Hickory Bridge Farm’s Butterfly Tea: A Whimsical Summer Tradition in Rural Pennsylvania

Few experiences capture the gentle magic of summer quite like the annual Butterfly Tea at Hickory Bridge Farm, nestled in the scenic countryside of Orrtanna, Pennsylvania. More than just a charming luncheon, the Butterfly Tea is a celebration of nature, family, and community, set amid the lovingly preserved grounds of a historic farm known for heartfelt hospitality and a touch of whimsy. Let’s step into this cherished tradition and discover why it captures the hearts of children and adults alike year after year.

What Is the Butterfly Tea at Hickory Bridge Farm?
The Butterfly Tea is a themed, child-centric summer event now in its 15th year, hosted each July at Hickory Bridge Farm (since 2011). Decorated throughout with graceful butterfly motifs, this luncheon is specially designed for children and families seeking an afternoon of wonder, good food, and togetherness. The event typically raises funds a for local charitable cause, Adams County Special Olympics, further adding to its spirit of giving[1][2].

The Experience: From Decor to Dress-Up
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by tables adorned with delicate lace, bright fresh flowers, and hand-crafted tea cozies, transforming the barn’s rustic space into a fluttering butterfly haven. One of the highlights is the special dress-up area: children don wide-brimmed hats and whimsical accessories, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere and giving them a sense of occasion[3].

But the attention to detail doesn’t stop at the décor. Everything—from the luncheon’s presentation to its flavors—contributes to a carefully curated memory-making afternoon.

A Menu Designed for Delight
Food at the Butterfly Tea is an event unto itself. The meal begins with a delicious Chicken Pasta soup, notable for its butterfly-shaped noodles that capture the theme and delight young diners. Accompanying this warm welcome are freshly baked blueberry muffins and chocolate chip scones served with a dollop of creamy mock Devonshire cream, inviting guests to slow down and savor every bite[3].

The centerpiece of the meal is served on a dainty cake stand: a playful assortment of butterfly-shaped sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, miniature apple fritters, and a medley of fresh fruit. Every element is thoughtfully chosen to appeal to both children’s palates and their sense of wonder. To finish, guests indulge in charming desserts, such as edible butterflies that are perched on top of rainbow sherbet with a whipped cream garnish and a melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie—rounding out the magical experience[1][3].

Community Spirit and Giving Back
One of the Butterfly Tea’s lasting impacts is its charitable mission. In recent years, a portion of proceeds from live butterfly sales and ticket prices help benefit the Adams County Special Olympics. Hickory Bridge Farm frequently matches butterfly sales with additional donations, intertwining community generosity with the festive proceedings[1][2].

The release of live butterflies, available for advance purchase, has become another memorable feature. Children delight in the chance to hold and release their butterflies, participating in a gentle ceremony that echoes the event’s themes of joy, transformation, and connection to nature[2].

Beyond Tea: The Full Hickory Bridge Farm Experience
The Butterfly Tea is only one facet of what makes Hickory Bridge Farm a local gem. After the luncheon, families often wander to the on-site Country Store, itself a living museum of early Americana. Brimming with penny candy, molasses from antique pumps, and shelves lined with authentic artifacts from Pennsylvania’s past, the store rounds out the nostalgic, sensory-rich visit[4].

For those staying longer, Hickory Bridge Farm offers bed-and-breakfast accommodations and access to the broader grounds—inviting families to enjoy seasonal dinners, and impromptu strolls among the rolling hills[4]. Whether attending a wedding, a spring or summer Tea Luncheon, or simply passing through for the afternoon, guests are welcomed not as strangers, but as part of the farm’s extended family.

Planning a Visit
The Butterfly Tea, typically held in mid to late July, is a popular event that tends to fill up quickly. Reservations are required[5], and children’s tickets are priced to be affordable for families (recent listings cite $25 per guest, with high chair guests at no cost.)[1][3][6]. Live butterfly releases can be reserved in advance for a small additional fee, with the knowledge that a portion benefits a good cause[2].

Attendees are encouraged to call ahead to secure a spot and to arrive ready for a leisurely, memory-filled afternoon in a unique rural setting. It’s not unusual for families to return year after year, making the Butterfly Tea a beloved summer tradition.

Why It Matters
At its core, Hickory Bridge Farm’s Butterfly Tea is about crafting moments of simple joy: a shared laugh over butterfly-shaped sandwiches, the thrill of donning a fancy hat, the wonder of a butterfly fluttering away into blue summer skies. Rooted in local history and community care, it’s an event that reminds us how celebration, beauty, and giving can come together—creating memories that last long after the final cup of tea is savored.

If your summer travels bring you near the foothills of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains, be sure to look up Hickory Bridge Farm’s Butterfly Tea—a whimsical window into rural hospitality, childhood delight, and the enduring magic of life’s little celebrations.
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1. http://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/newsletter_may-aug17.pdf   
2. https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/286763-julydec.pdf   
3. https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/childrens-tea.html   
4. https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog 
5. https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/events.html
6. https://web.gettysburg-chamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/wcevents/eventregistration.aspx?eventID=21143D8K9Z