
According to artist Martin Firrell, "The road to freedom is bordered with sunflowers." Follow your bliss to these spectacular sunflower fields around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
The story behind Maria's Field of Hope makes a visit even more special. When Maria McNamara was diagnosed with brain cancer, her parents Ed and Megan founded Prayers for Maria in her honor. The foundation raises funds to support research and treatment of childhood brain tumors. Sunflowers became Maria's symbol, which inspired the development of the pet-friendly Field of Hope. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. You can also dedicate a sunflower for a minimum $20 donation. Fields are open daily from sunup to sundown. If you're visiting Cedar Point, stop by the second location of Maria's Field of Hope, adjacent to the hotel.
10475 Hoover Ave., Uniontown, OH 44685
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North Canton natives Judd and Shannon Allen had a long-held dream of owning their own farm with a garden. Their wish came true when they purchased Bloom Hill Farm on Hoover Avenue, their favorite street. The couple turned a two-acre parcel at the back of the property into a flower farm that produces amazing sunflowers and other colorful blooms, such as zinnias and dahlias. Shop their convenient self-serve flower stand, where all bouquets are $20. The stand is stocked Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Want to release the stress of everyday life? Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of walking through the sunflower and wildflower fields at JK Orchard & Farm. The two-mile long, six-foot wide path allows you to fully experience the sights and smells of sunflowers, poppies, morning glories, and other exquisite plants. There is also a designated patch where you can cut your own sunflowers. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about hours and admission fees.
16220 Springdale Rd., Marysville, OH 43040
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CherryHawk Farm first made a name as a popular spot to pick your own apples, with varieties ranging from Braeburn and Fuji to Granny Smith and Red Delicious. Not long ago, the farm added sunflower fields for even more appeal. Admission is included with the purchase of one peck of apples, which covers an individual, couple, or family. Receive one sunflower stem to take home, with additional stems available for purchase. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about current hours.
9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, OH 45140
Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family at Blooms and Berries Farm Market. Based on the season, farm crops include blueberries, peaches, potatoes, and sugar snap peas, many of which are available on a pick-your-own basis. In addition to the produce stand, Blooms and Berries has an incredible market barn with home decor items, specialty food products, garden supplies, and an on-site bakery. The sunflower fields are a main focus of Fall on the Farm, their signature annual event, with a corn maze, petting farm, hayrides, and many other activities. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-date schedule information.
10052 Reading Rd., Evendale, OH 45241
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At Gorman Heritage Farm, sunflowers are so important that an annual festival is dedicated to them. Live music, hayrides, sunflower and corn mazes, food trucks, and a Farm Fun Education Station are just a few of the activities packed into this popular event. This year's festival takes place on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-17 and must be purchased in advance. During the rest of the year, the farm is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-17.
5486 Ross Rd., Rockford, OH 45882
Local history meets Mother Nature at SchoolHouse Farms. Their office is in the restored Frysinger School, a classic one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1862. Sunflowers grown on the farm are used to make sunflower oils and roasted sunflower kernels, which are sold at retail along with gourmet popcorn and heirloom cornmeal and grits. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays.
8637 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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Spend a leisurely afternoon picking your own sunflowers at Rogish Farm. For a $15 fee per car, receive an empty quart mason jar to fill with sunflowers. Additional jars are available for $10 each. During the rest of your allotted half-hour, take pictures of the spectacular views to document the experience. This year, the family-owned farm increased the sunflower field size and added a third planting to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Pick-your-own-sunflowers is offered by reservation only. Visit the website to select a date and time.
Sunflowers have been memorialized in songs by several musical artists, from Glen Campbell to Frank Sinatra to Lenny Kravitz. What's your favorite flower-related tune?