Soergel Orchards

Fall is in full swing with the influx of pumpkin spice everything in coffee shops and eateries around the country. Though temperatures have not yet begun to drop, there is a feeling of fall in the air. The semester is now at its peak. Students are sleep deprived from writing papers and studying for exams. Eating is not always prioritized the way it should be. Sometimes everyone needs a simple break to enjoy the best parts of fall: food and the outdoors.

Located approximately half an hour from Oakland in Wexford, Soergel Orchards is the perfect place to spend a few hours of free time on a beautiful, sunny autumn day. My girlfriend had been dying to go pumpkin picking and gourd exploring, and I remember going to Soergel’s as a young child for fall festivities with my family. I cannot think of a better way to spend a fall afternoon than on the beautiful multi-acre farm and browsing through the shops located next to the fields.

Soergel Orchard’s roots date back to 1850, when a German immigrant named John Conrad Soergel settled on the same spot that the farm sits on today and began the process of planting apple trees. Until the 1960s, the Soergel family sold the apples wholesale to local stores. Then, the family operated a stand on what is now Pennsylvania Route 910. In 1973, they decided to expand operations and opened a large market that is still the cornerstone of the business today. Later additions have included a greenhouse, bakery, deli, and gift shop, all on site and open daily for customers to enjoy.

My trip to Soergel’s included a few delicious components. After spending some time in the pumpkin patch and exploring the outskirts of the apple orchard, my girlfriend and I decided to have lunch at the deli, which is located inside the main market building. The menu consisted of homemade soups and salads, as well as a few hot sandwiches and paninis. However, most of the chalkboard menu was devoted to listing the many meats, cheeses, condiments, toppings, and bread options one could choose for their signature made to order sandwiches. After much consideration, I chose to go with the roast beef on a fresh pretzel roll. The vegetables on the sandwich were at the peak of fresh. The roast beef was melt-in-your mouth delicious. The pretzel bun was soft and chewy on the inside but firm enough on the outside to not squish in the bag. The sandwich was a very reasonable $5.99, which is well worth the price given the quality of ingredients.

After lunch, we decided to explore the market and try some of Soergel’s signature fall specialties: apple cider and baked goods. The apple cider was perfect. Crispy and tart, it was the ideal beverage for a mild and sunny fall day on the farm. For dessert we sampled a selection of cakes and brownies, which each cost $2.99 but were large enough to share. The pumpkin cake was topped with a smooth cream cheese and cinnamon icing. If fall had a taste, this piece of cake would be it. The Mississippi mudslide brownie was also delectable. It was filled with a rich fudge-like cream and topped with a thick layer of milk and white chocolate icing. We decided to purchase a few brownies to go, as well as some other groceries and of course pumpkins and gourds.

A visit to Soergel Orchards is a great way to spend a fall day off campus and outside the city limits. Any foodie will love exploring the market, deli, and bakery on site. Fresh foods, desserts, and specialty fall drinks like apple cider are abound, and being able to dive into the local farm scene is a great way to learn more about our local food scene beyond fast food and chain restaurants.