Fall festivities around Cleveland

Photo taken by Kayleigh Sell of the Chagrin River running through the South Chagrin Reservation

Photo taken by Kayleigh Sell of the Chagrin River running through the South Chagrin Reservation

Kayleigh Sell, Contributing Writer

Who doesn’t love the season of apple cider, leaves and Halloween? For most, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons. Especially in Northeast Ohio. With the hot summer months and cold winters, autumn is the perfect in-between season. Most tend to look over fall as a season where there isn’t much to do as compared to summer or winter, but there are many activities that you can only enjoy at this one time of year.

Patterson’s Fruit Farm

Going to a farm is about as basic as you can get in the fall. But among the best is Patterson’s Fruit Farm in Chesterland, Ohio. They have many baked delicacies such as apple fritters, donuts and pies. There is absolutely nothing better than buying farm fresh apples or cider. All made and grown locally, of course. If you want to make your own baked goods, take the family and go pick apples. You can also shop for pumpkins to carve, Indian corn and straw to spice up your own home this fall. Located within 25 minutes of Solon, Ohio, Patterson’s is a fall classic. 

Cleveland Metroparks

If apple picking isn’t your thing, any branch of the Cleveland Metroparks is a short walk or drive away. From the gorgeous waterfalls to tremendous hiking trails, the Metroparks are a perfect place for the true fall experience. The best parks to get the best views are located in Bedford, Ohio and Bentlyville, Ohio. The Bedford reservation is a beautiful drive through, and the South Chagrin Reservation has everything from gorgeous rivers and waterfalls, to hidden hiking trails. One of the most historical is Squaw Rock. It walks you right among the river and leads you to a rock that was carved into a snake. Located 10 to 20 minutes from Solon, Ohio, the scenery can’t get much better than this. 

Holden Arboretum

A walk among the treetops awaits in Kirtland, Ohio. The Holden Arboretum has one of the most exquisite views located in Northeast Ohio. Walk among bridges 65 feet up or take to the skies and climb the 12 story tower to get the most breathtaking view possible. With all the trees around, that means you can also experience a beautiful walk with all the leaves falling around you. Adult tickets are $15 and children are $10. Being 40 minutes away, it is quite the adventure but totally worth it.

7 Floors of Hell

Looking for something to get that adrenaline rush? Try out 7 Floors of Hell. This horror house is almost guaranteed to spook you for days on end. Most can’t even make it through. The house is almost as scary as the price, a whopping $28 a person. It is worth the price though because if you don’t make it all the way through one night, you can go back at any other point in the season and finish, as long as you have the same ticket. Each floor has a different theme, and every year they change. With Covid, they ask everyone to wear a mask at all times and there are only a limited number allowed in at once. Located in Middleburg Heights, it takes only about 30 minutes to get to a haunted house lovers dream… or should I say worst nightmare?

Forest of Screams

Want something to keep you on your toes but not as terrifying? Take a 40 minute drive to Media, Ohio where you can enter the Forest of Screams. A Haunted trail, hayride and house. Pick your poison of walking or riding, this is sure to give you a good scare and put you in the Halloween spirit. General admission is $28 and you can participate in any activities of your choice. 

Fall is a beautiful time of year around northeast Ohio, so go and enjoy it. Fall is a great time to spend with family and friends while enjoying the beautiful outdoors before getting stuck inside all winter.