Savidge Farms

Overview

Savidge Farms is a family-operated farm in Mertztown, Pennsylvania, that combines working agricultural land with a seasonal agritourism operation. The property sits at 1710 State Street in the rural southeastern corner of Berks County, and during the autumn months it opens to the public for pick-your-own pumpkins, wagon rides, a corn maze, and a collection of outdoor activities aimed primarily at families with children. Outside of the fall season, the land functions as a conventional crop farm typical of the region.

The public-facing side of the business follows a model that has become common among small farms in eastern Pennsylvania: rather than relying solely on commodity crop income, the farm supplements its operations by inviting visitors onto the property for a defined season. At Savidge Farms, this takes the form of a fall festival-style setup with a pumpkin field, play areas, a food stand, and hayride transportation between the parking area and the patch.

Location and Surroundings

Mertztown is an unincorporated village within District Township, Berks County, positioned between Topton and Alburtis along the Route 222 and Route 100 corridors. The farm is roughly equidistant from Reading and Allentown, placing it within a half-hour drive of both metropolitan areas as well as Kutztown, Emmaus, Macungie, Fleetwood, and Boyertown. The surrounding landscape is rolling farmland at the base of the Oley Valley and the ridges that separate Berks and Lehigh counties, and much of the immediate area remains in active agricultural use.

The farm's setting on a working property, rather than a purpose-built attraction site, shapes the visitor experience. Fields, equipment, and outbuildings are part of the environment, and the scale of the operation is modest compared with the large commercial fall attractions found closer to the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley suburbs. Visitors arriving from the west typically approach via Route 222 and Topton; those coming from the Lehigh Valley generally use Route 100 through Alburtis.

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins

Pumpkin picking is the central activity during the fall season. Rather than selecting from pre-cut pumpkins arranged near the entrance, visitors travel out to the growing field and cut pumpkins directly from the vine. Wagon rides carry guests between the main area and the patch, and the field is planted with a range of sizes and varieties suitable for carving, painting, and decorating.

Pumpkins are sold by weight, and the farm uses pre-weighed carts so that loads can be tallied at the register without handling each pumpkin individually. Visitors planning to select larger specimens should wear closed shoes suitable for walking on uneven field ground, particularly after rain. The picking season generally runs from late September through the end of October, with availability in the field dependent on the growing year and the pace of harvest.

Activities on the Property

Beyond the pumpkin field, the farm operates a set of outdoor attractions concentrated near the main entrance area. These have been developed over time and include equipment and structures built or repurposed on site. Typical offerings during the fall season include:

• A corn maze cut into standing field corn
• Play structures incorporating retired farm machinery
• A play pit filled with shelled corn in place of sand
• Slides and climbing features sized for younger children
• A miniature golf course
• An air-powered shooting range for older children and adults
• Farm animals kept in a viewing area
• Wagon rides between the entrance area and the pumpkin field

Some activities are included with entry while others carry a separate per-person charge; the wagon ride and the shooting range, for example, are ticketed individually. Because pricing and the exact lineup of attractions can change from year to year, visitors are encouraged to confirm current details by phone or on the farm's website before traveling.

Food and Drink

A food stand operates during public hours, serving griddle and fryer items alongside seasonal specialties. The menu has featured burgers, loaded and topped fries, and pulled pork, as well as autumn-specific items such as apple cider doughnuts, apple dumplings, and cider-based frozen drinks. Adult beverages, including cider cocktails, have also appeared on the seasonal menu. Seating is outdoors and informal.

Popular items can sell out on busy weekend afternoons, particularly in mid-to-late October. Groups planning to eat on site may find shorter waits during weekday hours or earlier in the day.

Groups, Parties, and Private Bookings

The farm accommodates group visits and hosts private events, including children's birthday parties that combine a reserved wagon ride with pumpkin picking and access to the play areas. School groups, scout troops, church groups, and daycare centers in Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties represent a regular part of the fall visitor mix. Arrangements for group rates, reserved times, and party packages are handled directly with the owners by telephone, and advance booking is advisable for October weekend dates.

Visiting Information

On-site parking is available on the property. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible, and a gender-neutral restroom is among the facilities provided. The business is listed as LGBTQ+ friendly. As with most working farms, portions of the grounds consist of grass, gravel, and field surfaces, so visitors with mobility considerations may wish to call ahead to discuss which areas are most easily navigated.

Practical notes for planning a visit:

• Season: Operations for the general public are concentrated in the autumn, with hours varying by week and weather
• Duration: Families with young children commonly spend two to four hours on site
• Clothing: Layered clothing and sturdy footwear suit field conditions and variable fall weather
• Payment: Confirm accepted payment methods for the food stand and attraction tickets in advance
• Weather: Muddy field conditions can affect wagon routes and pumpkin picking after heavy rain

Contact

Savidge Farms can be reached at +1 610-682-6616, and current season dates, hours, and pricing are posted at savidgefarms.com. The farm is located at 1710 State Street, Mertztown, Pennsylvania 19539.