Posts with tag 'Family-Friendly Activities'
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5
9 Ohio Trails to See Wildflowers in Bloom
Spring is in the air, which means Ohio's wildflower season has just begun. In parks and preserves all over the Buckeye State, the first flowers of the year have already started to bloom.
But the great thing about wildflowers in Ohio is that they don't all appear at once. We get to experience a rainbow of color that changes with the seasons. These wildflower hikes offer opportunities to see a dazzling array of native wildflowers throughout the spring and well into summer.
California Woods Nature Preserve
5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
Southern Ohio parks tend to see the state's earliest spring wildflower blooms, and California Woods Nature Preserve is a prime spot to see early spring flowers in Cincinnati. This Hamilton County preserve encompasses 113 acres of forests, with steep ravines and shady woods that harbor diverse spring bloomers. Visit in May to see Virginia spiderwort and fire-pink in bloom, along with the yellow blossoms of cinquefoil and trout lilies. California Woods is home to an extensive trail system, and the 1-mile Junction Loop is a great place to start. Stop back in summer to explore the preserve's butterfly and hummingbird garden!
Three Creeks Metropark
3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
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One of the several picturesque Metroparks in the Columbus area, Three Creeks Metropark has a reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations for wildflower hikes in Central Ohio. This 1,053-acre park takes its name from the spot where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks meet, and the area around the confluence of these three streams offers a diverse bounty of spring blooms. The 1-mile Confluence Trail meanders along the creek banks, and you may spy flowers including yellow and white trout lily, Dutchman's breeches and spring beauty, among others. The nearby Bluebell Trail abounds in its namesake flowers, and the small maroon blossoms of sessile trillium are also a common sight.
Wilson Nature Preserve
4082 OH-132, Batavia, OH 45103
Less than 30 minutes from Cincinnati in the small town of Batavia, OH, the James L. and Frances Wilson Nature Preserve spans 145 beautiful acres along the banks of the Little Miami River, including a 25-acre river island. Three miles of trails traverse this picturesque woodland, the ground often carpeted in spring wildflowers. Eagle-eyed hikers can spot several different species of trilliums here. Picnic areas and additional trails, including the aptly named half-mile Wildflower Trail, are available in the neighboring Sycamore Park.
Wildcat Hollow Trail (Wayne National Forest)
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Few places in Ohio offer a more immersive nature experience than Wayne National Forest, which spans a quarter of a million acres among the Appalachian foothills in the southeastern part of the state. There are endless wild experiences to be had here, but if spying spring and summer wildflowers is your goal, head to the Wildcat Hollow Trail. This 17.5-mile loop meanders through diverse woodland and meadow habitats, including carpets of the endangered running buffalo clover, and dense thickets of native rhododendrons in full bloom. The trail is about a 90-minute drive from Columbus, and worth every second of the journey.
North Kingsville Sand Barrens
A stone's throw from the shores of Lake Erie, the North Kingsville Sand Barrens represents a unique landscape of fossilized dunes that supports many plants and animals seen almost nowhere else in Ohio, including the endangered blue bead lily. The spectacular blooms of native blue lupine, which appear in late May and early June, are especially enchanting. This 174-acre property is managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and offers some of the most spectacular wildflower blooms in Northeast Ohio.
Holden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
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The Holden Arboretum is a 3,600-acre wonderland for anyone interested in unique plants and flowers. Home to diverse gardens, collections, and ecologically sensitive habitats, it's one of the largest arboreta in the state and home to a vast network of walking paths. Keep an eye out for native beauties like marsh marigolds, trilliums, and Virginia bluebells. Just 30 minutes from Cleveland, the arboretum is one of the best places to see native wildflowers in Northeast Ohio. They even have an annual plant sale in early May, where you can purchase native wildflowers reared at the arboretum to transplant into your own garden.
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693
A 16,000-acre preserve dedicated to restoring Southern Ohio's Appalachian landscape, the Edge of Appalachia Preserve's dense forests and vibrant meadows are home to many plant species that are found almost nowhere else in the state. It's a truly unique and beautiful place to go looking for native wildflowers. Be sure to explore the Lynx Prairie Trail, which offers a glimpse at rare species like Indian paintbrush, western sunflower, and the endangered scaly blazing star.
Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve
600 Rosedale Rd, Irwin, OH 43029
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Although it spans just half an acre, Bigelow Cemetery Nature Preserve is a unique and special place. This small park 30 minutes outside Columbus has never been grazed or plowed, a fact that becomes all the more striking when one looks out at the cultivated farmlands that surround it. This small plot of land was first used as a cemetery in pioneer times, and the grave markers dating back to the 1800s still stand among the tall prairie grasses and blooming wildflowers, giving it an almost dreamlike appearance. The blossoms are frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies and reach their peak in July and August.
Brecksville Reservation
9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
The largest of Cleveland's 18 Metroparks, the Brecksville Reservation is home to the striking Chippewa Creek Gorge, as well as a section of the 1,400-mile Buckeye Trail, which forms a circular loop through the entire state of Ohio. The Brecksville Reservation is a great place for a spring wildflower hike, with prolific blooms of trout lily, great white trillium, marsh marigold, spring beauty, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and many other species. The 0.75-mile Wildflower Loop Trail packs a lot of great flora into a short, sweet hike.
Walk on the Wild Side
Ohio has hundreds of amazing parks and trails where you can see blooming wildflowers throughout the spring and summer months. If we forgot to mention your favorite place, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
4
Find the Perfect Christmas Tree at These 8 Farms Around Northeast Ohio
The holidays are upon us in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. As always, one of our favorite parts of the season is heading out in search of the perfect Christmas tree.
Whether you're looking for a majestic, towering Douglas fir or a small Charlie Brown-esque tree in need of some love, you're in luck. These amazing Northeast Ohio Christmas tree farms offer something for everyone.
Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm
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Family-owned Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm has been planting Christmas trees since 1954. Making a family trip to this beautiful farm has become a beloved holiday tradition over the last 50-plus years, often with a tractor-pulled hayride and bonfire thrown in for good measure. The farm spans more than 100 acres of evergreens, including Canaan fir, Fraser fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, and white pine. Cut your own or choose from their extensive selection of pre-cut trees, specialty wreaths, and pine garland.
Mountain Creek Tree Farm
7185 Williams Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
Whether you want to explore the fields searching for the perfect tree or choose from a vast selection of pre-cut trees, Mountain Creek Tree Farm has the goods. This third-generation family-owned farm has been in operation since 1949 and offers a beautiful 52-acre landscape of prime Christmas trees. From white pine and Norway spruce to Canaan fir and grand fir, Mountain Creek Tree Farm always offers many beautiful trees. You can also warm up by the fire in the gift barn while your tree is wrapped and prepared, but remember to bring a face covering and practice social distancing!
Wintergreen Tree Farm
3898 Winchell Rd, Mantua, OH 44255
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Just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron, Wintergreen Tree Farm has been in business since 1986 and offers a great selection of pines, spruces, and firs. You can choose and cut your own tree from their picturesque rolling farmland, and the folks at the farm will be happy to wrap and prepare it for transport (this particular farm accepts cash and checks only). During the summer months, Wintergreen Tree Farm switches gears to offer pick-your-own blueberries and also offers chestnuts in autumn, making this a fun place to visit in any season.
Sugargrove Tree Farm
1619 Township Rd 1455, Ashland, OH 44805
Sugargrove Tree Farm has been in the Christmas Tree business since 1984, but the farm itself goes back much further. The farm is one of Ashland County's oldest and has been continuously owned and operated by six generations of the same family since 1823. They offer pre-cut trees in four varieties—Canaan fir, Fraser fir, blue spruce, and white pine—and also provide tractor-pulled wagon rides into the field, where you can choose your own if none of the pre-cut offerings strikes your fancy. Only cash and checks are accepted (there's an ATM on-site), and masks are required on all wagon rides.
Twinsberry Tree Farm
8916 Jefferson Rd, Shreve, OH 44676
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With cut-your-own, pre-cut, and live balled trees, Twinsberry Tree Farm has something for everyone. The farm itself has been a fixture of the Wayne County landscape since the 1930s, but it wasn't until the '70s that the Berry Family started dedicating 40 of its acres to growing Christmas trees. Their trees are grown pesticide-free, just as they have been on this 155-acre farm for more than 40 years. To help with social distancing, Twinsberry Tree Farm also provides an online store where you can pre-order a tree for pick-up. Handmade custom wreaths and greenery are available as well.
