Fall Apple Picking at Strite's Orchard Farm Market

Strite's Orchard Farm Market and Bakery is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Established in 1843, it's the largest Farm Market in Dauphin County and is open year-round. The farm market offers fresh, in-season fruits, vegetables, locally sourced meats, cheeses, eggs, milk, candy, honey, condiments, pantry staples, and freshly-made items from the bakery.

During the Fall season they offer apple picking, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower picking, hayrides, etc. You can find a list of events posted on their website and check out their Facebook page for frequent updates. Don't have time to shop the market? You can now order online and pick up at the store.

Ten years ago we started a family tradition with our grandchildren. Every year we take them out Strite's for the fall festivities. We will go out one weekend to go apple picking and another weekend for the corn maze, the pumpkin patch and a hayride. Last weekend we all went apple picking and picked two bags of apples.

When visiting the orchard we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for current weather conditions and bring along a bottle of water. You should apply sunscreen and bug spray before heading out into the field. Due to Covid-19 they recommend you wear masks or facial coverings, so bring those along too. You can't enter the farm market without them.

The U-PICK field is located about 150 yards down the road from the Farm Market. You'll drive down, park in the designated area (a field). You'll see a canopy tent in the parking area and that's where you'll pay the admission fee and be handed a bag. You can mix-n-match the type's you like. One bag cost $20.00.

Head out into the field via the market path. As you walk along you'll see signs out which designate the type of apple that is located in that specific area. We found that the best apples were way out in the field and were "less" picked over. You have more choices to select from the further you go out.

We spent an hour out in the field picking apples with the grandchildren. They had a great time running from tree to tree looking for the biggest and best apples. It was nice to be out in the countryside and breathing fresh air...even on a cloudy day.

Looking for a treat afterwards? Head down to the Farm Market for Hershey's Ice Cream! They have several varieties available and it's located at the front of the market. You can quickly go in...get your ice cream and leave. No long lines or crowds!