Fall is that magical time for most people; from the crisp air to the crunching of leaves, it is a season to be celebrated, and they embrace that celebration here.
Fall is the time to harvest the fields and gardens and prepare for those cold winter months. You will find activity all around Holmes County and watch the landscape transform from the lush green fields into the kaleidoscope of colors that are ominous with autumn.
Where do you begin that fall-filled adventure? Head to the farms before they close for the winter months. Yoder’s Amish Home in Walnut Creek allows you to explore the working farm and see what goes into fall harvest time. The kitchen will likely have an abundance of sweet treats baking and canning, from fresh cookies to the canning of applesauce, corn, beans, and anything else coming out of the garden.
Want to let the kids explore all day in one place? The Farm at Walnut Creek is your stop; located outside of Walnut Creek, the farm is full of exotic and domestic animals that you may feed. The wagon ride across the fields allows all ages to feel young at heart, feeding giraffes, water buffalos, fallow deer, and pigs of all sizes. After the wagon, spend time going through the aviary section of the farm to discover birds from around the world. The farm also has a working home and barn, where on top of the canning and samples, they will bring in other Amish businesses that sell items such as baskets, baked goods, leather items, and wooden toys.
Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery is where you can go pick your own pumpkin straight out of the fields. Gather all your fall essentials, from the gourds and pumpkins to fresh kettle corn and apples. Let’s not forget the adorable animals located in the petting area. Spend hours cuddling with baby goats, bunnies, pigs, cows, sheep, and of course, Big King. This Belgian Draft Horse is a sight, towering over all in the petting zoo with grandeur. While you are there, make sure to hop in a buggy and take a ride around the farm, the drivers are great at answering questions and enjoy sharing about the farm.
Are you looking to gather this fall produce for the winter months? Maybe you want to pick your own? Moreland Fruit Farm, located in Moreland, is a working fruit farm that offers a variety of you-pick produce products. They focus on strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries in the summer months. In the fall, they offer you pick for apples, pears, and pumpkins. So, load up those straw baskets or totes and head over to gather your bounty this season.
Another option would be Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek. The orchard is perched on the hillside overlooking walnut creek, creating a great spot for photos and apple picking. The storefront will have gorgeous mums in full bloom, pumpkins, gourds galore, and a favorite – apple cider. If you love fresh hot apple cider, they carry various flavors to fit everyone’s taste buds.
You’ve gathered all the produce and pumpkins and experienced all the animals but may still be looking for more to do while in Ohio Amish Country to grasp those fall days. No worries, there are plenty of outdoor options to embrace Ohio Autumn.
Amish Country Riding Stables is where you can ride horses through the woods, across a vineyard, and through the fields. Located on the Guggisberg Swiss Inn grounds, you will feel like you have stepped into a storybook. The stables are weather dependent and book quickly, so you should call in advance to book your ride.
If sports are more your type of adventure, well, there are a few outdoor options that will keep you moving while here. Fire Ridge Golf Course is centered outside of Millersburg and will have any golf enthusiast itching to take a swing. Maybe shooting sports are more your thing, Airport Ridge Sporting Clays packages for all levels of shooters. You can spend time taking a lesson with a professional or grab your buddies and try your luck. Husbands and wives, girl groups, guys weekend, and even kids will all have fun breaking clay birds as they fly through the sky. The Hatchet Club, while indoors, is a must-try while visiting here. The team will walk you through how to throw the axe properly, give you pointers, and then allow you to enjoy the time. It is a great stress reliever and team-building experience. Make sure to bring anything you may want to eat or drink, as they have a BYOB status now.
Are you looking to stretch those legs and reconnect to nature? Mohican State Park is just minutes away and full of trails, canoeing, covered bridges, and the sounds of nature. In the fall, it is busy with photographers looking to grab that perfect fall image, but thanks to the vast amounts of the protected forest, no one feels the increase. Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm, outside of Shreve, is also a fabulous way for travelers to reconnect to nature and center themselves. The healing vibes at the flower farm give visitors a calming and peaceful atmosphere; they spend hours walking the flower beds and watching the hummingbirds, butterflies, and insects flutter about. Head up to the patio area, where you can watch the sunset. Plan and schedule your trip during one of their events which range from flower pressing and eco prints to sunset sound bathing and yoga retreats.
As you can see, fall in Ohio Amish Country is spectacular and full of life.
