Phillyist Down on the Farm

Image credit: Flickr user eagleapex

And when that need for communing with the great pastoral outdoors strikes, Phillyist heads down Route One to Fox Chase, a real, working farm with barns, corn, sheep, and biggest, shaggiest cows this side of well, wherever else they have big, shaggy cows. Open only a few days every month, Fox Chase Farms is a great escape from the city and only a short, twenty minute drive away. Surrounded by fields of flowers, rows of crops, and fantastic old architecture, the farm gives people a chance to witness how the food we eat gets to our store's shelves and our table tops.

Maps are provided gratis at the entrance and the only structure off limits for exploration is the farmer's actual house (and his basketball hoop). All the buildings of the old farm are preserved and volunteers are plentiful and more than eager to help if you have any questions. We were warned about the goats (they think your fingers are food—don't stick them through the fence!), told where to locate the horses, encouraged to visit the chickens, and got to watch a local 4-H group groom the "fancy" cows. Children are encouraged to explore, but be warned! This isn't a place to let them to far off the leash. Like we've mentioned before, it's a working farm, so tractors, gardening equipment, and wild chickens abound. If you plan to bring small children, be prepared to keep a close eye on their toddling.

Parking is available on site, but the lot fills up quickly. But both sides of the road have expansive shoulders that allow for ample street parking and there is a second lot available a little ways down the road, courtesy of the Parks Department. If you're bringing little ones, bring a stroller for the walk there and back, and after you're done meandering around the farm consider sticking around and enjoying all that Pennypack has to offer.

The next available opportunity for visiting Fox Chase is their annual Apple Fest, Saturday, October 17, 2009. Unlike the "open house" days, festivals are fully planned events, with cider pressing, apple bobbing, corn mazes, and hayrides. Pumpkins, apples, apple butter, apple cider, and baked goods will all be available for sale. There is a small fee for admission and we'll be bringing you more information (including parking tips! You'll need them for this!) in our Baby Bargains column later in October.

Until then, Phillyist urges you to continue to support local farms like Fox Chase by visiting farmers markets and buying local whenever you can! Your farmers thank you!