We Spent The Day For A Once-In-A-Lifetime Celestial Event, But This Pennsylvania Farm Is A Must-Visit Anytime
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 06, 2024
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A trip to the farm always means a welcome rush of nostalgia as memories of crisp fall afternoons picking pumpkins, going on hayrides, and warming up near a roaring fire with my then-little one bubble to the surface. Our latest adventure took us to the sprawling Port Farms in Pennsylvania, not too far from Erie, for what promised to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us – the total solar eclipse.
Port Farms sits along a quiet country road in Waterford, just under half an hour from downtown Erie and right in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. While thousands trekked a tad north of us, we found quiet – and plenty to do – on the farm.
This charming Pennsylvania farm, after all, is the kind of place you go to pick flowers, pumpkins, and Christmas trees; grab a few treats, and enjoy some old-fashioned fun, making it an idyllic spot to watch that once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Undeniably one of the best farms in Pennsylvania, Port Farms hosts several events throughout the year, including Summer Days, Fall Harvest, and Country Christmas. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the farm’s happenings.
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Hours before the moon and the sun took center stage above us, the parking lot began to fill with vehicles from all over the country – South Carolina, Virginia, and Delaware were just a few – and a full day of activities kicked off. Even if you go on a busy day, don’t worry. The parking lot is huge.
One thing you’ll likely not realize when you first arrive is just how big Port Farms is; it spans 250 acres and promises so much to do. Before you decide what to do first, take a walk around just to get a feel for it all.
You will find a ton of opportunities to take pictures, from the oversized chairs to action shots.
While the parking lot filled pretty quickly, the farm itself, except for lines at the food trucks and in the farm brewery – didn’t feel crowded. The morning started dreary and rainy, which made sitting by a roaring fire near the Events Barn perfect for warming up.
Along with live music, the barn also has bathrooms and a bar, where you can grab a drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). If they’re offered when you visit, try the decadent hot chocolate that comes in a souvenir mug.
One of the first things we did after warming up was visit the goats, all of whom were pretty much in heaven as everyone who stopped by fed them. You’ll need quarters to get feed from the dispenser, and the goats expect some goodies. Food makes them happy, and it’s easy to get a few pets and photos when they're munching. Win-win for all.
It doesn’t matter how old you are; you’re going to find something fun to do among all of the attractions – slides, wagon rides, pedal carts, and a massive jumping pillow. Can you escape the no-left turn maze? I did it in one try. Maybe it’s because I once lived in South Jersey (no left turns allowed on the main drag near my home) or perhaps being left-handed gave me an advantage.
Port Farms is also home to Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, which features plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Since we were there for the eclipse, it was jam-packed, so we’ll go back another time to check it out.
The menu, though, at this farm brewery in Pennsylvania features some pretty tasty-looking choices – house-made ranch potato chips, fire-roasted flatbread pizzas, and chicken tenders. It also pours what it calls “unique craft beer.”
That dreary sky cleared up around noon when the sun came out and the temperatures climbed. Clouds passed over the sun a few times, which made the partial eclipse even cooler. Nothing, though, can compare to those three+ minutes when the sun disappeared behind the moon; the sky darkened; the air chilled; the clouds rolled, and a lone bird flew overhead. Then, as quickly as it disappeared, like a camera flash, the sun returned.
Have you been to Port Farms, one of the most delightful farms in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you’re in Waterford, stop by Kim’s Diner for breakfast or lunch. The tiny old-school diner in Pennsylvania dishes up delicious fare in a cozy setting. Before you set off on your next day or road trip, check out OIYS’ road trip essentials packing list.
