Of all of the seasons, fall is undeniably my favorite. Not only is the weather perfect (I like those chilly days – perfect hoodie and jeans weather), but there is just so much to do!

Living in the Pocono Mountains and here at MU in the Back Mountain, I have been blessed with seeing the beautiful fall foliage. Since I was little, the leaves changing and falling has been my favorite thing (jumping in a big pile of leaves always made me smile, and still does).

Fall has so many activities and items to offer, many of which include corn mazes, apple picking, apple cider, bonfires, pumpkins, flannels, Halloween, and, for many of you, the return of pumpkin spice anything and everything. (Why? I’m still not sure.)

If any of those things got you excited, I have the perfect place for you: Roba Family Farms, located at 230 Decker Road North Abington Township. There are three different ways that you can get to Roba’s from campus. We chose the shortest one, which ended up being a nice scenic route.

You know that you are about to embark on a true adventure when your GPS says something different from your roommate’s: When mine said go right, hers said go left. What did we do? Well, we went in a couple of circles, but when we finally got on the right track it only took about 45 minutes to get to Roba’s. That may seem like a long time, but the roads that lead there are made up of beautiful scenery, a lot of farm animals and brilliantly designed houses. Donya (my roommate) and I always had something to look at, which made time go by quickly.

Roba Farm’s Harvest Festival is open daily: Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Harvest Festival opened mid-September and will remain open until October 31st. Admission prices vary depending on the day you go, so make sure to check the website for the exact price, but Fridays are always discounted to college students (as long as you show your ID).

Roba’s is not just your average pumpkin patch or corn maze: It has a lot of pumpkins to choose from, in multiple sizes and colors. The corn maze is about five acres, and the design changes each year. Roba’s also has a mini corn maze for the younger ones. Donya and I attempted the mega corn maze. We found a few of the puzzle pieces, but for the most part, we just got lost! If we had more time (and we didn’t stumble upon the exit), I would have gladly gone all night!

Besides the pumpkins and corn mazes, Roba’s has activities and entertainment. You can feed farm animals, jump on a huge pillow – Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like! Don’t be a chicken. Get on it and jump! –  wagon rides, pumpkin and apple cannons, and hillbilly pig races! Our favorite event is the Marvelous Mutts Dog Show. This show features dogs dock diving, Frisbee catching, and performing tricks, altogether a high energy show that is super fun to watch. There are even areas that groups can reserve for campfires.

There are also lots of treats to eat. There are little food stations located all over the property of Roba Farms offering food that includes soft pretzels, kettle corn, french fries, fudge, caramel apples, apple cider slushies, apple cider donuts and more. After the chilly day we endured at the farm, we went to the Old Barn Café & Bakery where we each got a hot chocolate and split a cider doughnut for under $5. It was delicious, especially the doughnut. I couldn’t leave without buying a half dozen at the Harvest Barn!

Roba Family Farms Harvest Festival is a place that everyone should go explore this fall. Donya and I cannot wait to go back, and while returning to campus, we were already planning our next trip. Be prepared to spend several hours there, as there is so much to see and do. (Make sure to dress in layers!) So go grab some friends,  get lost in the corn maze, pick some pumpkins, shoot some pumpkin cannons, and eat some yummy treats (I especially recommend the apple cider donuts and caramel apples).

Keep in mind, Roba Farms is a family-owned business. They have another location, Roba Family Orchard, at 1649 Lakeland Drive in Scott Township, where you can go and pick apples, among other activities. This location, as well as the Harvest Festival location, doubles as Christmas tree farms that open late November.