Keystone Country: Philadelphia and the Countryside

Begin your journey through Philadelphia and The Countryside with a unique cheese tour at September Farm in Honey Brook. On the family farm with more than fifty Holsteins, guests are invited to see the proven process of handcrafting, hand waxing and aging of artisan-style cheeses, and sample the award-winning flavors. Continuing your charming tour of Chester County, travel east to Springton Manor Farm to get up close and personal with farm animals, explore the Butterfly House (open in June), hike the peaceful nature trails or go fishing in the catch and release pond. Initially part of a William Penn Manor, this 300-acre demonstration farm has been in agricultural use since the early 1700s.

Next on your trip, travel to Kennett Square, the “Mushroom Capital of World,” to discover surprising uses for these flavorful fungi.  Stop at The Mushroom Cap to learn how mushrooms are grown, taste mushroom soup and salad and discover the history of mushroom farming in Chester County, where 65 percent of all mushrooms consumed in the United States are grown. Store owner Kathi Lafferty has even created a “mushroom museum,” overflowing with ‘shroom-branded paraphernalia.

Discover more about the mushroom town, and stroll along this walking tour through historic houses in Kennett Square. Just steps away, also be sure to stop by Chaddsford Winery and The Produce Place to sample more local, mouthwatering flavors.

As you venture into Philadelphia, you may think of history and culture, but the City of Brotherly Love is also home to some of the oldest and most recognized facilities for urban farming and gardening.  Start the day off with a quiet morning at Bartram’s Garden, America’s oldest living botanical garden started by John Bartram in 1728. This west Philadelphia estate lets you explore the historical grounds including four different garden areas, Bartram’s house, cider press and Philadelphia’s oldest barn built in 1775. Take in a bird walk on the property, or stroll along the Schuylkill River on the garden’s River Trail, marked by beautiful wild flowers, greenery and a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.

Next head towards center city for a taste of eclectic handmade cuisine you surely won’t forget. Spanning six city blocks, The Reading Terminal Market is has been serving up fresh meats and produce, baked goods, and exquisite meals at this market for more than 100 years and is now home to more than 80 local food vendors.

End the day with a stop at Greensgrow Farms. What was once a trash-filled brownstone located in one of Philadelphia’s oldest industrial neighborhoods is now a thriving agricultural center. The farm is continually recognized as a nationwide leader in urban farming and houses a nursery, a farm market and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Founders of the farm transformed this section of an abandoned neighborhood into a luscious three-quarter acre hydroponic farm and have been growing fresh ingredients for nearly 14 years. During your visit take a lesson on hydroponics, composting and raising bees or simply browse the large selection of fresh produce, flowers and many other treats at the market.  

Start your day off at Snipes Farm in Morrisville (Lower Bucks County), where you will get to experience a firsthand, modern-day farming experience. At this outdoor classroom you can pick fruit, meet the farm animals, harvest crops and do so much more! The mission of this eleventh generation farm turned education center is to teach sustainable farming to the community and reconnect people to the land.

Continue to explore the county with a stop at just one of the many terrific Bucks County wineries located on the land that William Penn originally deeded to his daughters. Rose Bank Winery is situated on a picture-perfect landscape with a three-story stone barn built in 1835 that has astonishing views of the vineyard. Rose Bank specializes in producing a variety of award-winning fruit wines made from their French-American hybrid grapes. Not to mention the winery has a large tasting room so you can enjoy a sample!

Head north and bring your appetite with you when you stop at None Such Farm and Farmer’s Market in Buckingham. This family owned produce market sits right across the street from the multi-generational farm where the food is grown. None Such has everything you need for a great meal, including fresh produce, their own farm raised Angus beef and a plethora of dairy products, fresh breads, dry goods and flowers. You can also find other local products at the market like honey, chocolates, wine and so much more.