Local nature enthusiasts might tell you that summer is the best time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, but those of us with an aversion to heat, humidity and pesky insects know that fall is central Ohio’s true time to shine.
I am by no means an outdoorsy person, but there's something about this time of year that inevitably draws me out of hiding and toward festivals, farms and parks that showcase the season's vibrant fall foliage. If the autumn air also tends to coax you off your couch, here are some ideas to make the most of your weekends this season before winter rolls in.
Where to see peak fall foliage in central Ohio
As hoodie weather returns, the most exciting fall feature the Midwest has to offer is arguably
its vibrant fall foliage. According to the Old Farmers' Almanac Fall Foliage Map, brilliant golds, reds and oranges should begin to emerge in late September for the Columbus area, peaking in mid to late October.
These beautiful backdrops and just-right weather conditions are only around for a short while, however, so there’s limited time to soak in the scenery before winter weather hits. Columbus Metro Parks are a great go-to for finding fall color. According to Columbus Metro Parks Visitor Engagement Manager and Public Information Officer Jill Snyder, trees in northern parks often begin to change before the southern parks, so time your trip accordingly.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center and Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City are all known for their gorgeous fall foliage. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park in Canal Winchester and Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville also come highly recommended for their views this time of year. Blendon Woods Metro Park in Westerville even hosts an annual driving tour to show off its fall colors, Snyder said.
And of course, if you’re down for a day trip, Hocking Hills State Park should be at the top of your leaf-watch list.
Find the perfect fall festival in central Ohio
Attending as many local fall festivals I can possibly cram onto my calendar is an annual tradition of mine. There’s no better way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re in it for the fall flavors – honey, apple, pumpkin spice – the art, the community or the spooky vibes, there’s a festival for everyone this time of year.
Groveport Apple Butter Day on Oct. 10 is the perfect place to purchase homemade apple butter in a variety of flavors. And the 70-plus sets of Asian lanterns at the Columbus Zoo’s Lantern Festival happening now through Oct. 25 will light up any chilly autumn night.
The Franklin Park Conservatory’s Pumpkins Aglow is also an annual must-see event that runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 1. If Halloween-inspired scenes featuring hundreds of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns don’t get you in the fall spirit, nothing will.
And new this year, Fang Fest coming to Green Lawn Cemetery on Sept. 26 promises spooky fun for film and horror fans alike, featuring artists, vendors and local creators, plus a local feature film premiere.
Head to an orchard for fresh apples, fall views
While pumpkin spice might be a hotly contested seasonal staple, who doesn’t love a good apple? You can spend a crisp autumn day picking your own apples to make a dessert, creamy apple butter or sweet cider – or simply to eat straight out of the bag on the way home.
Fruit-Full Acres in Marysville is less than a 40-mile drive from Columbus, and it offers a wide selection of apples to choose from, including Cortland, Royal Gala, Ruby Jon, Jonathan, Idared and Grimes Golden. They provide the bag; you fill it with your favorites.
Legend Hills Orchard is another great option that isn’t too far of a hike out of town. The family-owned and operated farm is located in Utica, about 40 miles from Columbus. The orchard is open for picking every day, weather permitting, and they expect different varieties to ripen and become available throughout the season, including Gala, Jonathan, Cortland, Early Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Melrose, Jonagold and Idared.
Make a day of pumpkin picking
For those of us who embrace all things pumpkin this time of year, there are luckily plenty of nearby pumpkin patches to choose from so you can ensure your jack-o’-lanterns are locally sourced.
Circle S Farms in Grove City is just about 20 miles from Columbus, and according to its website, pumpkin season officially kicks off Sept. 24 at the farm. Pumpkins are $5 each with $11 general admission, which includes a hayride and corn maze.
Another place to pick your pumpkin is Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala, only about 27 miles outside the city. This location offers both apple and pumpkin picking, with a long list of apples that will become available at different times throughout September and October. Pumpkin picking across the farm’s multiple pumpkin patches is tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 25. Maze Fest is also open at the farm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through Nov. 1.
Don’t see your go-to spot for an ideal autumn weekend? This is by no means an exhaustive list, so feel free to send your recommendations to ktucker@dispatch.com.
Reporter Kelly Tucker can be reached at ktucker@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Your guide to fall foliage, farms and festivals around Columbus
