Fall Activity Highlight: Soergel’s Orchards

One of my favorite places to visit during the autumn season is Soergel’s Orchards in Wexford, Pa. This family farm really encapsulates the spirit of fall, and provides one with every fall experience they could possibly want. Soergel’s history started in 1850 when a German immigrant named John Soergel settled on the property and began planting apple trees. This modest start has grown into a 450-acre business spread over several locations across the county, but with headquarters still in Wexford where it all began. All the food they make is homemade and features ingredients harvested themselves, so it’s guaranteed to be organically delicious.

Soergel’s has many different activities, but by far the most popular is their annual fall fest. It has grown to be so popular that it occurs every weekend in October. There’s pumpkin picking, hayrides, games, apple picking, and horse drawn wagon rides – just to name a few! In addition to the fall fest, new this year are Friday night hayrides, where visitors can hitch a hayride to the different pumpkin patches. As a fair warning, Soergel’s has become very popular with the surrounding communities, so the weekends can get pretty packed. I would suggest going earlier during the day to beat the crowds and guarantee yourself a parking spot!

On the farm itself there’s a food and gift barn, as well as an animal barn where you can meet their pigs, goats, and cows. The food barn is complete with a large, homegrown produce section, deli, bakery, and canned section – which houses some of the best jams and preserves you can find. There’s even a specialty food store that sells completely gluten free and allergy free products, one of the only grocery stores in the area to do so. For the kids, there’s cute wooden playground equipment and well as ‘gold mining’ – where they can try their luck panning for gold in a faux stream. Additionally, there’s opportunities to pet the animals, a butterfly house, and a space to watch the homemade cider being made. During fall fest, there’s always fun activities like face painting, pony rides, and bounce houses that will be sure to be a blast for the kids.

The farm is so beautiful in the fall, with sunflower patches and sprawling pumpkin patches. Once you’ve tired of taking in all the outdoor excitement, head inside and grab some of the best homemade baked goods and freshest produce you’ll ever try. Their Dutch apple pie should definitely be something you add to your cart, as well as their blueberry scones and snickerdoodle cookies. Another must purchase food item is Amish donuts, only available seasonably so be sure grab them when you can! The most popular grocery item sold is apple cider, made right on the farm in their cider press. It’s made with a mixture of their homegrown apples, which gives it the natural taste that makes it so good.

If you find yourself in the area, be sure to check out Soergel’s Orchards, for a festive way to celebrate fall while supporting eating local and family farmers!