Adventures at Linvilla Orchard

Apple, Apple..Pick, Pick..PLEASE (which is toddler for immediately if not sooner)! The true sign of fall...The toddler's persistent and enthusiastic request to go apple picking. Philly mommies answer this call by packing up the bugaboo and heading to bucolic Media, PA home of Linvilla Orchards. Owen has been going apple picking since he was in utero but this was the first harvest season that he was an active participant. Linvilla Orchard received a resounding two thumbs up from all parties involve in our picking adventure. The orchard is about 40 minutes from center city and is well worth the drive. There is plenty of fun to be had picking apples but Linvilla offers much more than just fresh fruit. Owen had a blast at the petting zoo where the deer happily ate corn feed out of his little hand. He played hard on their impressive playground but opted out of a pony ride and face painting. He enjoyed climbing among the giant pumpkins in their festive and aptly named "Pumpkinland" display. We happened to be visiting on the day of Linvilla's annual applefest so Owen had the added pleasure of seeing Dora the Explorer and attempted to rush the makeshift stage as Elmo was doing the Hokey Pokey (he's got a bit of punk rock edge at the tender age of 16 months).

Owen was not very patient while I perused the Orchard Store's baked goods, marinades, fruit spreads and generally delicious goodies as well as their gorgeous collection of mums and other plants but hey a mom needs to shop! He was, however, very focused while sampling apple cider doughnuts (do not pass these up they are incredible) and the wide variety of fried delicacies available in their grill and picnic area. Once fortified by our deliciously unhealthy lunch (yes, I ate an entire chocolate covered caramel apple and declared that my lunch while insisting that Owen eat a few bites of his grilled chicken...I figure I have about 2 more years of being a hypocrite before he can really call me on it so, I better take advantage of it while I can) we began the task at hand...apple picking. Owen rode on his dad's shoulders and became very adept at picking the most perfect apples and then hurling them with all of his might into the basket thus turning them into less then perfect apples.

I must say Linvilla Orchards set the scene for one of my favorite days with my family. It was a beautiful day filled with fun activities, new discoveries, hilarious moments and fantastic photo opportunities! We have to go back because Owen was too tuckered out to attempt the hayride or the corn maze! The best time to go is weekdays because it is far less crowded but we still had a great time amongst the Applefest hordes!

Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd. Media, PA 19063, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com