When we're looking for something to do that doesn't cost a lot of money, we like to jump into the car and take a little road trip. My wife and I are big fans of checking out various barns and farms in the south central Pennsylvania area. After all, agriculture is a huge commodity in our great state and once your outside the city limits, you'll find miles upon miles of farmland.
A few weeks ago we spent our Sunday afternoon driving on several of the different back roads that lead in and out of Hershey Pennsylvania. It's a beautiful drive, especially during the late spring and early fall seasons. If you're interested in seeing fall foliage, take the drive in early to mid-October.
One of the things you always want to remember is that these farms and barns are on private property. You can NOT go onto their property to photograph them without permission. You can pull over alongside the road, get out of your vehicle (if it's a safe pullover spot) and take photographs. Please respect their privacy and do NOT photograph house numbers, street names or mailboxes!
We enjoy looking at the older barns, although some of the more modern ones are cool to see too. In addition to the barns, we like looking at the silos, out-buildings and of course...the old farmhouses too! If we're really lucky, we can see cows, horses, goats, pigs. sheep and chickens grazing around. When we head out on these little "road trips" we take a pair of binoculars, so that we can see from a distance. If you plan on photographing them, take your telephoto lens too!
Some of the farms that you see will have signs hanging out front near their driveways that welcomes guests to come onto their property to buy fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, meats and other goodies. We love purchasing these type's of food items from our local farmers who work hard for their money. If you have the opportunity, always try to support your local community and their businesses.
The barn that you see in the third photograph is an old barn that was totally remodeled. It's now a business -
Crossroads Antique Mall and sits in Hershey. I absolutely love the shape and size of this barn and I do enjoy visiting the antiques mall a few times every year to shop for products & gifts.
Finally, the farm that's featured in the photograph above is actually located in the suburbs of Harrisburg, about a 15 minute drive from downtown Hershey. It's the farmhouse, barn, silo and surrounding farmlands that make up
Strites' Orchards and Farmer's Market in Harrisburg. Right across the road from the property is a big building that houses their year-round farmer's market where you can buy fresh produce, milk, eggs, cheese, bakery items, honey and more!
Well, there you have it! Something fun that my wife and I enjoy doing when we're looking for something to do on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon that doesn't cost a lot of money. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest, largest and most-beautiful farmlands in the entire country. At least, in my opinion.
No comments:
Post a Comment