Other fall agritourism fun in Johnson County and beyond
1. Fall Harvest Festival
Where: Waterman Farms, 1100 N. State Road 37, Greenwood
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
What: A longtime tradition at Waterman Farms’ southside Indianapolis location, the Fall Harvest Festival has spun off to include a smaller White River Township version. Take a family hayride, play along the cornfield trail and visit with the farm animals. People can also choose from acres of pumpkins, priced at 39 cents per pound. Entry to the festival is $5 on the weekend, $4 on weekdays.
2. So many apples
Where: The Apple Works, 8157 S. County Road 250W, Trafalgar
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
What: Every year since 1991, the orchard at The Apple Works has featured a varied selection of fresh Johnson County apples. Customers stepping into the farm’s barn can be overwhelmed by the many types, flavors and colors available, from the juicy Honey Crisp to the spiciness of the Jonamac to the tart taste of the Crimson Crisp. Staff members can help people navigate, and find the best fruit for their pies, sauces, salads and just to eat out of hand.
In addition, the farm has a wealth of other fresh produce and artisan food products, as well as live entertainment on the weekends, slides and other kids activities, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
3. Fresh pressed cider
Where: Whiteland Orchard, 5559 N. Graham Road
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
What: This 30-acre farm just outside of Whiteland has been growing produce for 41 years. But apples, and its handmade apple cider, are the specialty. The cider is fresh-pressed in the orchard farm market, made without preservatives and not pasteurized. The fresh cider is only ready from mid-September through December, though frozen cider is available year-round.
4. Harvest Fest
Where: Adrian Orchards, 500 W. Epler Ave., Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
What: Autumn is always the high point of the year for Adrian Orchards, a third-generation farm on the southside of Indianapolis. The farm celebrates that fact with its two-day Harvest Festival, featuring arts and crafts, music mini hayrides and food vendors. A you-pick pumpkin patch lets families select the perfect gourd for their Halloween decorating, and the orchards selection of Red Delicious, Empire and Golden Delicious apples, among many others, will be fresh from the trees. Admission to the event is free.
