia area where you can go apple picking and get that perfect fall themed Instagram shot.
1. Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards, the hidden gem of the Philly area and easily the most recognizable orchard of them all. Residing in the heart of Delaware County, commonly referred to as “Delco”, Linvilla is located only 20 minutes from the City of Brotherly Love. They have everything you could want in a perfect orchard; hayrides, rows and rows of apple trees, animals you can feed, and a market filled with homemade treats made from the season’s harvest.
Linvilla is extremely family-friendly and serves as the perfect place to pick that perfect apple. You’d have no idea that this place resides in the suburbs outside Philadelphia, but we are forever grateful that it does. Plus, their homemade apple cider is TO DIE FOR!
For more information, check out their website.
2. Highland Orchards
Located in West Chester, Highland Orchards has over 200 acres of crops and serves as a place that brings fun to the whole family. Their warm, inviting environment makes for a great place to spend time with family and friends as you snap a few pictures in the orchards while sipping on some apple cider. Not only are they known for their apples, but they are also home to some of the best apple cider donuts in Philly!
For more information, check out their website
3. Indian Orchards
Also located in the heart of Delco is Indian Orchards. Though smaller than Linvilla and Highland, the family-owned farm gives you that close-to-home feel and reminds you of the garden you once grew in your own back yard. The orchard is located only 5 minutes from downtown Media which gives you the perfect opportunity to pick some apples then head out for a nice lunch on State Street.
For more information, check out their website.
4. Brecknock Orchard
Now leaving the Philly area, we enter Lancaster, the land of the Amish and home of Brecknock Orchard. Lancaster is widely known for their rural towns and Amish culture. Located at about 35 miles outside Philadelphia, Brecknock serves as a great place for picking apples during a nice autumn day. Brecknock also holds festivals throughout the year that make the farm-to-table experience that much more interesting. Their family-friendly atmosphere ensures that there is fun for everyone!
For more information, check out their website.
5. Shady Brook Farm
Located just 30 minutes north of Center City, Shady Brook Farms ranks in as one of the closest orchards to Philadelphia. This orchard is great for little kids with go-karting and playgrounds that are great for keeping the kids busy.
Though this farm is more on the simple side, that doesn’t take away from their beautiful orchards and delicious seasonal treats. They even put on a large light display during the Christmas season, which really helps bring that holiday spirit into your life. Bonus, they make their own homemade ice cream!
For more information, check out their website.
6. Solebury Orchards
Now heading a little north of Philadelphia, we stumble upon Solebury Orchards. Solebury is located in the heart of Bucks County, which is known for their open fields and scenic views. Unlike the other orchards, Solebury doesn’t have other frills or attractions and focuses mainly on their crops.
Here you get the feeling like you’re “out in the country” and surrounded by beautiful views. There’s a good chance you’ll even spot a few horses on some nearby farms. Their market is stocked almost all year-round with their freshly grown fruits, which is a nice option if you’re trying to eat farm-to-table.
For more information, check out their website.
7. Johnson’s Corner Farm
Finally, we cross the Commodore Barry Bridge to New Jersey, to the home of Johnson’s Corner Farm, to the Garden State. Even though the farm is located in Jersey, it is situated in South Jersey, making it relatively close to the city. From hayrides, to barbecues, to seasonal festivals, Johnson’s has it all! Johnson’s offers a ton of different activities throughout the year that make it the perfect destination for any season.
They even have an in-house menu of foods made from ingredients grown right on their very on land. If you want to change it up and skip the apple picking, go pick out the perfect pumpkin in their infamous pumpkin patch.
For more information, check out their website.
Fall is the perfect time to embrace your inner “basic girl” spirit and embrace the cold weather, so make sure you go out there and have fun!