Autumn Ripe for the Picking
The Charm of Apple Orchards: The Perfect Fall Activity in Shores & Islands
Nothing says “fall” in the Midwest, like a trip to an apple orchard or a farm market. A quaint, family-friendly activity, picking a bushel of apples gets you the freshest produce for your kitchen. It’s also great exercise and an excellent way to make memories. Apples are fall’s favorite fruit, providing the main ingredient for such yummy treats as cider, pies, applesauce, donuts, fritters, and other pastries. There are some great pick-your-own apple orchards in Shores & Islands, Ohio.
Fresh Finds at Farm Markets
If you’re not interested in harvesting your fruit but still want the freshest seasonal produce or other local craft products, there are several farm markets with freshly picked finds just waiting for you. To add more “fall” to your outing, consider picking up traditional autumn decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, mums, corn shocks, and more. Extend your fall adventure by visiting a farm with additional activities such as hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and more. Here’s the scoop on where you can find the apple of your eye this season at Shores & Islands, Ohio.
Quarry Hill Orchards: A Family Adventure
For a pick-your-own family adventure, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Quarry Hill Orchards in Berlin Heights. Here, you can walk through acres of apple trees and select the apple that looks best straight from the branches. Apple varieties peak at different times. Experts on hands at the orchard can point you in the direction of which ones are peaking during your visit. Check-in at the market barn. Here, you’ll also find a selection of other locally grown fruits and vegetables and local products such as honey, snacks, baked goods, and more.
On a warm autumn day, cool off with a Quarry Cone—a fresh selection of real fruit ice cream served using seasonal fruits. Quarry Hill Orchards also hosts some fun fall events. The new Honey Sunny Harvest Fest, Fall Haul at the Market Barn, and the annual Apple Peak Harvest Celebration and Antique Tractor Show are just a few offerings.
The Farm Market at The Chef’s Garden: A Culinary Experience
At The Farm Market at The Chef’s Garden in Huron, you can get your fill of seasonal favorites fresh from the farm. A whole culinary experience, the market often hosts chef demonstrations using ingredients grown onsite. The Jones family is dedicated to providing the community with healthy, Earth-friendly vegetables and is passionate about regenerative farming. Here, you will also find a variety of seasonal festivals and events, often including farm tours, live entertainment, workshops, and pop-up vendors. Fall is a fantastic time to visit The Farm Market at The Chef’s Garden, especially during the Fall Harvest Festival in October.
Cherry City Honey Farms: Sweet Fall Treats
Learn about beekeeping and purchase local raw honey and honey-made products at nearby Cherry City Honey Farms in Bellevue. At this honey farm, you can partake in several presentations and workshops, including “Foraging in the Fall” in September and October. You can also learn about honey bees and purchase specialty honey, handmade lotions, candles, and lip balms. Using local honey can support your immune system for the upcoming winter season.
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm: For Foodies and Gardeners
Huron’s Mulberry Creek Herb Farm is a great stop for foodies and gardeners. You can pick up herbs, perennials, houseplants, and more here. The expansive herb farm welcomes you to walk its herb fields and greenhouses. You can bring a picnic or enjoy some Mitchell’s ice cream sold onsite. New in 2024 is the Mulberry Creek Winery, with a tasting room on the farm. One fall event you won’t want to miss is the special Celebration of Garlic on October 26.
The Orchard Farm Stand: A Full Fall Experience
The Orchard Farm Stand in Catawba makes a great fall outing with an onsite farm market, café, The Coop outdoor bar, vineyard, and the namesake apple orchard. Buy seasonal produce in the farm market or occasionally partake in pick-your-own during special events. For example, you can pick apples and grapes during The Orchard Harvest Fest in late September/early October. Then, enjoy a fall cocktail-tasting trail, vendors, live entertainment, and seasonal workshops. The shop also features Orchard-made jams and jellies, coffee, maple syrup, local honey, body products, fall décor, kitchen items, and more.
Time to Explore Fall Activities in Shores & Islands
With so many farm-fresh ideas, Shores & Islands, Ohio, is the place to be this autumn! For a complete list of local orchards, farm markets, pumpkin patches, and fall activities, visit shoresandislands.com and click the Fall “Things to Do” tab. Autumn adventure by beautiful Lake Erie? It’s a SHORE thing!
Apples aren’t just for pies. Check out this yummy idea for all those fall apples.
