Photos Courtesy Weaver Orchards
Wooing its eagerly waiting fans, the stone fruit known for the shortest seasonal stint is the beloved cherry. Its short growing season causes connoisseurs to covet that small window of time throughout the year, knowing nothing else compares to fresh, in-season cherries. The only thing that could top simply being able to buy them, however, is plucking them fresh from the tree. Fortunately our area is ripe with places to satiate cherry cravings.
Lancastrians boast proximity to one of the largest cherry farms in all of Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill Orchards. The orchard, owned by the Haas family for over four decades, sees Richard focusing on the store and his son, Tom, doing the physical farming.
A popular stop for locals, the orchard also notes that “license plates from all neighboring states are often found in the parking lot.”
With the notably odd winters the area has been experiencing, cherry seekers naturally worry about the state of the upcoming season. Rest assured; Cherry Hill Orchards says everything “looks fine,” and they are expecting “great things.” Fortunately, February’s warm spike and March’s snow seem to have had little effect. Good news, as the pick-your-own activity has become a “destination ritual” for families near and far, because aside from the flavor of the small red jewels, picking fruit is just plain fun for all ages.
Make sure not to miss the pick-your-own season by checking orchard websites frequently, as well as following them on Facebook. Conditions tend to be posted early with updates leading into the season (usually in early or mid-June). But with weather being unpredictable, anything can happen, and a sudden snow or frost can change even the most optimistic calendar. Also check for accurate dates for preferred cherries, as there are two types: sweet, which appear about a week earlier, and what can be called “pie” or “semi-sweet.” A picker looking for sweet cherries may be disappointed to find the narrow window has been missed.
Weaver’s Orchard in Morgantown also offers a pick-your-own experience as well as a fruit market. They also offer an option for bulk, pre-pitted “sour” cherries that can be ordered in June and picked up in July for freezing, baking or preserving. If taking the kids picking is on the agenda, be sure to scout out the Read ‘n’ Pick Storytime, which combines a fruit-themed story with picking a container of fruit. Weaver’s expects their season to be underway despite a few weather setbacks.
Weaver’s also offers many educational events for students, children and adults. Visitors can learn through summer cooking classes starting in mid-June (coinciding with cherry season), sampling events, festivals and tours. So, as fun as picking cherries already is, sweeten the trip with a bushel of knowledge and entertainment.
(Check websites for hours before venturing out to pick.)
Six Spots to PYO
Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market
In its third generation, the Brown family farm sits in Southern York County, having grown from a roadside stand to the farm it is today. Since a person cannot live on cherries alone (sadly), visitors can patronize the cafe and coffee bar in addition to the pick-your-own orchard and market.
8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville, PA / brownsorchards.com / 717-428-2036
Cherry Hill Orchards
For over four decades, Cherry Hill Orchards has been a go-to for anyone seeking to pick fresh fruit while also shopping at their popular outlet store. The farm provides up to 10 percent of the sweet cherries produced in PA to many happy pickers during the short sweet and semi-sweet cherry season.
400 Long Lane, Lancaster, PA / cherryhillorchards.com / 717-872-9311
Forge Hill Orchards
Located north of York, this orchard celebrates over 75 years of experience on its small, picturesque farm that sells pick-your-own cherries by the pound. Ready-picked cherries are also available in the weighing trailer. They offer three varieties of sweet cherries, including the popular dark Bing.
135 Blossom Dr., Mount Wolf, PA / forgehillorchards.com / 717-266-1206
Honey Bear Orchards
Family-owned and -operated since 1980, the orchard offers pick-your-own cherries and other fruits in the northern hills of Lebanon County. Stop at the salesbarn prior to picking for information about where and what to pick. Use their email sign-up for up-to-date information on dates and pricing.
1819 Thompson Avenue, Lebanon, PA / honeybearorchards.com / 717-867-4611
Maple Lawn Farms
Based on the Mason-Dixon line, the farm has a market, pick-your-own and a winery featuring hard ciders and wine made from fresh fruit. They are offering only sweet cherries this year. The stop could be an enjoyable trip for the winery alone!
2885 New Park Road, New Park, PA / maplelawnfarms.com / 717-382-4878
Weaver’s Orchard & Farm Market
A fourth generation farm and market that also believes in giving back with both financial donations and produce to local charities. They offer pick-your-own cherries just south of Reading in the hills of Berks County, with sweet and pie cherries available. They also offer the option to purchase a pick-your-own membership card for discounts all season long. Weaver’s is also serving up summer cooking classes, with one on jellies and jams using in-season berries.
40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown, PA / weaversorchard.com / 610-856-7300
