Top Five Fall Festivities in Cincy & Northern Kentucky
I don’t know about you, but Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. Crisp autumn leaves falling from the trees, sweater weather, apple cider, pumpkin patches…the list goes on. I have lived in the tri-state area for 15 years, and every year I look forward to all of the Fall activities I can enjoy with my family and friends. I’ve visited almost all pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and apple orchards. I want to share my top favorites with you!
Alyssa’s Guide to Fall Festivities: Make the Most Out of the Season
#1: 2022 FALL FEST | NELTNER’S FARM
6922 4 Mile Rd. Melbourne, KY 41059
Located just 24 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati, Neltner’s Farm is a family-owned farm that has been operating for over a century. Every Fall, they host their Fall Fest, which takes place from the end of September through Halloween. This year, the festival begins on September 23rd. Weekend hours are from 10 am - 6 pm, and admission is $7 for individuals aged 3+. Weekday hours are 9 am - 6 pm with free admission.
Activities include:
Horse Drawn Wagon Ride
Access to Pumpkin Patch
Corn Mazes
Kids Corn Play Kit
Farm Stand
Petting Zoo
Barrel Train and Pony Rides
Live Music
Crafters and Artisans
Whether you have a family with small children, or you’re like me with taking my friends and a significant other, Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest is fun for all. My husband and I make sure to stop by every October to pick our pumpkins, enjoy the food provided by Four Mile Pig, and shop around at the tent with the crafters and artisans selling their crafts/goods. Personally, it is what I look forward to every year.
http://www.neltnersfarm.com/things-to-do
#2: SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL | GORMAN HERITAGE FARM
10052 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241
Gorman Heritage Farm is well-known for the beautiful sunflowers that bloom every year. The weekend of October 1st and 2nd, the farm will be welcoming guests for their annual sunflower festival! There will be live music, hayrides, craft vendors, food trucks, farm animal meet-and-greet, mule-drawn carriage rides, the High Grain Beer Garden, and you can cut your own sunflowers.
Admission is $10/adult, $5/child ages 3-17, and $5/adult age 60+. The sunflower festival is another weekend festivity perfect for the family! My husband and I don’t have children, but we use this activity as a “day date,” just the two of us, and we are never disappointed!
https://www.gormanfarm.org/portfolio-items/sunflower/
#3: APPLE PICKING AT A&M FARM ORCHARD
22141 State Route 251, Midland, OH 45148
Picking apples at A&M Farm Orchard is another activity my husband and I have enjoyed each Fall for the six years we have been together. Although this one is a bit further than my other recommendations, about an hour from Downtown Cincinnati/NKY, it is worth the trip. We even bring our two dogs to walk around the orchard with us!
My favorite part is the delicious apple cider. Make sure to pick up a gallon and maybe even grab a jar of their apple butter for good measure. They usually have a truck decorated with fall decor and professional photographers on sight for family photos (an extra charge), so be sure to wear your matching flannels! Note that they only accept cash or checks.
#4: DENT SCHOOLHOUSE
5963 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45248
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, look no further. This haunted house on the west side of Cincinnati has continuously been voted one of the best in America. I used to go with a group of my girlfriends in high school every year. Now it’s a perfect double date event with my husband and another couple. Tickets are currently on sale through November 5th, starting at $25. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book ASAP!
#5: U-PICK PUMPKIN PATCH AND APPLE PICKING AT MCGLASSON FARMS
5832 River Rd. Hebron, KY 41058
If you are looking to knock out two fall activities in one trip, McGlasson Farms is for you! This family-owned farm has been operating for six generations and runs from July through November. From their pumpkin patch to their beautiful apple orchard, you can pick out your perfect carving pumpkin and take home freshly grown apples. Make sure to buy yourself one of their delicious caramel apples and try their apple cider. They also have a shop on the farm that sells vegetables, fruits, honey, apple cider, and many other goods. I look forward to grabbing my Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte on my way to spend a few hours roaming around this beautiful farm.
*All photos courtesy of each location, as seen on their website.