BY MARGARET WESTERMAN
Leaves are falling as summer comes to an end and autumn arrives in Northeast Pennslyvania.
Whether you’re looking for family activities like pumpkin picking and hayrides, or more adventurous options like paintball and axe throwing, the region’s orchards, markets and pumpkin patches have options for everyone.
Life&Times shares some of the best places to visit this fall season.
Contact the writer: mwesterman@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9127
Burger’s Farm Market
Guests can take a hayride to pick their own pumpkin or choose a pre-picked one from the patch behind the market. The market offers in-season produce that you can pick up inside or in the pick-your-own vegetable patch. Visitors can find corn, flowers and homemade honey, and also enjoy a petting zoo.
- Address: 371 St. Johns Road, Drums
- Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Nov. 24.
- Details: 570-788-17783 or the market’s Facebook page
JASON FARMER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Maylath Farm & Orchard
Enjoy a hayride through the pumpkin patch, take on the corn maze or barnyard zipper, or try one of Maylath’s other attractions. Meet farm animals, try the corn canon and conquer the hay bale maze and more for fun for all ages. There is no admission fee, but attraction prices vary.
- Address: 608 Rock Glen Road, Sugarloaf Twp.
- Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Details: 570-708-1090, maylathfarm.com or the Maylath Farm Facebook page
Ritter’s Cider Mill
Enjoy fresh baked goods or choose from more than 10 varieties of apples to create your own at Ritter’s Cider Mill. Sip on cider and snack on a pumpkin donut while you enjoy the attractions that include a hay barn, corn maze and an apple slingshot. Feed family farm animals or learn how the mill makes its apple cider. Be sure to call ahead to verify dates and times that the cider will be pressed. There is no admission fee, but attraction prices vary.
- Address: 117 Wimmer’s Road, Jefferson Twp.
- Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to noon; and Friday, Nov. 29, through Monday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Details: 570-689-9790, 570-689-5144, ritterscidermill.com or Ritter’s Cider Mill’s Facebook page
Ritter’s Farm Market
Pick your own pumpkins and vegetables at Ritter’s Farm Market. Find produce, free-range eggs, honey, apples and pears all from the local area. Enjoy treats from the on-site bakery and try its homemade wine and cider. The market also will have activities for young children in the month of October.
- Address: 1459 Mount Cobb Road, Jefferson Twp.
- Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Details: 570-689-5151, rittersfarmmarket.com, or Ritter’s Farm Market’s Facebook page
Roba Family Farms
Take part in more than 25 attractions at Roba’s Family Farms. From corn mazes and candy canons to pumpkin patches and paintball, Roba’s has activities for all ages. Catch a show on the Great Pumpkin stage, watch the Hillbilly Pig Race, find puzzle pieces in the Mega Corn Maze, play paintball or try the tractor test track. In between attractions, grab a bite to eat at one of Roba’s 11 food stands. Admission costs $16.95 and some activities are an additional charge.
- Address: 230 Decker Road, North Abington Twp.
- Hours: Sundays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Tuesdays
- Details: 570-563-2904, robafamilyfarms.com or Roba’s Facebook page
MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch
Take a hayride and enjoy some fresh picked produce in the wooded picninc area. Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch is offering free hayrides and free play in a hay fort for this fall season. Try the corn maze during the day or during the evening in October. Admission for the maze is $4.50, and 8 p.m. is the last entry time. Attend opening weekend Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, to make your own scarecrow. Be sure to bring a longsleeve shirt and long pants for the activity. Whistle Pig also sells cornstalks, gourds, decorative items for pumpkins and more.
- Address: 3369 Route 29 South, Noxen
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.
- Details: 570-298-0962, whistlepigpumpkin.com or Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch’s Facebook page
Lakeland Orchard
Lakeland Orchard offers a wide variety of attractions from apple and sunflower picking to a carousel that are fun for the whole family. Looking for something more adventurous? Try your hand at axe throwing. Want to relax? Grab a hard cider, play yard games and enjoy live music. Have fun in the giant corn box or at the duck races, and be sure to take a ride on the Cow Train Express. Admission prices vary and tickets are offered at a discounted price online.
- Address: 1649 Lakeland Drive, Scott Twp.
- Hours: Fridays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30; Fridays through Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4 through Nov. 3
- Details: 570-254-6038, info@lakelandorchard.com or lakelandorchard.com
Brown Hill Farms
Brown Hill Farms is transforming for this fall season. Its pumpkin patch attractions include pick-your-own pumpkin, wagon rides, farm animals, a corn sling shot and much more. The farm also sells fresh produce including sweet corn and squash. Admission is $8 and free for children under 24 months.
- Address: 405 East Avery Station Road, Tunkhannock
- Hours: Sept. 21 through Oct. 27, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m.
- Details: 570-241-8430, brownhillfarms.com or its Facebook page
