Looking to entertain the kids without breaking the bank? You’re in luck.
Fall is the perfect time to explore the Pennsylvania/Maryland line on a budget. And from admiring rolling farmlands and the changing leaves to exploring autumn orchards in peak harvest, you’ll find your family’s next adventure just down the road—without spending an arm and leg!
Here are five budget-friendly activities to try this coming weekend. Give them a shot and be sure to swing by The Markets at Shrewsbury to share your favorites!
#1. Stroll Down the Heritage Rail Trail
Enjoy a nice easy hike? Lace up for a stroll around Heritage Rail Trail County Park.
Spanning nearly 30 miles, this well-maintained stone trail travels along the former Northern Central Railway. Along with the changing fall foliage, you’ll find seven officially designated Trail Towns set off the path—complete with dining options, historic landmarks, and small-town charm.
To keep your trip cheap, pack some sandwiches and hit the trail. It’s easy hiking… even for the little ones!
The York County Rail Trail Authority maintains the Rail Trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
#2. Learn at the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
Land and education lovers shouldn’t miss the Horn Farm. This unique agricultural establishment features a 160+ acre historic farm offering hands-on workshops, multi-week grower training programs, and community events like the beloved annual Pawpaw Festival.
But there’s no need to spend a dime to explore some of these wonderful resources. The Horn Farm has a year-round self-guided walking tour that’s absolutely free. By hiking the 1-mile trail, you’ll learn about the farm’s landscape, local history, and regenerative farming practices.
It’s the perfect place to reconnect with the land that sustains us all. And it’s free!
Visit the Horn Farm Center of Agricultural Education.
#3. Pet the Animals at Baugher’s Orchard and Farm
Baugher’s Orchard and Farm has it all: pick-your-own fruits, a farmer’s market stand, a full-service restaurant, and an ice-cream window slinging soft serve, slushies, doughnuts, and sundaes. But what’s more, they’ve got a petting zoo… and it’s free!
Baugher’s Petting Zoo is home to a variety of furry (and feathered) friends. You can walk right into the gate to meet donkeys, chickens, lambs, pigs, turkeys, ducks, cows, rabbits, peacocks, emus, guinea fowl, and goats, who will all come to meet you (expecting a tasty treat, of course).
Coin machines are located near the pens with treats for the animals, and you can buy bags of food at the orchard market up the hill. If your kids love animals, it’s a must-stop in the area!
Visit Baugher’s Orchard and Farm.
#4. Shop at a Traditional Amish Marketplace
No fall in our neck of the woods is complete without a trip to the Amish markets in Pennsylvania.
Known as a premier Amish farmer’s market in Pennsylvania, The Markets at Shrewsbury is home to 18 unique Amish vendors. Under one roof, you’ll find everything from local farm-fresh produce to freshly butchered meats, made-from-scratch baked goods, old-fashioned German pretzels, novelty candies, novelty jarred goods, and more.
And fall is the perfect time to visit. Especially with local favorites like fresh apples, pears, grapes, pumpkins, and winter squash to be had from Glick’s Produce.
Explore our unique PA Dutch farmer’s market at The Markets at Shrewsbury!
#5. Enjoy Farm-Fresh Ice Cream at Perrydell Farm and Dairy
The weather may be cooling, but don’t let that stop your sweet tooth.
Perrydell Farm and Dairy is a third-generation family-owned farm churning creamy, delicious ice cream on-site. And all of their mouth-watering products—from their popular ice creams to flavored milks and home-churned butters—are made with milk from their roughly 120 dairy cows.
Plus, a free petting area with calves makes the Perrydell Farm and Dairy a great—and inexpensive—way to spend a fall afternoon.
Swing by Perrydell Farm and Dairy—and be sure to check out their flavor of the month!
Are the Best Things in Life (And on the PA/MD Border) Free?
Here at the Markets, we believe the best things in life are free: family, friends, and enjoying time together in this beautiful part of the country.
However, while exploring these budget-friendly options, it’s okay to splurge… just a little. Because let’s face it. A tasty ice cream or traditional Amish baked good can make the trip even more special.
So enjoy your fall. And be sure to swing by the Markets sometime soon. Our vendors would love to hear about your favorite fall adventures.
Since 2001, The Markets at Shrewsbury has been considered one of the best Amish farmers' markets in Pennsylvania. Our traditional Amish marketplace features 18 unique vendors serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch fare, handmade crafts, clothing, and home goods. We look forward to serving you with some regional treats, farm-fresh meats and produce, and friendly conversation!
