You can pick your own with over 200 acres of crops !  LittleOne5 has had two field trips here, and they are really good to the kids in the school groups. They have a learning station where they get to see inside a large refrigerator, have a treat of Apple Cider and the famous Apple Cider Donut, and get to press apples into cider themselves!

They also went on a hayride into the rows of Apple Trees and got to chose their very own three apples from the tree! "Find the right one. Hold it tight and twist three times until it comes off with a small pull."

I remember going here as a child with my grandmother, DeeDee who lived down the road. It was always a treat to come and pick out some penny candy.

Get ready! A big celebration is happening in Downingtown, Chester County, PA on July 4th!  I sent our family's registration forms in for the 5K Walk. Are you participating?

July 4th kicks off with a 5K & 10K Run, 5K Walk, and 1mi Kid's Run... that's just the beginning!  My mother has actually been running in this race for years - even flew back from New Mexico for 10 yrs+  just to run "at home" for the big day! 

There are many happenings throughout the day, the best thing would be to check out their schedule of events.

Canoe Races, Duck Races, Carnival Rides & Food, Craft Booths, Wife Carrying & Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Log Cabin Tours, Music - - - and FIREWORKS!

Happy Independence Day, America! What a great way to celebrate in Downingtown, Pennsylvania! You might come and decide you love it so much you want to move to Downingtown! Guess who can help you buy a house in Downingtown, Chester County? Who would? Kim Wood!

Bike ? Walk ? Run ? Jog ? Fish ? Swim ?  Geocache? You just have to check out the Struble Trail in Chester County, PA!

I will get some pictures to accompany this blog, but its on my mind to get the blog done tonight :)

This paved trail is currently 5.2 miles total round trip with a few segments branching off in different areas.  I actually like to park at The Ponds, or back in my day, called "Kardon Park", in Downingtown.  There is a paved trail that leads to Rt 282 (Creek Rd) where you can link to the Struble Trail.  Part of the trail runs alongside the Brandywine Creek and there are even a couple of areas I've seen people fishing (artificial lure trout) and swimming.  There is even a robe to swing from located on the traill side of the Shady Acres Campground!  I'm not sure if its officially permitted, but there is a place my father and friends used to jump off a bridge into the creek - I still see kids do it today - not something I endorse or would try!!!

Hopefully the future plans for Struble Trail happen sooner rather than later. It is planned to be 16 miles in length, extending to Honeybrook through Glenmoore and Lyndell, passing by Springton Manor Farm.

There are a lot of trees (yeah for shade at this time of year) and fairly flat.  I'm sure the advanced cycler would not chose this trail as their exclusive ride, however, there are endless options of different extensions you could take from the path to give some hilly challenges.

If you go to the trail when its not raining or snowing, you are guaranteed to see some people passing.  Its one of the most used trails around for bikers, walkers, joggers, and talkers!  It's also very welcoming to the four legged creatures on leashes, of course.  I enjoy seeing so many people enjoying the outdoors, being together, and just being active! 

If you like Geocaching (a newfound fun for me!) there are quite a few finds located on and around this path.

Today, as we got our bikes off the car rack, a pack of about 25 professional riders zoomed by.... we are a part of the other extreme.... barely making it the entire 2.6 miles before we turn around.  You see, I'm not in shape by any means, and I have my four-year old 45 lb. "helper" on the back.  We use the Trail-a-Bike that hooks onto my bike, with its own wheel and pedals.  Morgan, prefers to pedal backwards, thats more fun.... for her.....  Ashley, my 21 year old is a trooper helping to watch her sister and being the caboose bike with the occassional amusing 'race' with us.  Hopefully, adding on a little bit more each day, we'll get to the complete trail in no time and others will see us zoom by :)

If you are a new resident to Chester County, be sure and check out Struble Trail!  If you have been in the area for a while, and like me, have not taken advantage of the park - COME BACK!  I'd love to hear what you think!