By Kimberly Kremer (Read her blog “Fishbowl Living” at fishbowlliving.com)
With cooler temps and drizzly rain, it seems that autumn has finally shown its face. So, what better business to feature than an orchard and farmer’s market? Let’s take a stroll to Frecon Farms in Boyertown, PA.
My friend Natalie introduced me to Frecon’s a few years ago and it quickly became a family favorite. Whenever we drive by the store my fruit-loving kids shout, “There’s Frecon’s mom! Let’s go there!!!” While, much to my children’s chagrin, we don’t stop every time we pass it I do enjoy shopping there often. The orchards have been around since 1944 and the outlet, as they called it back then, debuted in 1952. The market, as it currently stands, has been in business since 1970. Their website outlines the fascinating genealogy and entrepreneurial spirit of the Frecon family’s history. It’s definitely worth the read to understand their love for the Boyertown area and their desire to make fresh produce available to as many people as possible.
There is a wide selection of produce and other products available in the farm market, much of it from Frecon’s own farm and orchard. If a certain fruit or vegetable is not grown on their farm they will collaborate with other local farmers to sell their produce at Frecon’s. They also carry organic, pastured meats, eggs and dairy products from local farmers. Toss into your basket some delicious Pennsylvania maple syrup or fresh-made apple butter or jelly to top your Saturday morning pancakes and on the way out grab a homemade cookie for the kiddos or pie for dessert that evening. If you’re in the mood for some adult beverage, stop in at the far end of the store and purchase a bottle of Blair Vineyards apple wine…it’s a delicious taste of fall all year round.
Perhaps you are sighing heavily while thinking, “I really wish that my mom/grandpa/best friend who lives in _________ (insert the name of a far away place with inadequate access to fresh produce and homemade goodies) could have some of Frecon’s fabulous fare.” Well, I have good news for you…they can! For years, Frecon’s has specialized in online and in-store sales of their unique gift baskets. The holiday season is right around the corner so why not surprise your favorite, faraway person with a taste of Boyertown, PA?
For many of us, a fun fall activity is picking our own produce. Come autumn, Frecon’s opens its orchards and pumpkin patches for some pick-your-own (PYO) family fun every Saturday and Sunday, September through October. Usually, PYO admission is free, you only pay for the produce you pick, but this weekend the farm is hosting their 4th Annual Pickfest (October 9th & 10th) with a fall food celebration, live bluegrass music in the Frecon orchard, carriage rides, hay rides, kids’ games, and more. This year they will be the premiering their very own Frecon’s Hard Cider – with three different varieties available starting Saturday, October 9th. Tickets for Frecon’s Pickfest are $5 in advance and $8 the day of the event. You can purchase tickets at Frecon Farms or Frecon’s Hard Bean. If it’s half as much fun as their Peach Festival this summer (who wouldn’t enjoy a game of target practice using rotten peaches?), you and your family won’t be disappointed!
I certainly hope that I’ve whet your appetite for fruits and veggies grown right here in good ole PA. If I have, then why not plan a family frolic over to Frecon Farms this weekend for their Pickfest, schedule a time for your family to pick their own apples or pumpkins or wander through their market during the week to see what might catch your eye? You might just find a new family favorite, as well.
