
This year seems to have flown by! Before you know it, the leaves will start to change and there will be a chill in the air. That means it's almost time for some of our favorite activities — roasting s'mores over the fire pit, sipping pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, apple picking!
There are so many great orchards in Northeast Ohio, it's hard to choose which one we love best. Before you plan your next fall adventure, take a look at this round-up of our top recommendations for fresh-picked apples!
16393 State Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133
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Family-owned and operated since 1982, Royalton Farms has 7 acres of trees producing 15 different varieties of apples. They also have a landscaping nursery, an apple-processing barn with a cider mill, and a market barn. It's also home to Cuyahoga County's only working cider press. In addition to fresh-picked apples, you can get a variety of produce in their market including peaches, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins. You'll also find local honey, fruit butters, baking mixes, cookbooks, and more! Royalton Farms is open through November on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm. They're closed on Mondays.
8690 Vermillion Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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If you're looking for variety, you'll find it at Miller Orchards. They grow 23 different varieties of apples as well as cherries and peaches. Depending on weather conditions, in season they also carry plums, nectarines, cantaloupe, pears, and watermelon. This family-owned farm has been in business for more than four generations. Locals and visitors enjoy this orchard's quality products, honest prices, and family-friendly atmosphere. Miller Orchards is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm. They're closed on Sundays.
2397 Center Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233
There's so much to do at Hillside Orchard and Farm Market, you can easily spend a whole day here. Whether you want to pick up your apples from their store or head out to the orchard to pick your own, you'll love their delicious crops. If you have a sweet tooth, you're in luck! They carry 11 flavors of Hershey's brand hard-dipped ice cream, famous fruit pies, and frozen apple cider. They also have jams, jellies, preserves, salad dressings, marinades, bbq sauces, dips, and fresh-baked breads. Mark your calendar for the second weekend in October so you don't miss their Annual Harvest Festival. The kids will love the horse-drawn hayride, playground, and challenging pumpkin maze. Hillside Orchard is open until December 23rd. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon until 5 pm. They're closed on Mondays, except for the Monday before Halloween.
50336 Telegraphy Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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Hillcrest Orchard offers pick-your-own sunflowers, pumpkins, and 14 different varieties of apples. But that's not all! There are plenty of family-friendly fall activities that everyone is sure to love. You won't want to miss the Space Exploration Corn Maze, complete with seven different puzzle stations! The kids will also love the barrel train, corn box, hay tunnel, hayride, pedal karts, sandbox, and the playground, swing set, and spider webs. Best of all, each of these activities is included in the price of admission. The farm market is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm September 1st through November 8th. The U-pick, maze, and activities are open weekends only from 10 am until 6 pm from September 7th through October 27th.
17909 Rapids Rd., Hiram, OH 44234
The oldest pick-your-own apple orchard in Geauga County, Blue Jay Orchard has been a family tradition for generations. They grow 27 varieties of apples as well as peaches and blueberries. Head out to pick your own, or get some from their market. You'll also find local Ohio food products, assorted gifts, and all things fall-related. Blue Jay Orchard's opening hours vary. You'll want to give them a call at 440.834.4318 for more information.
11724 Lisbon St. SE, Paris, OH 44669
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When you head to Arrowhead Orchard, make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy all the great things this farm has to offer. You can choose to pick your own apples or get them from the onsite farm market. You can also pick your own sunflowers and pumpkins. The entry price includes unlimited hayrides, a corn maze, and a sunflower walk. The kids will also love the hay mountain, tire climb, hamster run, train cart ride, obstacle course, and more. There's also a zip line ride! You'll want to visit the market, where you'll find cider, peaches, nectarines, honey, and a variety of other food and gift items. The farm market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm and Sunday from noon until 6 pm. Fall activities and U-pick run through September 4th until October 26th, Monday, Friday, and Saturday from noon until 6 pm. They're closed on Labor Day.
5424 S. Arlington Rd., Clinton, OH 44216
Kuner's Fruit Farm offers pick-your-own apples and also sells award-winning cider, honey, plums, and apple butter. If you want to get away from the commercialism and spend some quality time with your family, this is the place to do it. Kuner's fruit farm is open daily from 9 am until 7 pm until the end of Thanksgiving weekend.
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, OH 44270
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A staple of Rittman since 1929, Bauman Orchards is a 260-acre orchard with 48,500 apple trees and 9,200 peach trees. They offer 25 different varieties of apples and 15 varieties of peaches. They also press their own cider, which you can find in their farm market along with homemade pies, cookies, produce, and gift baskets. You'll want to check out the orchard's website every once in a while because they host several exciting festivals throughout the year. Mark your calendar for September 19th so you can visit the Harvest Days festival. In addition to U-pick apples, you'll also enjoy homemade cider donuts, a food truck, live music, and pony rides. The kids will also love painting their own pumpkins and meeting the farm animals! Bauman Orchards is open year-round Monday through Friday from 8 am until 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am until 5 pm. They're closed on Sundays and all major holidays.
Which orchard will you pick?