While pumpkin spice everything already came in hot this month, apple-picking time slowly snuck up on us. Bring the kids, grandparents and friends to a beloved fall event for some apple picking, dining and seasonal fun.
The fall foliage and crisp autumn weather brings travelers to scenic locales, such as Pennsylvania, this time of year for hikes, cycling and natural beauty. The rich history and quaint charm of popular towns, such as the historic center of Gettysburg, is heightened even more in the fall with the annual celebration of the National Apple Harvest Festival. Held just a short drive north of Gettysburg, at The South Mountain Fairgrounds of Aredtsville, Pennsylvania, more than 100,000 tourists and visitors venture to the fall festival each year.
Bring the kids for the first two weekends in October and enjoy apple everything. For the 54th year in a row, guests enjoy apple-centric crafts, food, drinks, candy and more, in addition to a wide variety of games, entertainment and special events, Oct. 6–7 and 13–14.
Candy apples © Thomas Morrison | Dreamstime.com
Purchase local crafts and goods from seasoned vendors between activities. Kids enjoy scarecrow stuffing, jumping on hay piles and various events and games just for them. Stroll around shopping, taste local fare, enjoy live music or pop into the antique tractor exhibition and steam engine display for an education on the farm industry’s past and present.
Known locally as Apple Country, there are few better options than the South Mountain Fairgrounds for an orchard tour. Hop on a tractor and let your guide chug along through the orchard. Check out the pick-your-own options while at the fair or just enjoy the slew of apple-themed products from pie to cider.
There will be savory offerings, too, including pulled-pork dishes and sweet potato fries.
Check out the event each day over its two-weekend celebration, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; ticket prices are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and free for kids younger than 12 years old.
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