Good morning! I hope everyone survived the chilly weekend (if you're in the Pittsburgh area of course). I apologize for the lack of blogging, but I can explain! Here at Pitt (and elsewhere I would assume), there isn't a mid-terms week per say, more like mid-terms weeks! This past week happened to be the start of the chaos of exams and papers. Unfortunately, it will continue for the next couple of weeks as well for me.
I was able to get away from the chaos for a short weekend back at home. Living in the city has been an absolute dream come true for me, but the concrete jungle is a bit disappointing during this beautiful time of the year. I really enjoyed getting back into the country to see the leaves changing. Every fall, Delmont, PA, hosts the Apple n' Arts Festival at Shields Farm. It is honestly something that I look forward to every year.
The name is no joke (Apple n' Arts), as it is hard to leave there without anything and everything apple that you can get your hands on. I left with 1/4 peck of apples, apple butter, apple cider and an apple dumpling. The historic cider press which has been running since 1907 makes the most amazing and fresh apple cider that you will ever taste. Best of all, they make it right in front of you so it is guaranteed fresh!
Being a farm, the atmosphere is very country feeling. The buildings on the land are all used for the ultimate experience. The field is lined with crafters and food stands. There is also an amphitheater where live bands play throughout the day. Children can enjoy a bounce house, petting zoo, pony rides and ceramic pumpkin painting.
It is really a super special event and especially dear to me because I have been going since before I can remember. I so look forward to bundling up (it was only about 35 degrees this year!!) and trekking the fields to come home with tons of goodies and everything apple of course!
If you are ever in the Delmont area (about 25 miles east of Pittsburgh) during the first weekend in October, you absolutely have to make a special trip to the Apple n' Arts Festival. It is a perfect way to get into the autumn spirit!
Above is just a photo of all of the goodies we came home with: apples, apple cider, apple butter, an apple dumpling, truffles, snails, maple candies, and a cute little pumpkin.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it gets you into the fall spirit! Next weekend I'm taking a trip to Sandusky, Ohio and I can't wait to share my experiences with you!