The Farms at Pine Tree Barn
4374 Shreve Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
A 150-acre farm populated by about 75,000 trees, the Farms at Pine Tree Barn offer a complete family Christmas experience. That experience might look a little different this year due to social distancing requirements. However, Pine Tree Barn is still one of Northeast Ohio's best places to get in the holiday spirit, including a fully stocked gift shop, on-site restaurant, and rides through the fields on the Pine Tree Express. You'll find not only the perfect tree, but there's a good chance you can also pick up unique, hand-made gifts for quite a few people on your list.
Sugar Pines Farm
9500 Mulberry Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026
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A favorite Geauga County tree farm for more than 35 years, Sugar Pines Farm offers an incredible selection and a memorable tree-cutting experience. The farm spans more than 100 acres, including dozens of acres of cut-your-own trees. It's a safe bet that your family will find just the right tree for your home. The farm also offers a great selection of pre-cut trees if venturing out into the field isn't for you. Live balled trees are available too, and the folks at Sugar Pines Farm are currently offering barn-side pickup and delivery options to keep everybody safe during the 2020 holiday season.
Medina Christmas Tree Farm
3301 Hamilton Rd, Medina, OH 44256
There's a tree for every family at Medina Christmas Tree Farm, including Norway spruce, blue spruce, Scotch pine, white pine, Austrian pine, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, and Concolor Fir. Select a mini tabletop-sized Christmas tree or a towering 15-foot giant from the pre-cut offerings, or explore the farm to pick your favorite among thousands of cut-your-own trees. Medina Christmas Tree Farm also offers handmade wreaths and fresh pine roping; you can even watch the process in person as the farmworkers create your special made-to-order wreath.
'Tis the Season
We're always excited to get out and find the perfect Christmas tree in Northeast Ohio. If we forgot to mention your favorite local tree farm, be sure to let us know in the comments section!
7
8 Places Around Ohio to Take In Fall Scenery by Zipline
You've probably used the expression "bird's-eye view" dozens of times, thinking it's just a metaphor. But thanks to the thrills of ziplining, you can gain a new appreciation of the landscape around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati as you "fly" high above it. Get your "bird's-eye view" of Ohio's colorful fall scenery with one of these popular ziplining tours.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (182 miles) | Columbus (43 miles) | Cincinnati (136 miles)
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Highly acclaimed by sources such as USA Today, Discovery Channel, and the New York Times, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours proudly bills itself as Ohio's first "world-class" zipline adventure. The attraction gets high marks for innovation and a commitment to safety while maintaining respect for the environment. In addition to the popular Original Tour, HHCT offers several specialty options, including night ziplining and kid-friendly adventures. Get a different perspective with one of the guided Segway® off-road nature tours. HHCT is open seven days a week.
Tree Frog Canopy Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (90 miles) | Columbus (68 miles) | Cincinnati (175 miles)
Located in Ohio's spectacular Mohican region, Tree Frog Canopy Tours recently made the top ten in USA Today's list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Tree Frog's 2.5-hour course is the only one in the state using a dual-cable system to provide a faster and smoother ride. Travel across more than 4,000 feet of cable as you ride seven ziplines and cross two skybridges. Each tour is led by two guides who create a safe environment and share fascinating information about the different sights. Tours are scheduled daily, with Mondays and Thursdays designated as "Kids' Days."
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Distance From: Cleveland (19 miles) | Columbus (127 miles) | Cincinnati (233 miles)
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As the name implies, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park recreates the storybook exploits of Tarzan and his faithful companion, Cheetah. Frolic through the forest at a height of 50 feet with their popular Treetop Adventure, which begins with a climb up a rope ladder and progresses through 40 exciting obstacles, including bridges, ziplines, and breathtaking Tarzan swings. Indulge your competitive spirit by combining your treetop tour with a ground-level session of axe throwing. Three-hour Treetop Adventure sessions are available Friday through Sunday, while hour-long axe-throwing sessions may be booked for Saturday and Sunday.
