Burnside Plantation
A 6.5-acre historic plantation featuring 1700s-1800s farm buildings, living history, and vibrant seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blueberry Festival fun!
Burnside Plantation
Best Time
Blueberry Festival fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 6.5-acre historic plantation featuring 1700s-1800s farm buildings, living history, and vibrant seasonal events.
"Such a great historic place to visit, very peaceful and beautiful with well-kept grounds."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Visit during festivals like Blueberry Fest or Apple Days for the full experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy peaceful walks along Monocacy Creek and the well-kept plantation grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blueberry Festival
Burnside Plantation Grounds
A summer tradition filled with blueberry treats, local vendors, music, and family activities.
Apple Days Festival
Burnside Plantation Grounds
Celebrate autumn with apple cider donuts, pies, historical crafts, and seasonal fun.
Historic Farm Buildings
Throughout the Plantation
Step back in time exploring 1700s and 1800s farm structures and living history exhibits.
Monocacy Creek Walking Path
Adjacent to Plantation
A peaceful trail perfect for a stroll, offering scenic views and a connection to nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event-Centric Visits
+1Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Visit during festivals like Blueberry Fest or Apple Days for the full experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy peaceful walks along Monocacy Creek and the well-kept plantation grounds.
💰 Donation-Based Market
First Saturday of the month offers produce and flowers by donation.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Events often feature activities specifically for children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Visit during festivals like Blueberry Fest or Apple Days for the full experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy peaceful walks along Monocacy Creek and the well-kept plantation grounds.
💰 Donation-Based Market
First Saturday of the month offers produce and flowers by donation.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Events often feature activities specifically for children.
🍎 Taste the Season
Don't miss seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and blueberry desserts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Burnside Plantation for its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and engaging historical events like the Blueberry and Apple Festivals. It's a great spot for families and those seeking a connection with nature and local history. Some visitors have found specific events to be less themed or vibrant than anticipated, and occasionally experienced unwelcoming staff.
"Such a great historic place to visit. Sometimes they have events and reenactments that really take you back in time. It’s very peaceful and beautiful and the grounds are very well kept. There is a walking path that runs parallel to the train tracks and follows the Monacacy creek for miles. Highly recommend stopping by."
Kyle
"Getting ready for Blueberry Fest! Such a great time for the whole family. Food, Music, History, and Activities for the kids. Take a look back in time and just have a lot of fun. Sample everything Blueberry at the desert tent then pick up your favorite full sized dessert to take home."
Lee Moyer
"Attended the Blueberry Festival with my family, it was underwhelming. Lacked blueberry theme and vendors, it was pretty empty. The vendors that were there were good. Some of the staff made us feel unwelcome. Sounded fun but my expectations were too high."
Antonio McAfee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burnside Plantation is located at 1461 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018. It's accessible by car, with parking usually available on-site during events.
Information on public transport options is limited, but it's best to check local Bethlehem transit schedules for routes that may get you close to the Schoenersville Road area.
From major highways, navigate towards Bethlehem, PA, and then follow local signs for Schoenersville Road. GPS is recommended for precise directions.
Yes, parking is typically available on-site, especially during special events like the Blueberry Festival and Apple Days.
Yes, biking is a great option, and the scenic surroundings make for a pleasant ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Burnside Plantation is often free for general exploration, but special events like the Blueberry Festival and Apple Days have admission fees. Adults typically pay around $10, with reduced prices for children.
General hours for exploring the grounds may vary. However, event hours are specific to each festival. For example, the Blueberry Festival runs from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Children typically receive discounted admission, and those under a certain age (e.g., 3 or 4) are often free. Check event details for specific pricing.
Yes, the grounds are often accessible for peaceful walks and enjoying nature outside of major event dates. The donation-based market on the first Saturday is also a great non-festival option.
Burnside Plantation is a popular venue for weddings, offering a historic and picturesque setting. [^seo_keywords]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic farm buildings, enjoy living history demonstrations, walk along Monocacy Creek, and attend seasonal festivals with food, music, and crafts.
While not always explicitly advertised, living history exhibits and staff on-site during events often provide insights into the plantation's past.
Expect to see exhibits related to 1700s and 1800s farm life, including demonstrations of traditional crafts like candle-making and metalworking.
Absolutely! The historic buildings, scenic grounds, and seasonal events offer many beautiful photo opportunities.
Held on the first Saturday of the month until October, this market allows visitors to take home fresh produce and flowers with a donation of their choice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, especially during festivals! You can find a variety of food vendors offering seasonal treats like apple cider donuts, blueberry desserts, and more.
The Blueberry Festival is known for its blueberry-themed treats, including pies, donut holes, and other desserts, alongside general food trucks and vendors.
Food vendor offerings can vary, but with multiple food trucks and stalls, you're likely to find options that cater to different dietary needs.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds outside of specific event areas where vendors are set up. Check event rules if attending a festival.
Yes, Bethlehem has a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, located a short drive from the plantation.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic farm buildings, the scenic walking paths along Monocacy Creek, and the vibrant festival setups offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed and encouraged. For commercial photography or weddings, inquire about specific permits.
The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide beautiful, soft light for capturing the historic charm and natural beauty of the plantation.
As with most historic sites and public spaces, drone usage may be restricted. It's advisable to check with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites for their specific drone policy.
The Blueberry Festival and Apple Days are particularly vibrant and colorful, offering great opportunities for capturing festive moments and seasonal decor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Beyond events, the open grounds offer space for kids to explore, and the walking paths along Monocacy Creek provide a gentle adventure. When planning your visit, consider the admission fees for festivals, which are typically affordable for families with children's discounts available.
+1 Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea, though food vendors are plentiful during festivals. The overall experience is designed to be both entertaining and educational, making it a memorable outing for all ages.🚶♀️ Nature & History Enthusiasts
+1 The walking path along Monocacy Creek provides a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment for reflection. Consider visiting on the first Saturday of the month for the donation-based market, where you can find fresh produce and flowers while supporting local growers.
💍 Couples & Event Planners
Couples looking for a venue that combines historical character with natural beauty often find Burnside Plantation to be an ideal choice. Beyond weddings, the plantation's beautiful setting makes it a lovely spot for a romantic day trip. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the creek, explore the historic structures, and perhaps time your visit with one of the delightful seasonal festivals for a charming date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Festivals: The Heartbeat of Burnside
+1 Similarly, Apple Days in September offers a taste of autumn with apple-themed delights, historical demonstrations, and a family-friendly atmosphere. +1 These events are meticulously organized by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and are a fantastic way to experience the plantation's community spirit and historical charm. Beyond the main attractions, visitors can also enjoy the donation-based market held on the first Saturday of the month from May to October. This market provides an opportunity to purchase fresh produce and flowers directly from local growers, with a donation of your choice supporting the site.
While these festivals are a major draw, it's worth noting that some visitors have found certain events to be 'underwhelming' if their expectations were set too high, citing a potential lack of thematic focus or a sparse vendor presence.
A Glimpse into 18th and 19th Century Life
+1The plantation emphasizes living history exhibits, bringing the past to life through demonstrations and interpretations. Activities like historical candle-making and metalworking offer hands-on insights into traditional crafts and skills.
This immersive approach allows visitors to go beyond simply seeing historical artifacts and instead experience the practicalities of colonial and early American farm life. While the plantation is known for its events, the grounds themselves offer a peaceful retreat. A walking path that runs parallel to the train tracks and follows the Monocacy Creek provides a serene environment for a stroll, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and reflect on the historical significance of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit