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When you think "farmers market," a shining city on three rivers is probably not the image that springs to mind. But when it comes to fruits and vegetables, the Pittsburgh & Its Countryside Region is surprisingly productive. Thanks to the area's varied terrain and climate, along with relatively limited urban sprawl, the countryside is home to many, many small farms. Excellent transportation systems and urban farm market programs get the goods to the Burgh, so city dwellers enjoy the best of both worlds. This three-day roadtrip takes you to some of the region's best places to savor the flavors of fall. Enjoy!
PrintEmail>>>>>>>>>>>>Your roadtrip begins in Wexford, a small town just north of the city of Pittsburgh. Shenot Farm Market offers homegrown sweet corn, apples, peaches, blueberries, plums, melons, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and more. In the fall, you can enjoy fresh UV-treated cider along with hayrides, a corn maze, and visits to the pumpkin patch. And if those traditional fall delights don't entice you to visit, they also make and sell fudge. If you still have room, stop by Kaelin Farm Market next and sample the freshly picked fruits and vegetables there. Eichners Farm Market and Greenhouses is also a good bet if you're looking for fresh eggs, poultry, and smoked meats.
Harvest Valley Farms, in Valencia, is your destination for today. You'll love the huge selection of fresh produce---shop for corn, tomatoes, broccoli, squash, spinach, potatoes, and more. Free-range eggs, homemade jams and jellies, and honey are also on the list for today. This small family farm prides itself on using the smallest amounts of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers possible, so you'll also enjoy the satisfaction of shopping for goodies that are friendly to the environment. If you have any doubts about the quality of goods produced here, consider this: Harvest Valley supplies some of the finest restaurants in Pittsburgh, including the Grand Concourse, Eleven, and Casbah.
First up today is Crighton's Florist Greenhouses and Farm Market, in Prospect. This family-owned establishment specializes in fresh flowers, with nine greenhouses and gorgeous floral displays. There is also a vegetable farm where you can pick your own produce (great fun for the kids!). The farm is at the edge of Moraine State Park, so consider picking up some picnic items at the farm and dining alfresco---it's a great way to appreciate the beauty of fall. Leicher Family Farm, in Chicora, is next. Here you'll find fresh veggies, of course, along with local eggs, cheese, milk, and honey. The also offer spices, jams, jellies, soap, and fresh herbs, so stock up!