Arrowhead Orchard
Why we love it: Originally opened in 1932, Arrowhead has been a staple of the Paris community for nearly a century. Three families of ownership have passed through the over 40-acre apple-picking mainstay over the years. The fourth ownership group — led by lifelong friends and farmers Ray Beck and Kevin Miller — took over this spring. Try this: Snag an apple peck ($11) from The Applehouse, Arrowhead’s in-house market.11724 Lisbon St., Paris, 330-862-2733, arrowheadorchard.com
Bauman Orchards
Why we love it: Family-owned and -operated since 1929, Bauman Orchards is home to 260 acres of apples, peaches, plums and many other fruits and veggies. In the fall, its apple pickers gather roughly 300 bushels a day from the more than 40,000 apple trees. Try this: Grab an apple peck ($12), or half of a bushel ($22).161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, 330-925-6861, baumanorchards.com
Blue Jay Orchard
Why we love it: This producer of blueberries, apples, sweet cider and honey in Geauga County practices holistic farming practices. The organic farm even uses natural processes that it claims reduces pests and boosts immune capabilities. Try this: Blue Jay offers a unique getaway opportunity with two quaint, quiet cottages on the orchard grounds (starting at $150 per night), as well as U-Pick apples ($20 per peck), or half of a peck ($12). 17909 Rapids Road, Hiram, 440-834-4318, bluejayorchard.com
Eddy Fruit Farm
Why we love it: For 150 years, this family-owned and -operated apple orchard has offered every variety of apple that’s in season, as well as peaches and berries. Try this: If you’re looking for a fun time with the kids, check out Story Time (free), or apple and grape picking (1.85 per pound). 12079 Caves Road, Chesterland, 440-729-7842, eddyfruitfarm.com
Geig’s Orchard
Why we love it: In 1997, the Geig family launched its Of the Field cannery, a marketplace collection of products like canned jam, pie fillings, salsa and pickles that celebrate the farm's harvests. Try this: Geig’s signature apple butter ($6.75) is sure to make your consumption of Musselman’s a thing of the past. 8468 Wooster Pike, Seville, 330-769-3276, geigsorchard.com
Heavenly Hill Farm
Why we love it: Heavenly Hill comes alive in the fall with apple picking, pumpkin painting, an escape room and more family fun. Try this: Get in the Halloween spirit a little early with fun activities for the entire family like painting pumpkins and riding festive hayrides ($10 admission for children, $5 for adults).18373 State Road, North Royalton, 440-537-3018, facebook.com/heavenlyhillfarmfun
Hillcrest Orchards
Why we love it: Dreaming of a picturesque fall wedding? This 90-acre orchard features a 2,300-square-foot event venue in a former apple packaging barn built in 1936. A patio overlooking 5,000 apple trees offers peak fall or summer vibes. Try this: Pedal carts, hayrides, mazes and barrel trains support this spot's claim as the "fun farm." 50336 Telegraph Road, Amherst, 440-965-8884, hillcrestfunfarm.com
Hillside Orchard and Farm Market
Why we love it: This Medina County staple started as a 108-acre family farm with a roadside fruit stand. Today it sits on just 12 acres but offers educational field trips and apple picking. You can even snag blueberries or a McIntosh from one of the farm's original trees. Try this: Hillside’s fruit pies ($17.95) are baked fresh at the on-site CountryFresh bakery. 2397 Center Road, Hinckley, 330-225-4748, https://www.facebook.com/HillsideOrchardFarms
Kiraly’s Orchard
Why we love it: Next year marks 100 years of Kiraly’s Orchard. While a lot has changed in a century, the third generation of family owners still shows a dedication to quality as it harvests nearly 15,000 apples per year. Along with 17 apple varieties, the farm produces gourds, cabbage and corn. Try this: The apple cider ($7.50), sold by the gallon, is great cold or warm as well as straight or with some bourbon. 6031 S. Ridge Road, Ashtabula, 440-969-1297, facebook.com/Kiralys-Orchard-104818692918363
Kuner’s Orchard
