There is a fairytale land in Northeastern Pennsylvania currently undergoing an extensive renovation to restore it to all of its original splendor from once upon a time.  But you don’t have to wait to experience magic of this fairytale. The Lands at Hillside Farms is sparkling historical gem whose light has never faded and will only shine brighter with a little polishing. This weekend the Second Annual Fall Festival, a major fundraiser at Hillside, is scheduled to take place and will provide a wonderful opportunity for families throughout the area to experience all that Hillside has to offer. See below for operating hours and details.
MISSION
The Lands at Hillside Farms, a 412 acre working dairy farm, was formed as a non-profit organization in June of 2005 to protect and preserve the farms aging infrastructure. It’s whose mission aims “to present aspects and benefits of the region’s land, history and promotion of lifestyle choices which are healthy, conservation-minded and practical.”  Hillside places great emphasis on family-friendly educational programs, sustainable agricultural activities and living.  It is now undergoing a major restoration to return it to its original pristine grandeur and in hopes of eventually becoming a major tourist destination. Look for a bed and breakfast, a restaurant and a more expansive educational program for people of all ages in the future.
Hillside has always been one of my favorite places to visit – and not just for the homemade ice cream. The atmosphere at Hillside is serene and picturesque, and almost even romantic, as evident in the photos of the iron and cypress greenhouses.  These greenhouses were constructed by American greenhouse and conservatory builders Lord and Burnham over 100 years ago. They were relocated from the area no occupied by the Dorthy Dickson Darte center in Wilkes Barre and are thought to be only five greenhouses of this design in the entire country.  Currently, the greenhouses are being restored by Glass Garden Builders, which purchased the Lord and Burnham business several years ago.  
Greenhouse at the Lands at Hillside Farms.
HISTORY
During the late 19th century, at the height of the Anthracite coal mining era in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Industrial Revolution, industrialist William L. Conyngham purchased 100 acres from Joseph Harter of Trucksville.  These 100 acres formed the foundation of a grand summer and agricultural estate. 

 The Cottage at Hillside, pictured above, was originally built in 1882 as a two story summer residence where family friends would stay during their summit visits. The first floor of the cottage includes a Victorian foyer, sitting room and dining room, butler’s pantry and kitchen.  Originally, there was also a companion building which housed bedrooms and a ballroom.  Footpaths led from the home to other locations with bridges, gazebos, flower beds and benches at the farm and alongside the creek.  The main Cottage and accompanying Heritage Gardens at Hillside hosted many of American’s elite individuals.  Hillside was also the home of the award-winning Clydesdale Belgian draft horses, Dorset cheep, Berkshire hogs and dairy herds of registered Holstein/Friesian, milking shorthorns and Jersey cattle.

Today, the Cottage is available to host a variety events including small weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, office parties, or bridal and baby showers.

The Cottage at the Lands at Hillside Farms.

THE DAIRY STORE

The Dairy Store at Hillside has been offering its famous ice cream and milk since 1977.  The milk is sold in returnable glass bottles, some of which have lasted decades. While most cows in the United States are raised in confinement, force fed grain, hay and/or corn, and stand in dirt and manure, the cows at Hillside graze on a pasture from Spring through fall, enjoying green grass, clean water and fresh air.  This ensures that the milk you consume from Hillside is loaded with vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting agents. Milk obtained from a pastured cow can have five times as much conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, as milk obtained from a cow who is purely grain fed.  This CLA is a type of fat that is believed by some to fend off cancer. 

The Dairy Store

Notably, the cows at Hillside have not been injected with controversial Bovine Growth Hormones, artificial hormones usually injected bi-weekly into cows, causing them to produce three times as much milk as a normal cow.  (In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Institute of Health (as well as numerous other studies) have declared that this hormone is safe for human consumption. However, it has been banned in Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and most of the European Union)

The Dairy Store offers butter made on the premises with Hillside Gold milk and eggs from free-range chickens. Whenever possible, the Dairy Store offers products from small-scale producers located near the Lands.  You can find just-picked seasonal produce for sale, as well as locally produced baked goods. To provide a shopping experience reminiscent of “days gone by,” the Dairy Store also offers old-style penny candy and natural treats like granola, trail mix, nuts and seeds.

The Dairy Store is open seven days a week at 8:00 A.M.

The Ice Cream Parlor opens 8:00 A.M, Monday through Friday.
The Ice Cream Parlor opens 10:00 A.M on Saturday and Sunday.

Both the Dairy Store and the Ice Cream Parlor close at 10:00 P.M.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from The Dairy Store
Getting messy with some chocolate chip ice cream!

FALL FESTIVAL

On October 2nd and 3rd, the Lands at Hillside Farms will hold the Fall Festival, its largest “Noon to Moon” event.  This popular event, sponsored by Luzerne Bank,  attracted over 5,000 guests last year and is expected to attract over 8,000 people this year.  Though proceeds from the Dairy Store help to fund the operation of the farm. the Lands at Hillside Farms needs to raise approximately $500,000 per year to cover the costs of education, non-dairy animals, building and grounds maintenance, utilities, machinery, fencing, etc. The Fall Festival is held to raise money for Hillside’s educational programs, which cost the farm about $200,000 annually. Hillside’s education programs bring more than 3,500 regional school children from grades K-12 to the farm each year where they have the unique opportunity to learn about science, agriculture, archaeology, ecology, history, sustainable living and community service.

This year’s Fall Festival will feature family-friendly activities including tractor hay rides, pony rides, children’s games, live music, barn tours, local vendors, artisan demonstrations.  A variety of food in accordance with Hillside’s values will be available at the Festival, including hamburgers and hot dogs from grass-fed beef, veggie burgers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, soups and other side dishes. The event will attempt to incorporate Hillside’s own products as well as those from local farmers.

The event will also feature farm-to table cooking demonstrations featuring Chef Kate Gabriele of the Rustic Kitchen and Natural Foods Chef Jennifer Elliott.

Entertainment includes the Cabinet Will on Saturday afternoon and Fell Swoop on Sunday.  The popular Philaldelphia band, the Adam Monaco Band, will also be entertaining children near the greenhouse on Saturday and Sunday.

This year, WVIA members will receive free parking/admission and a free tractor hayride. WVIA members will also judge the scarecrow contest, which awards a $100 gift certificate for the Dairy Store. (Bring your scarecrow to enter!)

For non-WVIA members, the cost is $10 per carload and includes parking and admission.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from noon – 6 PM and Sunday, October 3, 2010 from noon – 5 PM.

All photos except the photo of the Cottage were taken by Diana Collins of Fairytale Feasts.  The photo of the Cottage appears courtesy of The Lands at Hillside Farms. 
Enjoy!