Swope’s Farm

Brown's Orchard is a family business that opened in 1933 and grows dozens of apple varieties. They grow well-known varieties (e.g., Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Red Delicious) as well as lesser-known varieties (e.g., Crispin/Mutsu, Grimes Golden, Ashmead's Kernel, Calville Blanc, Esopus Spitzenburg, Summer Rambo, and Geneva Crab). They also make applesauce, apple-cider juice, apple-cider vinegar, apple jam and jelly, apple butter, etcetera. Customers may purchase these products in person at the farm during their operating hours. Sometimes, they sell their products elsewhere such as Market Wagon. So far, I have bought one apple-cider juice and six bags of apples--Evercrisp, Fuji, Stayman, Golden Delicious, Crimson Crisp, and Snapdragon--and I thought that they tasted very good. I plan to try more of their apples and other products in the future.

I recently heard about Brown's Orchard and decided to go see it for myself. Brown's orchard specializes in all different types of apples and autumn is their peak business season. It is primarily a store in which you can select apples and apple products for sale. On two chalkboards you can see the different types of apples that they carry and whether they are in season or out of season. You can get 3 different sizes-5 lb,10lb or half bushel. Pricing is based on the type of apple you wish to purchase. Whether you are purchasing for baking, or simply eating Brown's orchard has a great variety of apples to try. Want something different than what you'd find in the grocery store? Try a Nittany which is State College's unique apple that is a cross between golden delicious and york imperial.Course the big seller is the honeycrisp which they store in the back. I arrived when almost no one was there and within minutes this place was packed. There is no numbering system as to when your turn is but people were pleasant enough to wait accordingly. When it was my turn the man helped find a good selection of 3-4 different apples to purchase for snacking. He will bag the quantity your desire of each particular apple.I saw that they had a sign indicating you can request a sample. That sample happens to be a whole apple of your choice. I chose a Jonagold and it was so good!! These apples are a good size and not the puny ones you'd see in the grocery stores.In addition to apples, the sell 3 different types of applesauce, apple cider vinegar, apple butter, and even apple pie. Don't forget to take home a half gallon of their cider as well. I already had a cup and must admit it was one of the best ciders I had in a while.They also sell honey here. The store is built inside a large garage-apple buckets are everywhere and you can see what is selling fast.Cash and cards are accepted here. Primarily open during the fall they have weekend winter hours. Free parking is available on the property. Located about 10 miles west of I 79 heading past Cecil, it is a pleasant drive.

We sampled an apple pie at a friends, and the apples were amazing. She told us she got them at browns orchard and gave us instructions for the route. It is a bit of a drive, but for an urban dweller, it is like going on vacation. The people that run browns were nice. I think they were all a family. The store was filled with all types of apples, baked goods, local honey, apple products and cider that they market by the type of apple used. We bought Ultacrisp,and Nittany apples, and some late autumn wildflower honey. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive. There is a lot of home building happening, so it might not be too long before places like Browns Orchards are gone. Joni Mitchell was right.

When the temperatures in Western PA begin to dip and the leaves change colors it is time to think about fresh crisp local apples. For decades Brown's Orchard has been providing top quality apples. With an address of McDonald it is really on the way to Hickory. As you drive towards Hickory Southview Road is on the right, look close because there is not a sign for the retail shop. When you get to the railroad tracks bear right. There is ample parking. It is a good idea to call ahead to learn what varieties are available. Some types of apples sell out quickly. A big chalkboard illustrated what varieties are available and prices. Allow time for your purchase. There was only one salesperson on staff when I was there. The sales person selects your apples for you as there were no pre-bagged apples. Quantities of 3, 5 and 10 pound bags are offered. With several customer ahead of us our purchase took 45 minutes. In addition to apples, apple sauce, cider, local honey by SWOPE'S Berries and Bees are available.

A wonderful family owned business with fresh apples, friendly service, special and very reasonable prices, BIG selection of apples, and open almost year round! Love their apples, apple cider, and applesauce!

For those of us used to "fresh picked" apples from the grocery store that were picked three months ago in Washington State, Browns is a welcome relief. They have a great selection of many varieties of apples, cider, applesauce. They're only open in the summer and fall, so, get these treats while you can!

Best place for apples. Great apples, great service, and great employees. That's all I wanted to say but YELP needs more characters to be able to post my comments. Hope this was enough now!

The absolute BEST Apples, Cider and Apple Butter in the tri state area!! Cannot get any better!!