MANSFIELD, Ohio — Searching for something fun to do this fall? Local apple orchards can help.
In addition to providing plenty of produce for purchase, orchards offer opportunities to enjoy the crisp autumn air while participating festive activities.
Apple Hill Orchards
Located at 1175 Lexington-Ontario Road in Mansfield, Apple Hill Orchards grows approximately 40 varieties of apples.
Other items for sale include apple donuts that are made fresh daily, fresh-pressed cider, gift items, bakery items, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup and produce.
Customers can pick their own apples from the orchard and their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.
Hayrides are offered every weekend in September and October.
Manager/owner Anne Joudrey noted that Kids’ Day is coming up on Sunday, Oct. 4 from noon to 6 p.m. “That has all kinds of kids activities,” she said. “There’s face painting, apple slingshot, hayrides, pony rides, balloon animal-making and more.”
Hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Apple Hill has another location in Fredericktown. To learn more about Apple Hill Orchards, visit www.applehillorchards.com.
Springhill Fruit Farm
This family-owned and operated orchard is located at 5646 Ganges Five Points Road in Shiloh.
Laura Burrer, who owns the farm with her husband Jeff, said they have 28 varieties of apples, with new ones slated to be planted for next year.
She said they’re on pace to have one of the most bountiful harvest seasons, with 3,000 bushels of apples already harvested, “and we’re only a third of the way through the season,” she said.
They typically average 7,400 bushels a season, she said.
In addition to apples, they currently sell pumpkins, squash, cider, among other items.
Peaches are also usually available for purchase; however, because of the harsh winter, the crop suffered this year, Burrer said.
Customers can pick their own pumpkins now through Halloween and their own Golden Delicious apples for about two weeks beginning near the end of September.
Springhill Fruit Farm is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more, visit their Facebook page.
