Apple season has arrived in PA. Here are 5 Centre County farms and orchards to check out
In our Uniquely stories, CDT journalists celebrate what we love most about Centre County, its history & culture. Read more. Story idea? cdtnewstips@centredaily.com.
Is there any activity so quintessentially “fall” as apple picking? Wandering through an orchard, a crisp autumn breeze in the air, searching out that perfect piece of fruit (or the perfect photo op)? Area orchards and farms are serving up such experiences, along with other fall festivities, including pumpkin picking, corn mazes and more.
Here’s where to go — as well as a few options if you just want the flavors of fall, without the need to head into the orchard yourself.
Way Fruit Farm
Head to Way Fruit Farm in Port Matilda for apple picking on Friday evenings and Saturdays. The rest of the week, you can stop into the farm store for fall favorites like pumpkin doughnuts. When you arrive for apple picking, swing by the store first, to grab a bag. If rain looks likely, call ahead to make sure apple picking is still an option.
Also don’t miss the bevy of fall fests and events taking place at the farm. History Demonstration Days are Sept. 27-28, with programming provided by the Clearfield Historical Society, plus pumpkin picking, a craft market, food vendors and live music. Harvest Weekend is Oct. 4-5, with much of the same. On Oct. 11 and 12, live pumpkin carving demonstrations are on tap.
Get more information at www.wayfruitfarm.com or www.facebook.com/wayfruitfarm, including which apple varieties will be available during your visit. Note that pets are not allowed due to PDA food safety guidelines.
Location: 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road, Port Matilda (apples are also available to purchase in the downtown State College location, 252 E. Calder Way)
Hours: U-pick apples Fridays, 4-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Port Matilda farm store open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Saturday until 5 p.m.; State College location open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Harner Farm
For apple picking available daily, try Harner Farm. In addition to apple varieties like McIntosh, Cortland and Red and Golden Delicious, you can still pick sunflowers, grapes and plums at the farm as well. Be sure to grab a fresh doughnut while you’re there, as well as some fresh apple cider. While the farm does not offer pumpkin picking, pumpkins and mums are both available for purchase in the farm store.
Keep an eye on the farm’s Facebook page for more information about upcoming seasonal events, such as fall festival weekends, as well as the opening of other activities, such as the corn maze.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/harnerfarm.
Location: 2191 W. Whitehall Road, State College
Hours: U-pick apples Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays noon-3:30 p.m.; farm store open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
Our Little Orchard
In Bellefonte, while Our Little Orchard does not offer u-pick apples, the farm shop does offer a variety of apples for purchase, currently including Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Redfree and Zestar, with even more varieties becoming available as the season progresses. Fresh cider is also available. Can’t make it to the farm shop during normal opening hours? A self-serve stand is always open.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/OLO85.
Location: 2226 Zion Road, Bellefonte
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wasson Farm Market
During the fall season, Wasson Farm Market will offer many different varieties of apples for purchase, as well as an array of apple products, like apple butter, apple cider and apple dumplings. During the farm’s fall festival weekends (Sept. 28-29, Oct. 5-6, Oct. 12-13 and Oct. 19-20), it will also offer apple cider slushies and, new for this year, apple supreme platters — a platter of apple slices with your choice of toppings, like caramel, hot fudge and peanut butter sauce, with sprinkles, nuts, candy and whipped cream on top.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/WassonFarm. Note that Wasson Farm Market only accepts payment in the form of cash or check.
Location: 2545 Shingletown Road, State College
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 3-7:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday, noon-7:30 p.m.
Macneal Orchards & Sugarbush
Call or message Macneal Orchards & Sugarbush to place an order and schedule a pick-up of a half peck up to a bushel of fresh apples. Varieties include Honeycrisp, Prima, Gala, Sir Prize and Smokehouse, with Cortland (the orchard’s bestseller!) arriving by the end of September, along with the orchard’s sweet, fresh-pressed apple cider.
Learn more at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068267174900.
Location: 7104 Brush Valley Road, Rebersburg
Holly Riddle is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. She can be reached at holly.ridd@gmail.com.
