Linvilla Orchards is one of the most memorable field trips I took as a kid. When the school bus pulled up on that bright, crisp fall morning, I was overcome with excitement. The seemingly miles and miles of pumpkins are a magnificent sight. The smell of freshly baked pumpkin pies penetrates the October air, the happy children laugh and play on hayrides through the fields and orchards and petting farm animals is a dream come true.
The best part is, it’s right here in the heart of Delaware County. Linvilla Orchards has become the destination for families far and wide in the Greater Philadelphia region, offering something for everyone for 100 years. Yep, that’s right, the Linvill family has brought us the freshest produce and family-friendly entertainment for a century.
The story of Linvilla Orchards dates back to 1914, when Arthur Linvill and his mother, Lydia, bought a dairy farm on Knowlton Road in Media. They began shipping fresh milk to neighboring towns, then cultivated the orchards and sold fruits on their front porch. As word spread, the business grew. The larger store, bakery and gift shop soon followed.
Today, the Linvill legacy shines. The Linvill family builds upon the dream, adding new and exciting things to do each year for everyone, the young and young-at-heart alike.
This time of year, it’s all about finding the perfect pumpkin at Pumpkinland. There are “100 Tons of Pumpkins”—from teeny, tiny multi-colored gourds to super-sized carvers.
Visitors can ride through the fields and orchards, feed the goats, ride a pony and pick apples. Guess what? There are dozens of apple varieties!
Wanna take a quick snack break? They offer burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and an array of other festival-type goodies. Or, skip lunch and dive right into the desserts—their apple cider donuts are a specialty. Shh, don’t tell the kids…they whip up candy apples, funnel cake and deep-fried Oreos, too.
If you’re full, make room for more because there’s plenty to take home. The Farm Market & Bakery, open all year, features homemade pizzas and pull-apart breads. The pies go quite quickly during the holidays, so the word on the street is to get orders in now.
Plus, it’s not too early to start thinking Christmas, believe it or not. You can take the whole family on a hayride to Linvilla’s Christmas tree fields and pick out your own tree, then cut it down yourself. The friendly staff will haul it back and even tie it to your car. “Cut Your Own Christmas Tree” starts November 22.
Linvilla Orchards offers year-round fun, so check out their website for the seasonal schedule here.
Pumpkin varieties photo credit: Lauren Avellino Turton; remaining photo credits: Linvilla Orchards.
