Norristown Farm Park is one of Montgomery County’s most treasured public resources and one of the region’s most unique parks. This sprawling preserve spans 690 acres of land and attracts visitors of various interests.

Nature lovers appreciate the unspoiled landscapes and diverse wildlife. Fitness enthusiasts enjoy miles of paved running, biking, and walking trails, as well as baseball and volleyball facilities. Sportsmen can enjoy trout fishing in two stocked streams or set up at Farm Pond. History buffs might visit some colonial-era structures that are among Norristown’s oldest buildings. Locals also utilize the park’s multiple picnic areas and pavilions for parties, reunions, weddings, and other special events.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Norristown Farm Park, however, is that it continues to operate as a working farm. Nearly 80 percent of the park is active farmland, which allows visitors to get a close-up view of the agricultural process.

Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Road
Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 270-0215
www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=874
www.yelp.com/biz/norristown-farm-park-norristown

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/elias_daniel

Check out The Melting Pot, a fun fondue eatery offering an interactive dining experience. For the uninitiated, fondue hails from Switzerland, where in its most basic form, it consists of a simmering pot of melted cheese placed on the table in which cubes of bread are dipped with a long fork.

The Melting Pot lets you choose from a variety of fondue options, including several types of cheeses, as well as oil, and broth for cooking little chunks of meat and veggies. Meat, poultry, vegetables, artisan bread and seafood are the choices for dipping. Don’t skip dessert, because few things are as delightfully decadent as fresh berries dipped in chocolate. An expansive wine selection, beer and cocktails are also available.

The Melting Pot
150 Allendale Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 265-7195
www.yelp.com/biz/the-melting-pot-king-of-prussia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/chamonze

Looking for a friendly spot for a flavorful breakfast and lunch in Blue Bell? Put Cranberry Café on your culinary agenda. The ambiance is quaint and cheerful and the menu offers some tasty fare at reasonable prices.

Stop by in the a.m. to fuel up for the day with Poached Eggs on a fluffy croissant, a Scrambled Egg Bagel, or a California Omelet with avocado, onions, tomatoes and Monterrey jack cheese. Sandwiches include Tomato & Mozzarella on a French roll, Country Ham & Swiss, and a Grilled Eggplant with basil pesto. Panini and wraps are also on the menu. A yummy salad is always a great choice. Choose from Spinach & Cranberry, and Caesar Salad with grilled chicken and Fresh Mozzarella with mixed greens.

Blue Bell's Cranberry Café is open Monday through Saturday.

Cranberry Café
1201 Dekalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(610) 277-8070
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cranberry-Cafe/108078179233367
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cranberry-cafe-blue-bell

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Andrew Yee