Brandywine Table: A Bushel of Fun
Pick your own apples for farm-fresh fall flavor
There’s nothing quite like picking apples on an autumn afternoon. Admiring the fall foliage as you drive down idyllic country roads, romping through the orchard with family and friends, taking a bite out of a ripe, crisp apple just plucked from the branch. And, of course, bringing home delicious fall goodies to enjoy for days — and perhaps weeks — to come. It’s the perfect weekend adventure.
We’re lucky to live in Pennsylvania, which boasts one of the longest and most diverse apple seasons in the country. From mid-July to early November, dozens of varieties come into season, from the tart and crunchy to the sweet and juicy. It’s no wonder we’re surrounded by a bushel of apple orchards ready to welcome you and your family.
Dating back nearly three centuries, Barnard’s Orchard in Kennett Square has been a go-to destination for generations of apple lovers. Most years, they grow around 20 varieties of apples, though pick-your-own options vary throughout the season — check Farmer Lewis’ Facebook posts to see what’s available. If you’re lucky, you might catch an applesauce-making demo, a true fall treat.
Just outside Media, Indian Orchards is a family-run orchard with over 110 years of history. Take your pick of a variety of sustainably grown, pesticide-free apples, from Honeycrisp to heirlooms from century-old trees. Before you leave, drop by the farmstand for a jug of freshly pressed apple cider — you can even watch them make it — and other local goodies.
Or take a drive out to Boyertown, home of Frecon Farms. Celebrating 80 years, this third-generation family farm is fun for all ages. Take a hayride around the orchard to find the perfect apple. Afterwards, enjoy live music, hard cider on tap for grown-ups and a play area for kiddos. You can even cut your own zinnias for a bright addition to your table.
Wherever you go, you’re bound to come home with enough apples to keep the doctor away until next fall. So, time to get cooking! From gooey desserts to scrumptious spreads, there’s loads you can do with the humble apple. Plus, you can dry or freeze any leftovers so you can keep enjoying those comforting fall flavors long after the season has passed.
Read on for our staff’s favorite apple recipes and fill your kitchen with the aromas of autumn.