Fall in Amish Country is full of sweet surprises

Tucked among the rows of up to 18 varieties of apples at Hillcrest Orchard is something new—an apple you won’t find in every bin at the grocery store, and maybe not even at your favorite farm market. It’s called Amarillo, and for orchard owner Merle Hershberger, it’s becoming a standout.

“It’s the only apple that I’ll eat the whole thing,” he said, describing the yellow fruit as very sweet with a good crunch.

It’s just one of many reasons to make the trip out to the orchard this season.

Where fall comes into focus

At Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek, fall is in full swing: apple trees heavy with fruit, cider being pressed on-site, and a market full of pumpkins, mums, and produce grown just down the road. Whether you’re walking the rows yourself or loading up with a bag of pre-picked apples, this family-run orchard offers the perfect taste of autumn tradition.

Other popular picks at the market include the Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, and Rosalee. Hershberger says the Honeycrisp is always a favorite—crunchy, juicy, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. EverCrisp is known for its long shelf life and dense, sweet bite. And the Rosalee, a cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji, is smooth, sweet, and floral, with a texture that’s especially easy to love.

If you're there for something new or something familiar, the apples are at their peak and worth the trip.

Fabulous fresh cider

While the apples get plenty of attention, it’s the cider that brings many people back year after year. Pressed on-site and unpasteurized, it’s as fresh as cider gets.

The blend changes depending on what’s ripe, but Hillcrest has found that using about 75 percent sweet apples and 25 percent tart creates the best flavor. It’s smooth, full, and naturally sweet with enough brightness to keep it refreshing. Home winemakers often come for the unprocessed juice, but plenty of folks just enjoy it cold from the fridge or warmed up on the stove with a cinnamon stick.

It’s one of those things that really does taste better when you know exactly where it came from.

More to explore this fall

If you’re making the trip to Hillcrest Orchard, there’s plenty more nearby. Fall in Ohio Amish Country has a way of filling up your day with good food, local events, and beautiful scenery.

Just a few minutes away, The Farm at Walnut Creek is hosting their annual Fall Festival weekends, full of hands-on experiences that make it a favorite for families.

Try the pumpkin slingshot, climb to the top of the straw castle, and let the kids spend the afternoon in the giant corn box. You can watch Percheron Draft Horses press sorghum stalks into fresh molasses, then enjoy a hot plate of barbecue chicken, noodles, and beans with dessert. Wagon rides through the farm give visitors a close-up view of animals like giraffes, bison, and zebras, and you can feed many of them by hand.

It’s a full day of fall fun in a setting that’s both peaceful and full of surprises.

Another nearby favorite is Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery, which combines a farm store, petting area, produce stand, and bakery all in one stop. Their fry pies and fresh donuts are a staple of the season, and the bakery shelves are always full of just-out-of-the-oven breads, cookies, and jams. Kids love saying hello to the horses and goats, and many families stock up on fall porch decorations while they’re there.

Plan to stay a little longer

If you’re looking to turn your day trip into a full getaway, there are plenty of local inns, cabins, and guest houses that make it easy to settle in. Some offer scenic views and wraparound porches, while others come with full kitchens or spa-style touches. Whether you prefer a quiet cottage in the country or a suite in the heart of town, there’s something here that fits your pace.

And once you’re out on the road, you’ll be glad you stayed. The drive through Amish Country in the fall is part of the experience—quiet roads, turning leaves, and farms that seem to stretch on forever. You’ll pass buggies on the shoulder, barns tucked into the hills, and roadside stands with pumpkins piled high. 

It’s easy to slow down. And once you do, it’s hard not to think about coming back.

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