I was listening to a podcast this week and the contributors were having a friendly disagreement about when summer ends.
“Summer doesn’t end until September 21st,” pronounced the numbers guy on the show. “But Labor Day is the ‘unofficial’ end of summer,” countered another guest.
Both true, of course. And let’s not even get into when you can still wear white. But this year it’s confusing. With the cool weather, one can’t help thinking about fall. Although we still see plenty of “summer” produce in the farmers markets, apples and pears have begun to appear also — a sure harbinger of fall.
Wherever your Labor Day takes you, whether it’s the shore or your backyard, enjoy this time of year. It’s pretty special. And if you’re hanging close to home in Bucks or nearby, here are our picks of “things you gotta do” this weekend. Have a lovely holiday!
Events are listed in chronological order
1. Apple Season Begins!
Thursday, August 31 to Monday, September 4, Solebury Orchards, 3325 Creamery Rd., New Hope, PA
Apples are back at Solebury Orchards! The orchards’ season kick-off is this Thursday, August 31. Come for the Gala apples, a crispy, sweet flavored apple for eating. The orchard’s complimentary wagon rides through the trees for apple picking will run again this year on Saturdays and Sundays from September 2 through November 5.
2. Foodie First Friday
Friday, September 1, Doylestown, PA
The first Friday of the month means it’s time to visit Doylestown for Foodie First Friday. This monthly event celebrates culture, community and cuisine. Many of the restaurants have specials for the celebration, so try a restaurant you’ve never been to, or stop by your usual place and enjoy your favorites. For a full list of participating restaurants, click here. Be sure to call the restaurants if you are curious about their special menus and happy hours.
3. unWINEd Wine Concert Series
Friday, September 1, 6 – 9 pm, The Market by Shady Brook Farm at DelVal University, 2100 Lower St. Rd., Doylestown, PA
The summer is coming to an end and so is the Friday Night unWINEd series at The Market by Shady Brook Farm. Come and celebrate the start of a new season with live music by Ryan Shubert, wines by Rose Bank Winery, and craft beers.JustFood Catering will provide delicious food for purchase. Admission is free. NO outside food or drinks are allowed, and the music and fun starts at 6 pm.
4. First Friday Fireworks (and food)
Friday, September 1, 9:45 pm, The Mansion Inn and Royal T’s at the Mansion, 9 S. Main St., New Hope, PA
If you want to be front and center for the Delaware River Towns fireworks show this Friday, dine at The Mansion Inn. The best spot to watch the fireworks is their front porch. Fireworks begin at 9:45 and reservations for porch seating are necessary. Make your reservations here.
5. Dinner Opening at Karlton Cafe
Friday and Saturday, September 1-2, 5 – 9 pm, Karlton Cafe,
You may be familiar with the Karlton Cafe in Quakertown, a great spot for coffees, breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks. They use fresh produce and ingredients that are seasonal, and now, they’re ready to open up for dinner.
Come to their dinner celebration this Friday and Saturday, and receive a free glass of wine with your dinner. Call 215.538.8353 to reserve a spot.
6. Bucks Foodshed Alliance 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
Saturday, September 2, 7:30 am, DelVal University, 700 East Butler Ave., Doylestown, PA
This weekend, get some pre-Labor Day picnic exercise in for a good cause. The Bucks County Foodshed Alliance (BCFA) and the Bucks County chapter of Buy Fresh Buy Local are hosting the 3rd Annual Bucks Foodshed 5K & 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, September 2, on Delaware Valley University’s campus. Participants can still register online here through September 1 or in person on race day. The race fee is $30 per person for either race, and a service fee applies to all who order online.
All proceeds benefit Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to building a local food system in our community through education and collaboration.
7. Farmers Markets in Bucks County and nearby
For a full listing of farmers markets in Bucks County and nearby, CLICK HERE.
It’s still summer down at the farmers market. All of your favorite fruits and veggies are available: apples, peaches, pears, cantaloupes, watermelon, sweet corn, heirloom and cherry tomatoes, eggplant, green beans, peppers, summer squash, beets, turnips, radishes, the first early winter squash, a large variety of greens, beautiful flower bouquets and more.
Check out our full list of farmers markets scattered around Bucks County (with some in Montgomery and Hunterdon County too).
On Thursday afternoon, the Lower Makefield Farmers Market will have: Apples, cantaloupe, corn, watermelon, lettuce, lettuce mix, tomatoes, peppers, kale, potatoes, kohlrabi, cheese, eggs, veal, beef, chicken, pork, bread, dog treats, peaches, flowers, flavored popcorn, oil, spices, pickles, jams, coffee.
The Doylestown Farmers Market on Saturday will have a new vendor at this weekend, the Popcorn Works of Telford, PA. The Doylestown Fire Dept. will be doing demonstrations, and you can try some natural raw creamed honey.
The Wrightstown Farmers Market is featuring Offbeat Gourmet, who will have plenty of goodies for your Labor Day cookout. Expect to see fruits like blackberries, apples, peaches, pears, cantaloupes and watermelon.
8. 52nd Annual Polish American Festival
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 11 am – 7 pm, National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd., Doylestown, PA
This weekend, stop by the 52nd Annual Polish American Festival for some traditional Polish food and American favorites. We’re talking Placki and chicken fingers, golabki, grilled kielbasa, funnel cake, Polish ice, and hamburgers. Sip some beer, check out the entertainment and traditional dances and music. Bring the whole family or swing by solo for some snacks. Tickets are $12 per person and you can pre-order your tickets by calling 215.345.0600 or just buy them at the gate. Can’t make it this weekend? The festival continues next weekend.
9. Labor Day Weekend Picnic
Sunday, September 3, 12 – 8 pm, Rising Sun Inn, 898 Allentown Rd., Telford, PA
It’s not Labor Day without a picnic! The Rising Sun Inn is hosting a Labor Day weekend picnic, complete with $2 beer specials, picnic food, and a Quoits tournament at 2 pm. Stop by for some outdoor food or stop by the dining room, tavern, and deck for other specials. Please, no pets at this event.
10. Labor Day BBQ
Sunday, September 3, 3:30 – 7 pm, Lumberville General Store, 3741 River Rd., Lumberville, PA
The Lumberville General Store is BYOB and BYES for Labor Day: Bring Your Own Beverage and Bring Your Empty Stomach. Fill up on burgers, grilled salmon, BBQ pulled pork, smoked chicken, and spinach and chickpea stuffed portobello mushrooms. Sides include corn on the cob, coleslaw, bacon potato salad, mac and cheese, and dessert like apple pie, caramel popcorn balls, and choco-chip cookies. What a spread!
Cost for adults is $19.95 and $9.95 for kids. The BBQ goes from 3:30 – 7 pm.
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
