"We Are"
South Central, PA
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"We Are" South Central, PA ~
We have the honor of growing our fruit and making our cider in one of the world’s most ideal fruit growing regions. Encompassing over 20,000 acres of orchards and producing an average of 7 million bushels of apples annually, the South Mountain Fruit Belt is much more than just a hub for tree fruit agriculture, it offers a fun variety of activities to its visitors. We’re hoping you’ll include Ploughman Cider Taproom in your travel plans, of course. But there’s so much more that this lush, green, beautiful part of Pennsylvania has to offer and we’re here to be your apple-centric concierge to many fulfilling trips to our community.
Biglerville, PA
When you’re talking Apple Country, you’re talking Biglerville PA! Bustling farm stands, breathtaking landscapes dotted by long rows of apple trees, apple-shaped street lights are all providing visitors with a sense of Biglerville’s place in apple culture in the US. Even Biglerville High School’s mascot, The Canners, is a nod to the rich apple history of the area.
There’s much to do in and around Biglerville. Call ahead to the National Apple Museum, (717) 677-4556, to schedule your guided tour and get a new appreciation for Biglerville’s long history in fruit growing. The Museum is also the host of our monthly concert series on 2nd Fridays so plan accordingly! A short drive westward through the South Mountain Fruit Belt will land you at The Historic Round Barn and Farm Market, where you can shop farm based goods in this historic, unique building. Beers and bites at Thirsty Farmer Brew Works, the Round Barn’s farm brewery, are highly recommended. Traveling north from Biglerville provides still more gorgeous orchard views en route to our compatriots in orchard driven cider, Big Hill Ciderworks in Gardners. Their cider is top notch and there’s great food options from a rotating roster of food trucks or from their own on-site pizza oven. Back in Biglerville proper, we’re all eagerly awaiting the ribbon cutting event for a new attraction: Thomas Bros. Country Store Museum. But for now, keep checking their website for opening announcements.
SOuth Mountain
This part of the Appalachian Mountains is located at the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Four state parks are located within South Mountain, awaiting to be explored by the adventurous people of this world. Hike 37 miles of The Appalachian Trail that runs the entire length of Michaux State Forest, mountain-bike a 37 mile marked shared-use trail, go on a picnic with family & friends, fish in Carbaugh Run, East Branch Conococheague Creek, or Rocky Mountain Creek, go swimming at Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, “rough it” in designated camping areas, or go sightseeing for wildlife and scenic views while traversing the 85,000 acres that make up this gorgeous mountain range. The Appalachain Trail Museum is a great educational opportunity. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at Pine Grove State Park so the whole family can get in on the fun. And for the fly fishing anglers out there, Yellow Breeches Creek, Le Tort Spring Run, and Big Spring Creek will provide a scenic escape and a challenge for those pursuing brookies, brownies, or rainbow trout.
Michaux State Forest
Caledonia State Park
Mont Alto State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Not part of South Mountain, but here are some other outdoor areas to visit during your stay: Codorus State Park, Blue Ridge Summit, and Liberty Mountain Resort.
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg, the “drinking town with a history problem,” and we’re damn proud of it! If you are unaware, Gettysburg, PA was part of a crucial point in the history of our nation; the turning point of the American Civil War, if you will. A bloody battle that lasted three days, July 1st-3rd, in 1863. Fortunately, war is not the only thing we are known for.
A beautiful town in the center of Adams County, PA, Gettysburg hosts a diverse and growing community that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The nightlife is alive with live music, history/ghost tours, delicious food, and a row of watering holes to excite any bar-hopping fool (we hear Ploughman Cider Taproom is a must stop spot!). Granite Hill Campgrounds hosts the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival every May and August. During the day, take the opportunity to walk outside and take in the Gettysburg countryside. Some attractions to check out include:
Camping/Lodging
You may want to plan ahead and book your lodging before visiting, especially during busy season. Whatever your preferences are, there are B&Bs, hotels, campgrounds, AirBNB, and VRBO options to accomodate any tastes. We have a few favorites to recommend that will get you out into beautiful rural Adams County
Kiwi Berry Farmette - stay on a kiwi berry farm
quaker valley guesthouse - stay on an apple farm
The dome home - a geodesic dome very close to our orchard
charlie’s place - a cabin very close to our orchard
Pickett Cottage at brierfield - a vrbo between gettysburg and the farm
union hotel gettysburg - historic independent right in bustling downtown
quality inn battlefield - borders both pickett’s charge & the reliance mine saloon