Wilds Zipline Safari
Distance From: Cleveland (141 miles) | Columbus (75 miles) | Cincinnati (178 miles)
If a ziplining safari isn't on your bucket list, it should be. The Wilds is an impressive and innovative conservation center dedicated to finding solutions for problems impacting wildlife and the environment. Part of their mission is educating the public with activities such as Wild Zipline Safari. A series of 10 ziplines provide incredible opportunities to view giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other endangered species rarely seen in the United States. If you don't have the time for the full 2-1/2 hour tour, check out the Overlook version. This modified tour lasts 1-1/2 hours and doesn't actually enter the pastures, but still offers unparalleled views.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (134 miles) | Columbus (16 miles) | Cincinnati (120 miles)
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Urban ziplining? Yes, it's true. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is an oasis of nature in the heart of Columbus. Situated on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, ZipZone offers a two-hour tour over 20 acres of forest. The Adventure Park, opened in 2017, adds a new dimension to your ziplining experience. Choose from five different climbing courses, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and make your way through the challenging elements. Guides provide 30-40 minutes of instruction beforehand, and all participants are locked to a lifeline cable with double-connected safety clips. Wee ones can join in the fun at the Kids Park, a modified version of the Adventure Park. Courses are only a few feet off the ground to make it easy for kids between aged 4 to 7. Canopy tours are offered Friday through Sunday, while Adventure Park and Kids Park are open Saturday and Sunday.
Ultimate Zipline Adventures
Distance From: Cleveland (191 miles) | Columbus (52 miles) | Cincinnati (152 miles)
As a kid, did you ever dream of joining the circus to perform on the high wire? The full course at Ultimate Zipline Adventures is even more satisfying than your childhood fantasy. After a training session, you'll head up into the trees to tackle 16 ziplines and 23 high rope activities, completing many of the obstacles while suspended in the air. Zipline purists may prefer the Apex course, which skips the first half of the full course. You'll still get a lot of action packed into seven zip lines, including a set of dual racing lines. Kids under the age of 10 have their own fully supervised course, which features three ziplines and 12 rope activities. Ultimate Zipline Adventures is open Wednesday through Sunday for all courses.
Valley Zipline Tours
Distance From: Cleveland (176 miles) | Columbus (37 miles) | Cincinnati (137 miles)
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Regular ziplining not exciting enough for you? Valley Zipline Tours has the answer. Their course starts with five fairly conventional lines, ranging from 15 to 40 feet above ground. Then you move to the 1,000-foot-long "monster" line, which hovers 120 feet in the air. Speeds can reach up to 40 MPH. The next leg pits you head-to-head against another member of your group on side-by-side 700-foot racing lines. Finish your tour gliding at upwards of 50 MPH on the signature 1,400-foot line spanning the entire course. Newbies can opt for the Tree Top Tour, consisting of the first six lines of the main tour. Having too much fun to stop? Upgrade to the main tour on the spot. Mini Zip tours are available for kids aged 5-7.
Sports Plus Zipline Park
Distance From: Cleveland (237 miles) | Columbus (95 miles) | Cincinnati (17 miles)
Feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining during any season of the year at Sports Plus Zipline Park. The family-friendly indoor facility houses three state-of-the-art ziplines that cover more than 200 feet. With ten 30-foot rock-climbing walls and 10,000 square feet of trampolines as well, you may never come back down to earth! Sports Plus is open Friday through Sunday with three available time slots each day.
Up, Up and Away
From Superman to Captain Marvel, flying is the iconic superpower. If you could fly, where's the first place you would go?
25
See Changing Leaves Around Ohio at These 9 Places
Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
Northeast Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Eagles Creek Nature Preserve
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
Beaver Creek State Park
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
Columbus
Tar Hollow State Park
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
Cincinnati
Shawnee State Park
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
Scioto Trail State Park
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Ohio Leaf Peeping
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?
23
8 Places for Fresh-Picked Apples Around Northeast Ohio
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!
Royalton Farms
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.
Miller Orchards
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.
Hillside Orchard and Farm Market
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.
Hillcrest Orchards
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.
Blue Jay Orchard
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.
Arrowhead Orchard
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.
Kuner's Fruit Farm
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.
Bauman Orchards
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.
An Apple a Day
Which orchard will you pick?
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