We’ve partnered with Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Scranton to offer fresh, student perspectives on all the awesome things to do, sights to see, places to eat and more throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Keep an eye on this space every month for new ideas on where to go and what to see from our proud Nittany Lions in NEPA.
Out of the Classroom and onto the Farm
As an Information Technology major, I have spent most of my time in college staring at a computer screen. This means that I tend to lean more towards outdoor activities to unplug and unwind from my busy schedule. Along with attending the events I help to plan with our campus’ Four Seasons Club, one of my favorite places to visit is The Lands at Hillside Farms.
I have grown up in NEPA my whole life, and Hillside Farms has always been one of my favorite places to visit since childhood. I have many wonderful memories of getting ice cream with my family and friends. Since then, Hillside has only grown, offering visitors even more opportunities to enjoy. Also, it is only a quick 10-minute drive from the Wilkes-Barre campus, making it the perfect stop after a long day of classes.
Hillside offers a wide variety of activities.
My first stop whenever I go is visiting the animals. There are many different kinds of animals including cows, pigs, goats, and peacocks, that you can visit and learn more about. Alongside the animals, is the fresh air and beautiful scenery of the valley as you walk across the farm.
One of the best parts about visiting Hillside Farms is getting their delicious ice cream. This ice cream, along with their other dairy products, is made right on the farm. They also offer such a wide variety of flavors, sometimes it is almost impossible to choose.
A little bit of shopping.
In addition to all the outdoor sights, is an adorable mercantile full of locally made products and other items. There is a heavy focus on making sustainable choices in order to do what is best for the animals and the environment, which is heavily reflected in the products they sell.
Even on the coldest winter nights you can get a glimpse of Hillside Farms through their mercantile, where they sell tubs of ice cream year-round.
My happy place.
The staff and volunteers create such a genuine and welcoming environment each visit, making it the perfect atmosphere to disconnect from the chaos that college can bring. Taking a trip to Hillside Farms brings a feeling of comfort and nostalgia, and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
Featured image (top) courtesy of Cloe Mazzatosta.