Why we love it: Roughly 26 varieties of apples dot the vast number of trees that can be found on the property, but Honeycrisp is the 1947-built orchard’s signature. Try this: Picking your own apples (prices vary); it’s offered the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. 5424 S. Arlington Road, Clinton, 330-896-1391, facebook.com/pages/Kuner's
Miller Orchards
Why we love it: Four generations of the Miller family have run the orchard since its inception in the 1800s. Today, it offers peaches, cherries and 23 varieties of apples, including McIntosh, Jonagold and Red Delicious. Try this: Apples are great, but cherry season (usually in late June) is short. Sign up for email notifications from the farm to make sure you don’t miss out on next year’s harvest. 8690 Vermilion Road, Amherst, 440-988-8405, millerorchardsltd.com
Monroe’s Orchard and Farm Market
Why we love it: Beginning life as a maple syrup operation, Monroe’s Orchard grew into a year-round fruit producer. With educational opportunities, a full-scale market and an annual Apple Harvest Festival, typically the last weekend of September and first two weekends of October, the Hiram-based farm encourages visitors to “make a memory.” Try this: Great with many apple dishes, Monroe’s famous maple syrup ($56 per gallon) is still being sold after almost 80 years. 6313 Pioneer Trail, Hiram, 330-569-7464, monroesorchard.com
Patterson Fruit Farm
Why we love it: Six generations of Pattersons have run the apple-picking farmers market operation to perfection, eventually bringing family-fun festivals, weddings and so much more into the fold. Try this: While the beloved spot offers fresh produce year round and excellent cider, the in-house bakery offers probably our favorite way to consume apples: donuts ($19.75 per dozen) in flavors like apple cider and caramel apple. Does that count, doc? 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, 440-729-1964, pattersonfarm.com
Pick n’ Save Orchard
Why we love it: A family-run orchard for more than 80 years, Pick n’ Save focuses on apples, blueberries, maple syrup, various jams and so much more. Try this: Schedule ahead to pick your own apples ($1.80 per pound). 1222 Ledge Road, Medina, 330-239-1480, picknsaveorchard.com
Richardson Farms
Why we love it: Though the Medina farm produces apples and peaches, its main focus is corn, gourds and soybeans. The farm also raises animals, which owner Bill Richardson happily introduces you to on tours. Try this: Check out the Richardson booth at the Medina Farmers Market, which runs seasonally, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 6984 Lafayette Road, Medina, 330-722-4029, richardson-farms.com
Rittman Orchards and Farm Market
Why we love it: Dale Vodraska, who studied horticulture in the '70s at Ohio State University, bought this neglected farm in 2004. Since then, he's revived the orchard, rebuilt the charming market and bakery, and added a brand-new wine and cidery, Bent Ladder Cider and Wine. Try this: Visit the winery and tasting room barn for a sip of Sunnydale ($6 per 16-ounce can), a light and fruity curbside cider. 13548 Mt. Eaton Road, Doylestown, 330-925-4152,
rittmanorchards.com
Stahl’s Farm Market
Why we love it: Run by the Stahl family for over 50 years, the market with locations in North Benton and Ravenna offers a wide range of homegrown fruits and veggies as well as selections from across the region. Try this: Pick a half bushel of apples ($14 per half-bushel). Various locations, https://www.facebook.com/p/Stahls-Farm-Market-100057251358502/
Sunrise Farm
Why we love it: This cozy farm offers everything you could ask for from a farmers market, including some unexpected gift finds like glassware and baby toys. An on-site boutique women’s clothing store makes this Burton stop a full-fledged shopping destination. Try this: Freshly made dips ($6.50), which come in flavors from raspberry lemon to fiesta nacho cheese. 13115 Kinsman Road, Burton, 440-834-1298, facebook.com/sunrisefarmgifts
*This article was last updated 10/10/2024
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