Three Ohio Orchard Markets to Visit This Fall

Orchard Farm Stand, Port Clinton
The Orchard on Catawba Island opened its Orchard Farm Stand in May 2020, after having to temporarily close its Orchard Bar + Table to dine-in customers. The stand began by selling jams, candles and produce grown on the property. It was so popular, co-owner Nikolai Blumensaadt, alongside his father, Bill, and sister, Mette, expanded the stand in August 2021, adding a cafe and bar. Grab coffee and a fresh pastry starting at 7 a.m. or swing by later for an applewood-fired pizza. It’s a great pit stop for a summer day trip or in the fall during the annual Heritage Festival (Sept. 30 to Oct. 2). 3350 Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/573-6003, orchardoncatawba.com

Bergman Orchards, various locations
After immigrating to the United States, German grape grower Dietrich Bergman founded his namesake orchard in Danbury in 1859. The family-owned operation started growing peaches in 1890, and during the 1930s tourism began flowing through the area. Today, Dan Bergman — Dietrich’s great-great grandson — runs Bergman Orchards, which has locations in Port Clinton, Lakeside and Danbury. The markets begin each season with fruit trucked in from southern states along with their own vegetables. By July, be ready for some fresh local peaches and be sure to return in the fall to pick apples and pumpkins. Visit bergmanorchards.com for more information. 

MacQueen Orchards, Holland 
It all started with Hugh MacQueen asking his neighbor for a bushel of apples in 1936. By the following year, he had 5 acres of trees planted on his property. Today, the family-run orchard he started spans around 230 acres and is run by Hugh’s grandson, Jeff MacQueen, with the help of his sons, brother and mother (who works part time). The orchard’s market sells homegrown vegetables — from summer squash to sweet corn — starting in mid-June onward. Ten varieties of peaches arrive toward the end of July, and the orchard’s 16 varieties of apples begin showing up in mid-August. 7605 Garden Rd., Holland 43528, 419/865-2916, macqueenorchards.com