Support Your Local Businesses - A Story of One Local Gem

Yesterday when I saw that a local orchard near us was having an Easter Egg Hunt, I decided that we would go. We have been going to Weaver’s Orchard since C was a baby. At first, it was a low key farm/orchard known mainly for their fruit picking (literally every single fruit that you can grow in this area) and their fabulous farmer’s market. But it has grown and now people come from all over to come to their events and pick-your-own stand in the summer.

Let me preface this whole story by saying that I realize that this sounds like a plug for Weaver’s but it is not. Well, it kind of is if you are from around the Morgantown area, you should totally go. But, what this is more of a plug for is local businesses that deserve a bit of recognition for all of the hard work that they put in. This is just a great example of that. Not every local business tries hard to incorporate the community into their mission, but many of them do and so, I think they should be recognized. Even if you don’t read the rest of this post, for one second stop and think about a local business that you think does a really great job and do something to recognize them, even if it is just a short email, Facebook shout out, something…This is your cue…do it.

Now for my story…

The first Easter egg hunt that Weaver’s had, we went to. It was fabulous then and it is fabulous now.

I must say that when we walked up this morning to the egg hunt, it was packed. There was a line probably 100 people deep to get our tickets (a great thing for them, bad for us with an infant). As I stood there, I thought, “here we go…this is going to be an epic fail”. As soon as we got through, the kids spotted the clowns for balloon making. The older two waited with Ben while I took H to browse around. We saw the chicks (including one dyed pink for Easter) and all of the Easter flowers. He petted an alpaca and we browsed through some beautifully knitted hats and gloves (my heaven).

It was then time to stand in line for the Easter egg hunt. We divided and conquered. I stood in line for food while he took them to the hunt to wait for that.

Again, it was a huge line for food.

Let me insert this note that I realize I should have brought our own picnic lunches (I usually do) but it was a hectic morning and wasn’t an option. I also realize that having a peanut allergy in the family, I should be thinking about carrying something with me at all times. This too I did not do though I had the Epi Pen just in case.

As I stood in line, I had this whole scenario thought out in my head…I would get up there and ask what oil they used to which they would reply, I don’t know. I was convinced that this would happen. It did not. I got to the front of the line and asked and they responded, “We use canola oil. We try to be sensitive to those with peanut allergies.” Amazing. They got it. And I was immediately at ease. They were not saying that everything there didn’t have peanuts, they just opened the door to me asking questions and believing them. That is a fantastic feeling. Win#1 for Weaver’s

I headed down to the hunt and there was a huge gathering at the start. Ben was not in it because he was letting H run around. By the time he made it down there, he was last. Not a huge deal, but as a mom watching, you see a ton of other anxious kiddos (and parents…grrrrrr) grabbing up ALL of the eggs, leaving none for my precious two. Seriously none. What did Weaver’s do? They waited until the rush was over and then they re-spread those eggs so that EVERY single kid that was in that hunt got their bag full. My kids were thrilled. Win #2 for Weaver’s

We left Weaver’s one happy family (maybe not H who was ready for a nap).

8 More Reason’s Why Weaver’s is a Winner in my Book:

1. They use an IPM system when taking care of their fruits and vegetables and are completely open about it. Though it may not be organic, openness is key and you can read about it all and why they choose what they do on their website at any time. I have had questions before and they are completely open to talking about it.

2. They’re employees have never been anything but friendly, helpful, and each has a unique (and great) personality. I SO enjoy talking to them and seeing the same ones year after year.

3. They LOVE kids. They have a playground there for swinging, animals to feed, and all around love to have kids there and a part of their orchard.

4. Their social media community manager(s) is awesome. I love watching their Facebook posts, tweets, and reading their blog. Seeing local companies “get it” makes me SO happy!

5. Their farm market is a one stop shop. With a bakery, produce section, deli, freezer for grass fed meat, and bee hive, you have everything you need for a fresh, locally grown meal!

6. Weaver’s pick-your-own fruits are AMAZING!!! My kids pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, cherries, peaches, apricots, and apples. The list continues, but it is the soul of our summer and we are hooked on the idea of picking your own fruit and obviously (as you can see from my list of CSA posts), we are obsessed with all things locally grown!

7. They have an ice cream stand. YUM! Perfect for a hot summer day after picking a ton of fruit.

8. They offer story times for the kiddos in the summer every week followed by cooking, canning, all sorts of classes for adults (and kids) to learn what to do with all of this fresh picked goodness.

Weaver’s Orchard is located in Morgantown, PA. You can find out all about them here!

About Lauryn Blakesley

Mom of three vivacious children and wife to one extremely vivacious husband! Lover of knitting, running (although mostly after little ones right now), the color orange, fun accessories, fall, tea, and a clean kitchen floor. I spend my days in awe of my family and trying to teach my three to treat others as they would want to be treated.

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