Fall Activity Guide

Pumpkins. Flannels. Apple Cider. That's right everybody— it's time to plan a Fall adventure!

The end of August signals the first signs of fall, and as the hot days of summer give way to cooler temperatures, we begin to notice the transition. The leaves begin to change, pumpkins start popping up, and fall flavors emerge everywhere. To kick off the season, here's a guide to some of our favorite fall things.

FARM FESTIVITIES

Garver Family Farm: Find everything from fresh produce, beautiful flowers, pick your pumpkin, hayrides and more at this family farm for more than four generations.

Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market: Known by their painted silos, this unique farm market features three different barns offering specialty jams, fresh produce, crafts, baked goods and so much more. You can also visit their ice cream and candy shop, pumpkin patch, and new sunflower field. 

Burwinkel Farms: This farm has been family owned and operated for over 100 years! They specialize in growing sweet corn, but you can also find a ton of activities like picking pumpkins, fall festivals, a corn maze, and a beautiful field of sunflowers. 

Butterfields Farm Market: Shop a massive pumpkin display, beautiful mum selections, fresh in-season produce, garden decor, and so much more. 

Niederman Family Farm: There's something for everyone at this working farm; check out their pumpkin patch, corn maze, sunflower field, farm animals, hayrides, and all kinds of family fun activities. 

Jackson Family Farm: Come enjoy a beautiful Fall day at Jackson Family Farm on September and October weekends. Find pumpkins, farm animals, pedal tractors, the pumpkin cannon, a hay tower, corn barn and so much more. *Opening Day on September 22, 2024

FALL FESTIVALS

Operation Pumpkin: This one-of-a-kind festival fills the streets of Downtown Hamilton with incredible sculpted pumpkins, food vendors, pumpkin weigh-offs, and live entertainment. Join in on all of the fun on October 11-13, 2024. 

Apple Butter Festival: A delicious festival and a great family activity! Experience a glimpse of 19th century farm life; the festival also features continual creation of apple butter in pioneer fashion throughout the event. Tours of the Doty Homestead and its barn will also be available, as well as other live entertainment. This festival will be October 5 – 6, 2024. 

_{^{Photo Credit : Oxford Museum Association}}

Jack O'Lantern Junction: Find Halloween fun for the whole family at EnterTRAINment Junction! The junction offers a kid-friendly maze, trick-or-treat goodie bags, fall crafts, and a Halloween themed train display. Jack O'Lantern Junction will be open September 28, 2024 through October 27, 2024.

Barn-N-Bunk Fall Festival Weekends: Enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, a petting zoo, pumpkins, and so much more every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm starting September 21 at Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market in Trenton. 

Liberty Township Fall Festival: This annual fall festival has tons of activities for all ages to enjoy. Make a free craft, play on inflatables and listen to live entertainment. Don't forget to stop by the local vendors and food trucks for more fun! This event will be on September 28, 2024 from 11am to 3pm. 

The Great Pumpkin Fest: Enjoy a free family-friendly fall event at Keehner Park. Activities include a puppet show, petting zoo, costume contest for children, games, and more! This annual event will be October 5, 2024 from 2pm – 6pm. 

SPOOKY SELECTIONS

Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park: For the spookier side of the season, head over to Land of Illusion for a thrilling and frightening night. There are multiple haunted trails and attractions to choose from, as well as The Voodoo Lounge— featuring live music, a full service bar, and a concession stand complete with the fall essentials. Open September 6, 2024 through November 2, 2024.

Haunted Spots:  If you can muster up the courage, head to these legendary Halloween haunts, or check out Hamilton's Most Haunted spots. Learn all about the stories and urban legends to get into the spooky spirit. 

Nightmare Manor: From September 20, 2024 to October 26, 2024 join Nightmare Manor every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm to 1am for 29 terrifying scenes with over 50 live actors!

FLAVORS OF FALL

Coffee: Nothing pairs more perfectly with the fall season than a cozy cup of coffee. Find delicious cinnamon, pumpkin, and maple flavors at our local coffee shops. Try a Cinnamon Latte at The Village Perks (pictured), the Nutty Irishman at True West Coffee, the KittyKat Latte made with brown sugar and cinnamon at CAVU, the Caramel Apple Chaider at Kofenya, or the seasonal specials at Fairfield Coffee.

Hyde's Pies: There's just something about a warm slice of pie in the fall... whether it's pumpkin, apple, cherry, or pecan. If you're looking for the perfect pie this season, you have to check out Hyde's Restaurant! This local diner is a fan-favorite, and they make all of their pies fresh daily.

Fall Brews: Craft beer is great all year round, but fall brings some especially unique selections. From seasonal stouts to fall-inspired sours, you can enjoy a wide array of flavors at any of our incredible local breweries. One in particular is the Picket Fence at Grainworks Brewing Company; a Belgian white ale with notes of orange, chamomile, coriander, and seasonal spices.

Chili: The crisp air in fall typically creates the craving for a hot bowl of chili. There is something so comforting about delicious chili on a cool night. Looking for some fall comfort food? Grab a burger and side of chili at The Jug, a chili dog at Jolly's Drive In, Chicken Chili Masala at Namaste Curry House, or try the vegetarian chili at Aladdin's Eatery. 

AUTUMN BREEZE & CRUNCHY LEAVES

Parks & Trails: Fall is the magical time of year where the leaves change to more vibrant and colorful tones. Hues of red, orange, and yellow emerge all around us, making for some gorgeous hiking opportunities. Explore the trails at Harbin Park, Rentschler Forest MetroPark, Keehner Park, or Governor Bebb MetroPark.

Black Covered Bridge: This bridge in Oxford is especially beautiful surrounded by fall leaves. Built in 1869, it is the only covered bridge in Butler County remaining in its original location and is recognized as one of the longest covered bridges in the state of Ohio.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum: Hike the trails or travel by art cart to experience the fall foliage at Pyramid Hill. There's over 300 acres to explore, with 80+ monumental sculptures to admire along the way. It's a beautiful way to spend a fall day!

Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum at Miami University Sculpture Park: This incredible art museum reopens every fall with new exhibitions in their five ever-changing galleries. Their surrounding sculpture park is also open to admire among the falling leaves and beautiful scenery. 

Nation Road Horse Rental: Experience the beautiful fall foliage...by horse! With 4 different trails, Nation Road Horse Rental in Oxford provides the perfect fall afternoon with its sweeping landscapes, undeniable farm charm, and beautiful horses. 

Happy Fall!