It’s apple season, and we have a list of farms you’ll want to visit for locally-grown apples and fresh cider. So skip the store-bought fruit and head to one of these Pittsburgh area orchards.
Trax Farms
Nestled in the South Hills, Trax Farms has provided Pittsburghers with fresh fruits and vegetables for decades. They boast that they have the “Best Apple Cider in Pittsburgh,” and you can sample and purchase freshly-pressed apple cider from the farm’s cider mill, which started churning apples into cider in 1964. Note: Trax’s apple cider must be kept refrigerated, but you can also freeze it so the chilled (or mulled…and spiked!) apple cider can be enjoyed during those long winter days.
Soergel Orchards
The apple cider fun extends beyond the fall season at Soergel Orchards. The farm’s cider press runs all year round. In September and October, you can also pick your own apples to eat or use in apple sauce, apple pie, or whatever recipe your heart desires.
Shenot Farm
Apple cider and chocolate? You’ll find both at Shenot Farm, a must-add to chocolate lovers’ to-do list. Plus with 25 apple varieties across 15 acres, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect apple in this orchard’s diverse selection. In addition, Shenot Farm offers freshly-pressed cider and a Fudge Room with over 50 homemade fudge flavors.
Norman’s Orchard
Looking for apples of the heirloom variety? Norman’s Orchard grows a variety of heirloom apples and pears, characterized by their distinctive taste and appearance, which are not readily available elsewhere. Visitors are welcome to pick their own fruit straight from the tree or to purchase freshly picked fruit from the farm market. Apple butter and local honey are also available.
Triple B Farms
Whether you’re looking to eat or bake your apples, you can pick your own at Triple B Farms, as well as flowers and pumpkins for a little more fall fun. Triple B Farms also offers activities for the kiddos, including the Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slide and the Farm Playground.
Godfrey Run Farm
Take a two-hour drive outside the city, and you’ll be rewarded with a freshly-pressed apple cider slushie from Godfrey Run Farm. Of course, while you’re there, you might as well stock up on cider, apples, and more.
Apple Castle
Apple cider donuts with real apple chunks? Enough said. Apple Castle also boasts a large selection of apples, a playground for the kids, and other locally made products.
Emmett’s Orchard
Started in 1997 and only open during the autumn season, Emmett’s Orchard’s Facebook bio says it best: “a family run business, open in the fall for apples, cider and other fun things!”
Simmons Farm
Simmons Farm boasts all the fun farm activities: hayrides, fresh produce and greenery for purchase, and pick-your-own excursions for apples, pumpkins, flowers, peaches, and strawberries.
Sally’s Cider Press
Not only can you purchase freshly-pressed apple cider and apple butter from Sally’s Cider Press. If you bring your own apples, Sally’s will press them into your own refreshing cider!
Half Crown Hill Orchard
At this family-owned and operated farm and retail market, you can pick your own apples or snag a premade grab bag. They also offer honey, beeswax products, and cider pressed and UV pasteurized at Sally’s Cider Press.
Sturges Orchards and Farm Market
You’ll find apples, peaches, plums, Asian pears, and cherries growing on the 65 acres at Sturges Orchards and Farm Market. Kick it up a notch with their homemade hard cider. Available at Pittsburgh farmers’ markets, too!
Brown’s Orchard & Cider Co.
Using an apple press from the 1930s, Brown’s Orchard & Cider Co. makes delicious fresh apple cider right on-site. They are open from August to December.
Barbers Orchard
Peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of apples: stock up on all your favorite fruits and vegetables and fresh apple cider during the fall season, which Barbers Orchard presses itself.
Daugherty’s Orchards
Find fresh pies all year round and yummy apple cider in the fall at this Westmoreland County farm. The Daugherty family hand sows, grows, and picks the most produce available themselves.
Golden Apple Farm and Market
Alongside their homemade cider, Golden Apple Farm and Market offers “hive-to-spoon” local raw honey and seasonal, sustainably sourced produce.
Pome Ridge Orchards
The sprawling Blairsville orchard features such apple varieties as red delicious, golden delicious, double red delicious, and northern spy.
Story by Jordan Snowden / Photography by Katie Long
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