With over 4,000 dairy farms in Pennsylvania, it’s important to support local farmers by buying milk, ice cream, cheese, and more. Here are some must-visit dairies and creameries in Chester County, writes Alexandra Jones for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Milky Way Farm: For over 100 years, the Matthews family has been raising dairy cows in Chester Springs. They started selling ice cream in 2001, now offering nearly 50 flavors to choose from. They sell eggs, milk, and ice cream — seasonally — and ice cream cakes which are available for pre-order.

Baily’s Dairy of Pocopson Meadow Farm: In West Chester, this family-run farm provides a peaceful retreat out of busy urban life. They sell all types of milk including skim, whole, and chocolate. Other items include ice cream in summer from their ice cream truck, cheese, eggs, and other seasonal produce.

Seven Stars Farm: Phoenixville’s Seven Stars lives up to its name with its products and sustainability pledges. The farm is not only USDA-certified but also biodynamic. This means it practices holistic ways of farming and maintaining the property as a living organism. They sell heavy cream, cheese, butter, beef, and yogurt. The yogurt flavors include vanilla, maple, plain, and lemon.

Shellbark Hollow Farm: Farmer and cheesemaker Pete Demchur is in charge of this Honey Brook farm. He sells fresh and aged goat cheeses, raw goat milk, kefir, eggs, and yogurt from 100 Nubian goats. He has an on-site store and travels to farmers’ markets in Chester County and the Philly area.

Conebella Farm: This Elverson farm is run by the fifth-generation Gable family which raises Ayrshire cows. With milk rich in high butterfat content, the Gables sell products such as fresh and aged cheeses, Greek yogurt, smoothies, and cheddar curds,

Birchrun Hills Farm: Known for its award-winning cheeses in Chester Springs, Birchrun Hills has taken artisan cheesemaking to the next level. Cheesemaker Sue Miller took European cheesemaking ways and utilized them within their own farming system. They sell fresh and aged cheeses, crème fraîche, cheddar curds, beef, veal, and pork.

September Farm Cheese: As a standalone facility and shop since 2013, this Honey Brook farm is the perfect pit stop for all things dairy and market-related. While they sell cheese —with flavors like muffaletta and apple cinnamon— and yogurt, they also sell whoopie pies, sandwiches, locally roasted coffee, and gift baskets.

Read more about which local dairies and creameries to visit to get your products in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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