Families enjoy walking through the orchard to pick apples at Lynd Fruit Farm (Photo courtesy of Lynd Fruit Farm).

By Ken Drenten

I still remember the days of my childhood when my dad and mom would pack all four of us kids up into the 1962 Rambler Cross Country station wagon on a Sunday afternoon and go out to Lynd Fruit Farm, “way out in the country” in Pataskala.

In those days — the 1960s, that is — the farm market was located on US 40 in Etna. I remember drinking as many Dixie cups of different flavors of apple cider that I could for the required 10 cents. I felt that cider slosh around in my belly all the way back to Columbus.

I also remember, years later, taking my own kids to Lynd to pick apples and pumpkins, and carrying the biggest pumpkins they always picked out back to the car.

More recently, I’ve watched my grandchildren enjoy a similar farm experience nearer to where I live now, complete with a hayride, pumpkin patch and a collection of pettable farm animals.

There’s just something about apple picking and pumpkin patches in the autumn that does us good. Maybe it hearkens us back to our rural/settler roots. If you live in Ohio, it doesn’t seem like fall until you’ve visited one of these places and participated in the ritual of the harvest.

Lynd is the granddaddy of all fruit farms in central Ohio, going way back to 1919. In the late 1960s or early 1970s, the Lynds developed the idea of opening the farm up to the public to pick their own fruit, and the rest is history.

Lynd Fruit Farm has been a destination farm market experience for more than 50 years for families and school groups, with their large farm market located at the intersection of Morse Road and SR 310 near Pataskala.

The market house is open most of the year, offering fresh produce, cider, apple butter, jellies, jams and many other products.

Seasonal activities include apple, berry and pumpkin picking and a corn maze. Start your visit to Lynd Fruit Farm at the farm market, located at 9399 Morse Road SW, Pataskala (740) 927-8559. You can get updates on their Facebook page.

Here are some other farms, orchards and farm markets well worth a visit this autumn. There are many more to visit all over Ohio; to find one near you, search Google under “Family Farm Markets,” “Pumpkin Patches,” etc.

Branstool Orchards – Branstool Orchards offers farm market fresh produce like Ohio sweet corn, peas, beans, onions and tomatoes, and u-pick produce including apples and peaches. Open during growing and harvest seasons. 5895 Johnstown Utica Road NE (US 62), Utica (740) 892-3989. Updates on latest produce available on Facebook.

Circle S Farm – This third-generation, family-owned farm has been hosting families for several decades. A straw-filled barn is a great play area for kids; hayrides and pumpkin picking is also offered. Baked goods, apple cider and hot chocolate also available. 9015 London Groveport Road, Grove City (614) 878-7980.

Cooper’s Country Market – Farm-style market with expansive offerings. Cooper’s Mill apple butter factory on premises produces fruit butters, jams, preserves and jellies.1414 N. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus (419) 562-4215. From website, go to About/Coopers Mill & Market).

Hidden Creek Farms – This family-owned farm offers plenty of pumpkins, hayrides, gourds, Indian corn and straw bales for autumn yard displays, along with a good selection of fresh produce and jarred goods in their market. 581 S. Galena Road, Sunbury (740) 815-9371.

Hillcrest Orchard – Family-owned farm market with locally grown apples, peaches, other produce and other locally-made food products. 2474 Township Road 444, Sugarcreek (330) 893-9906.

Hugus Fruit Farm — Hugus Fruit Farm, in operation since 1946, produces apples, peaches, pears and cider, selling from its family farm market. Located on Old Rushville Road (between SRs 22 and 37 south of Rushville), Rushville (740) 536-9590.

Laurelville Fruit Farm – Third generation orchard established in 1912, raising apples, peaches, cherries and plums. Apple cider is made early in the fall. 16181 Pike St., Laurelville.

Mowery Cider Mill – Celebrating 100 years of producing fresh Ohio apple cider, with a cider press that was built in 1883. Watch as the cider press operates and take a gallon home. They offer cider, apple cider vinegar, apple butter, and homemade jams, syrups and other products. 659 County Road 2920, Loudonville (419) 282-8119.

Pigeon Roost Farm — Pigeon Roost Farm’s Great Pumpkin Fun Center includes lots of fun activities for kids. The farm, celebrating its 44th year, offers a huge selection of pumpkins as well as other fall produce and decor. 4413 National Road SW, Hebron (1 mile east of Kirkersville); updates on Facebook.

Van Buren Acres — Pick from locally grown pumpkins, get lost in Corn Maze and Sunflower Trails, take a ride on a cow-train, jump on a Jumping Pillow, eat pumpkin inspired goodies, enjoy other kids’ activities and most of all, make memories that will last a lifetime. Get updates on Facebook. 5066 Keller Road, Hebron (740) 404-8656.

Yeary Orchards — One of the largest varieties of apples and peaches in Ohio. 11195 Yeary Road, Adamsville (740) 796-5922.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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