Apple cider. Pumpkins. Cornstalks. These are the things of which fall is made. Acquiring essential ingredients on your fall checklist is one of the greatest pleasures of this time of year. Take a scenic drive through the countryside to find these five places for fall farm fun in the Poconos.
1. Ritter’s Cider Mill
Wimmer’s Rd., Mt. Cobb
Visitors will often find four generations of this family-owned farm in action. Watch apple cider being pressed or the family at work baking homemade treats. Free farm fun includes a hay barn, corn maze and farm animals to feed. Additional attractions include a scenic hayride, pony rides and apple slingshot. Apple pressing usually takes place on weekends and includes a free sample. Purchase apple cider, pear cider or apple cranberry cider to take home. Choose some irresistible homemade treats such as pies, donuts, caramel or red candy apples, peanut butter, jams, jellies and pumpkin roll. There’s also local honey, maple syrup and farm fresh winter squash, white potatoes and red potatoes.
2. Pocono Farmstand
Re. 611, Tannersville
This has been the go-to garden center for residents and visitors to the Pocono Mountains for over 30 years. During fall, the fully-stocked nursery overflows with colorful mums, planters and fall décor. There are pumpkins of every size and shape, white pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and more. A petting zoo and inflatable playhouse enhance the festival atmosphere. Inside the farm market, shop fresh local produce, honey, preserved and jarred goods, plus homemade pot pies, cheese and fresh cut flowers.
3. Ritter’s Farm Market
Hamlin & Mt. Cobb
Started in 1955, this family-run farm is synonymous with fall in the Pocono Mountains. Autumn brings an onslaught of activities to the already packed produce market. Visitors will find hayrides, train rides, a pumpkin cannon and pony rides. There’s free admission to the farm and free admission to the fall attractions. The on-site bakery is known for its selection of fresh cider donuts, pies, cookies and other home baked treats. Apple cider is a must and be sure to take a selfie with Rexy Ritter, the farm’s resident dinosaur.
4. Zembrzycki Dairy Farm
Rte. 374, Herrick Center
Have an authentic farm experience. From mid-July through October the farm stand on this Susquehanna County farm overflows with an abundance of produce. Once the leaves begin to change the fields open up for all sorts of fall fun. There is a five-acre cornfield maze that challenges visitors to locate five stations to solve a puzzle before exiting. Stroll the two-acre pick your own pumpkin patch to find the perfect gourd to take home. Additional activities include a corn shed, trike track, petting zoo, hay bale tower and campfires. Grab some farm fresh cornstalks, hay bales, mums and Indian corn to give your home some fall flair.
5. Rickard’s Cider Mill
Owego Turnpike, Honesdale
Rickard’s has been a tradition in the Poconos since 1929 when the farm first started making its delicious apple cider. The seasonal drink is available for sale by the gallon. Visitors can also stop by the farm for pumpkins, a variety of squash, gourds, apples, honey, maple syrup, maple candy and fall decorations.
Fuel Your Travels
Stop at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery at the Hawley Silk Mill during your travels. In addition to craft brewed coffee, freshly made sandwiches and decadent treats, you’ll find a whole selection of locally sourced organic foods to purchase. There are dairy products, eggs and meats, plus shelves stocked with pantry staples such as honey, jam, pasta sauce and olive oil. Everything is supplied from farmers and food purveyors within 200 miles of Lake Wallenpaupack. Specialty items include German sausages, smoked ham and cold cuts, local cheeses, wine and snacks.