Who doesn’t love the fall? The beautiful colors that emerge from the previously bright green trees, the yellows, golds, and reds. It’s a wonderland of autumn glory. Sweater weather, countless new fun activities, and boots. A new season is approaching.
I was lucky enough this year to be visiting the U.S. during the prime autumn beauty – October. And there are few better places to see it than the Northeast. Pennsylvania is famous for it’s lovely colors, endless foliage, and fun fall activities.
Apple Picking
I lived in Chester County up until the age of 21 and in Chester County everyone knows about apple picking at Highland Orchards. Although they also have berries and other fruits during the summer, they are most famous for their apples and pumpkins in the autumn.
Every year we wanted to go apple picking here. For some reason, it just never ended up happening and remained a dream. This year was different. I was visiting the States from Israel and now was the chance, the perfect opportunity! I booked our time slot in advance and on the very last day that they were offering apple picking we went!
After a very rainy week we were so lucky to have a bright and sunny Saturday, even though it was very cold for October 39 F (3 C). We put on our thick sweaters and hats, and set off.
Along with the “Pick it Yourself” Highland Orchards also has a farmer’s market, fresh produce, freshly baked donuts, a small petting zoo. We went directly for the shuttle that would take us to the orchards. Hopping on the green vintage-style shuttle, we began our short and bumpy ride to the orchards.
Granny Smith apples happened to be the first stop. As we were looking to make a pie and granny smith are the best for pies, we got off on the first stop and immediately started picking.
Even though it was the end of the season and the very last day of the picking there were still SO many beautiful apples to be found everywhere. We picked a very full basket and walked around the beautiful orchards.
After our apple picking I couldn’t have been more excited to go back to the farmer’s market and get some of their goodies-mostly the apple cider donuts that are famously delicious. Fresh and home baked old fashioned donuts, they are just about my favorite things ever! Especially if they’re warm on a chilly day. I struggled not to buy all of the donuts available to stock up for the rest of the fall!
Apple Pie
Is it even worth it to go apple picking if you’re not going to make a pie out of it afterwards? Granny Smith are by far the best for baking and nothing says fall more than a delicious apple pie with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ice cream.
There’s something even more special about being able to pick your own apples, take them home, and start making a pie from them. Peel, cut, mix and combine and voila! The perfect apple pie! I usually home make the pie crust too as the difference is so evident in deliciousness and flakiness.
Here is the recipe we have been using for years! Never fails!
Pumpkins
Is it really fall without pumpkins? The bright orange and unique shaped gourds that emerge and decorate every house in the area. It just seems like everything is painted orange for the fall, the leaves, the produce, the whole atmosphere.
A bit busy with the need to make something out of all the apples we got, I decided not to get a pumpkin to make a pie. It’ll have to be saved for next time as little is yummier than pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin bread simply cannot compare.
And did I mention that the hat I’m wearing here was handmade! And I even made a pair of mittens to match 🙂
Looking for more amazing things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our Day Trip to Philly and our USA page!
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke