Take a Bite!

When the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, autumn-lovers have a short window before winter settles in. What better way to fill up with the feeling of fall than by crunching into a juicy, ripe apple? Maybe if it’s one you picked all on your own.

Whether you’re looking to bake a pie or just enjoy the beautiful autumn days, apple picking is fun for all ages. Set aside your summer strawberries and take a bite into fall fun at some of our favorite local apple orchards. (Note: Apple varieties and picking details at the orchards are constantly changing.)

Barnard’s Orchard. This fourth-generation orchard considers its community and customers its most prized commodity. Stop by for ripe apples, peaches and seasonal vegetables to satisfy your fall cravings. 1079 Wawaset Rd., Kennett Square. On Facebook.

Frecon Farms. Make your way over to this orchard to pick apples, pears, pumpkins and more! Afterwards, check out the unique items in the bakery, or sip handcrafted cider as you admire the sunflowers and mums in the market. Growing fruit since 1944. 501 S. Reading Ave., Boyertown. FreconFarms.com.

Indian Orchards. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and pick from a variety of 20+ apples for any kind of apple pie you could possibly imagine! Can’t get enough? Book a special event or spend the night at The Inn, a historic farmhouse B&B built in 1794. 29 Copes Ln., Media. IndianOrchardsFarm.com. 

Mariner Farms. There’s nothing like a sustainable family farm. Begin your apple adventure with a hayride out to the orchard, free of charge. Pluck a bushel and peck of Early Fuji, Autumn Crisp, Honeycrisp or Crimson Crisp apples. On your way out, browse the stand for seasonal fruit, jams, jellies and more! 1594 Broad Run Rd., Downingtown. MarinerFarmsLLC.com.

North Star Orchard. The possibilities are endless with over 200 varieties of apples to choose from! Not sure where to start? Grab some friends and take an Apple Tasting Hike to stroll, savor and learn all things apple. Then, feast your eyes on the work of local artists in the loft’s gallery. 3232 Limestone Rd., Cochranville. NorthStarOrchard.com.

Shady Brook Farm. FallFest is in full swing! Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, bonfires and live music this fall at Shady Brook. Cool down after a caper through the corn maze with an apple cider ice cream sandwich made fresh at the farm or take a seat at Stone’s Throw Pub. 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley. ShadyBrookFarm.com. 

Weaver’s Orchard. Open year round, Weaver’s Farm Market offers fresh-grown produce and fruit, local dairy products and meats, plus a bakery. Bring the little ones in your life for face painting, tube slides, farm animals and sandpit fun. Cap the day with a visit to the café for espresso or try the farm’s fresh-pressed, homemade apple cider. 40 Fruit Ln., Morgantown. WeaversOrchard.com.