Discover the Best of Fall: Ohio and Indiana Edition

Fall is a perfect time to explore the many incredible sights Ohio and Indiana have to offer! Between scenic foliage, seasonal foods, and local festivals, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Join us as we highlight some of what makes these states great in the fall - and start planning your adventure today!

Scenic Drives for Leaf-Peeping

There's nothing quite like the vibrant colors of fall foliage, and Ohio and Indiana are full of breathtaking drives. In Ohio, ride along Fulton County Road for a scenic mix of picturesque farmland, rolling hills, historical landmarks, and peaceful countryside. In Indiana, Pokagon State Park is a top pick for fall blooms around Lake James and Snow Lake. Extend your visit by stopping for a swim, boat ride, or fishing break, and be sure to catch the sunset at day’s end.

Be sure to plan your drive during peak foliage season, typically mid-October, and consider packing a picnic to enjoy along the way. Pack your camera ahead of time so you don’t forget! These scenic drives are sure to provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Fall Festivals and Events

One of the best ways to fully experience fall in either Ohio or Indiana is by attending one of the various festivals or events happening throughout their region.

For Ohio, put the Defiance Rib Festival on your list! This festival brings together the best barbeque ribs, cold brews, and live entertainment Northwest Ohio has to offer. Alternatively, Fall on the Farm Week at Sauder Village draws a crowd as well, with old-fashioned games, pumpkin decorating, leaf art, and farming demonstrations for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Indiana offers its own wealth of events to choose from! If traditional crafts, historical reenactments, great food, live music, and antiques sound like fun to you, try the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Fort Wayne. If you love animals and delicious homemade dairy products, join the Fall Festival at Kuehnert Farms, also held in Fort Wayne. You won’t want to miss their freshly made ice cream, home-grown pumpkins, and adorable baby calves.

Oktoberfest Celebrations and Beer Festivals

Nothing quite says fall like great beer and hearty German food. Luckily, Ohio and Indiana are home to some fantastic Oktoberfest and beer events alike.

The Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest in Dayton, Ohio is Heaven for beer lovers. This three-day festival boasts over fifty beers and ciders from around the world, as well as delicious German fare, live music, and entertainment. Minster Oktoberfest, held annually in Minster Ohio, is another popular festival that similarly offers a great selection of craft beers, food trucks, and live music.

Indiana isn’t shy about great beer festivals either, including the Munich to Muncie Oktoberfest. This festival offers visitors a chance to taste some of the best local brews and even participate in events like keg-tossing competitions and the Lederhosen costume contests.

No matter which state you find yourself in, there’s sure to be a festival happening nearby! So, grab a cold brew and some sausages, and enjoy.

Apple Picking and Orchard Visits

One of the most iconic fall activities is apple picking, and both Ohio and Indiana have plenty of pick-your-own options. From September through November, many orchards open their gates to offer everything from tractor rides to petting zoos to cider tastings.

One well- known apple orchard in Ohio is MacQueen Orchards in Holland, boasting sixteen types of apples and ten varieties of peaches to choose from. After you’ve picked your fill, don’t forget to stop at the farm's bakery and sweet shop for some delicious treats! In Swanton, enjoy the variety of over twenty-five flowers at Johnston Fruit Farms and view apple cider being produced in real-time. You can even choose the type of cider to take home!

In Indiana, head to Cook’s Orchard for a fun-filled day of apple and pear picking, or Blossom Hill Orchard in Avilla for fresh cherries. While you're at the orchard, cider isn’t the only apple product you might find! Keep a look out for apple butter, cider donuts, and a plethora of other homemade baked goods. With many orchards offering pumpkin picking and hayrides as well, a visit makes the perfect family-friendly activity.

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

Last but not least on the to-do list; pumpkin patches and corn mazes! These fun-filled destinations offer plenty of outdoor entertainment along with fresh produce.

Leaders Farm in Napolean is one of the best! Get lost in Ohio’s first corn maze, enjoy a scenic hayride, and explore their groves of pumpkin patches.  Another destination well worth mentioning is the Wheeler Farms in Whitehouse which offers a challenging, 5-mile dinosaur-themed corn maze!

On the Indiana side of things, Amazing Fall Fun in Waterloo is the place to go for an unforgettable corn maze experience.  Other attractions at the farm include a pumpkin patch, wheelbarrow races, duck races, and even a petting zoo. While in Indiana, Hilger’s Family Farm in Fort Wayne is another notable venue offering its pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, and plenty of fresh produce.

Make the Most of Fall in Our Great Regions!

F&M Bank wants you to enjoy the best of Fall with your family and friends. Whether you love long, scenic drives, the challenge of a corn maze, or delicious treats at festivals and orchards, there’s something for everyone! It’s time to make the most of what Ohio and Indiana have to offer.

Always be prepared with F&M Bank’s online and mobile banking.  Download the F&M Bank mobile app today to deposit checks, review balances, and make transfers while you enjoy fall activities with those special people in your life.

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