Ah, autumn – a season of cozy sweaters, warm beverages and cold nights around a fire. With the blazing heat of summer behind us, and chilly winter days full of snow on the horizon, autumn is the perfect time to celebrate outside and enjoy the year’s harvest. What better way to do so than by adventuring through a farmers market or farm festival?!
Heading out to the farm to handpick your favorite produce, home baked treats, or fall decor is a great way to celebrate autumn, and support local businesses.
Why should I support local farms?
This summer, a drought occurred through Ohio, killing many farmers’ crops. This year’s dry weather has made it a very difficult year for farmers. They need our support now more than ever, in order to keep providing for their communities.
Not only will supporting local farms help your local economy, it will also boost your health! Fresh produce is one of the best ways to fill your body with the nutrients you need. Unlike frozen fruits and vegetables from your grocery store, you are aware of what exactly you’re putting into your body when you eat local produce. Goodbye, hidden preservatives! A mixture of fresh air, happy soil, and a farmer’s love is the perfect recipe for delicious and nutritious food (and it’s sustainable, too!).
Finally, fall festivals are a staple autumn activity for many families. With pumpkin patches, spooky corn mazes, warm apple cider and the crisp fall air, what’s not to love? It’s a great way to celebrate the change in season, enjoy treasured traditions, and relax your mind of any stressors. Plus you get to support a local farm, while enjoying yourself and caring for your mental health. Win-Win-Win!
Don’t miss out on fall festivities! Check out this list of local farms, their events this fall, and how you can help support small businesses.
Apple Hill Orchards | Mansfield and Fredericktown
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Did someone say … donuts? Apple Hill Orchards’ apple donuts are made on-site daily. They’re sold alongside fresh-pressed apple cider, apples, peaches, pears, plums, pumpkins and vegetables galore!
Apple Hill has also opened a drive-thru so you can enjoy the taste of autumn from the comfort of your home.
Athens Farmers Market | Athens
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Athens Farmers Market is the place to be if you’re looking for fresh food in Athens County! They have fresh produce, fine meats and cheeses, delicious pastries, a wide selection of jams, gorgeous flower arrangements, and hand-crafted items from local artisans! Come visit more than 70 vendors every Saturday year-round, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon from April 17 through November 27.
Franklinton Farms | Columbus
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Franklinton Farms is a nonprofit organization committed to environmental sustainability and social justice. They believe that everyone deserves access to fresh food, so they offer a 75% discount for SNAP/EBT and accept payment through various food and nutrition incentive programs. Email them at [email protected] for more information.
They’ve created an online ordering portal where you can order produce from Mondays at 6 p.m. to Thursdays at 10 p.m., and then either pick up your items on Saturday or have them delivered. They even offer free delivery to Franklinton residents!
If you’d rather go in person, Franklinton Farms sets up at the Worthington Farmers Market every Saturday. Check Franklinton Farms’ website for location updates. They also have a U-Pick garden where you can take what you need for free.
Leed’s Farm | Ostrander
Leed’s Farm is dedicated to fall family fun! For seven weekends in September and October, you can enjoy all the festival food you can handle, a ton of rides and activities for kids (and adults, of course!), hayrides and farm animals! For a complete list, visit their website.
Their weekend farm festival opens September 21. It runs Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be open for one Friday – October 16.
Lynd Fruit Farm | Pataskala
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Lynd Fruit Farm has it all: a market open until November 1, pick-your-own produce and holiday festivals. Their pick-your-own apples are available now, while supplies last. Check their estimated schedule and mark your calendar for the weeks your favorites will ripen. Self-pick pumpkins usually starts the last weekend in September, and lasts for three weekends. And if you’re really feeling the fall mood, join Lynd Fruit Farm for their fall festival! They have an 8-acre corn maze, rides and games, live music, a petting zoo, and campfires with s’more kits for purchase.
Honey Haven Farm | Ashland
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There is so much fun to be had at Honey Haven Farm. With pumpkin slingshots, corn cannons, pumpkin ice cream, a petting zoo, and an indoor straw maze for the little ones, there’s something for everyone. And be sure to try your luck in the giant cornmaze. Not only do you have to find your way out, but also collect punches at several checkpoints along the way.
Their market sells lots of fun items, from mums, pumpkins, and their famous sweet corn, to handmade holiday crafts, donuts and cider, and other fresh produce. They are open this year from September 28 through October 27.
There are many other local farms with markets and festivities to enjoy. Wherever you decide to go, you can feel good about your decision to support local families and small businesses, all while having a great time enjoying this festive time of year.
