Here is a look around the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Strafford. It’s not in Lancaster County, so I suspect the name has more to do with the origin of some of the vendors. This is a great place no matter.
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A Little Lancaster County Christmas Closer to Home
At the produce stand. A little holiday decor with your produce. Now, this is my kind of holiday display. A little coffee to go with those sweets. Decisions, decisions … A little assistance for a boy at the candy counter. -
A Merry Christmas Pageant
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. Here’s a look at the Christmas Pageant at St. Davids Church in Wayne, PA. You can’t beat the combination of community spirit, cute kids, and potentially miscreant livestock. A great and inspirational time was had by all.
The donkey, however, was not pleased. -
The Remains of Ardrossan Farms
Adrossan Farms and the Ardrossan Estate were once part of a 800 plus acre estate in Radnor Township, Delaware County. The estate was built by banker Robert Leaming Montgomery and features 50 room Georgian revival mansion designed by architect Horace Trombauer in 1911. Parts of Ardrossan have been subdivided over the years, and now the bulk of the estate is in the process of succumbing to this fate. The play and film The Philadelphia Story was inspired by the stories of the Montgomerys.
Part of the estate was, and still is for now, a working farm with cattle and hay and corn fields. The farm was also was set this section of Radnor Township apart from surrounding suburbia. It made travel along Darby Paoli Road a treat, rather than a chore.
One of the barns on the property. 
Still harvesting hay. 
“Progress” 
Afternoon light on harvested hay. 
A woodpile left to dry. 
A pair of redtail hawks enjoys the view. 
A small shed nestled against the woods. 
Very traditional looking farm equipment. 
Corn not yet harvested in November. 
Cattle call along Darby Paoli Road. 
Grazing peacefully. 
Sunset glow on the cattle. 
This is a beautiful little pond. -
Back to Linvilla Orchards
Fall is one of the most popular times of year at Linvilla Orchards in Delaware County. The charming Halloween and fall decor, hay rides, food and activities are fun for the whole family (and school groups). The fresh produce, pies and apple cider donuts are particularly recommended.
Fantastic pumpkin carving is on display.
The decorative displays have a story book theme.
The colorful displays of pumpkins and gourds are very tempting.
Linvilla’s critters are out ready to welcome visitors.
And because I’m obsessed with Christmas trees …
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Around Delaware County – Farms Behind Fences
As the county with the lowest percentage of open space in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware County is not someplace you might expect to find agricultural activity, but there is more than you think.
Linvilla Orchards is probably the best know agricultural operation. Not only do they grow fruit here, but it has been a beloved local attraction for decades, featuring hay rides, pick your own produce, playgrounds, visits with animals, and a wonderful market.
Pick your own.
Out the back to some cornfields.
A visit with Mr. Billy Goat.
A pony ride to remember.
Indian Orchards Farms is near Linvilla and sells locally grown and organic produce. It has some pick your own options as well.
Farmstand at Indian Orchards.
Obey the Orchard Rules!
Pick your own blueberries.
Finally, Hidden Valley Horse Farm is located within Ridley Creek State Park and offers boarding, riding, and instruction. It was hard to get close enough to photograph anything, and the horses all had their butts to me.
One of the residents.