Fall Road Trip Ideas

Fall; it’s that time of the year when you bundle up in a sweatshirt and peel it off when the afternoon warmth envelopes you. Ask any midwesterner, and they will tell you this is one of the best times of year in Ohio, and they all appreciate the season's change.

Fasten your seatbelt and head out to explore on a fall road trip to Marysville, Ohio, as the colors of the trees start to transform from lively green to vibrant oranges and yellows; make time to leaf peep, pick some pumpkins, or grab some hearty mums. Here is the go-to list of things to do in Marysville in the fall.

Tour the Covered Bridges in Union County

Don’t miss a drive into the rural countryside on a fall weekend to find the seven covered bridges sprinkled throughout the county on one of Ohio's scenic byways. Six of the bridges are situated on country roads surrounded by the auburn colors of autumn. However, Pottersburg Covered Bridge is located off the road, where you can park and walk the 1.9-mile out-and-back multipurpose trail, plan a picnic and enjoy the afternoon at this sweet stop.

Pro-tip: Use the covered bridge tour to navigate and find the best place to eat and shop while out exploring. Click here to learn more about the Covered Bridge Trail.

Stop at a Greenhouse and Buy Mums

Colorful mums are what's in season; visit one of the greenhouses to grab a vibrant collection of these fall favorites. Dutch Mill Greenhouse offers an abundant selection of autumn plants, and since it is tulip planting season, you’ll want to take some home and plant for spring.

Pro-tip: Take a selfie at the new larger-than-life tulip bulb. #exploreunioncounty

Take a Hayride and Pick Pumpkins

Experience a day of agri-tain-ment on at one of the many farms located throughout the county.

• The Maize at Little Darby Creek keeps the whole family busy for the afternoon with corn mazes, peddle cars, and duck races.

• Anywhere with You Acres in Richwood is one of the newest fall fun destinations with U pick pumpkins, hearty mums, and corn box (think a sandbox filled with corn).

• Jacquemin Farm, a U-pick pumpkin patch, creates a welcoming outdoor excursion into the field to find your perfect pumpkin.

• Leeds Farm is only open on weekends, so schedule a date into your calendar for a perfect day running, jumping, hay riding, and pumpkin picking. You will need to pre-purchase your tickets in advance; there are no on-site ticket sales.

Pro-tip: If you're looking for a scary haunted cornfield adventure, visit the Maize at Little Darby Creek on the weekends for the Field of Fright.

Walk a Historic Cemetery

Rich history has its roots in Union County. The pioneer cemeteries are a beautiful place to leaf peep and take a quiet walk; two of my favorites are Smith Cemetery State Nature Preserve and Bigelow State Nature Preserve. In Marysville Oakdale Cemetery, you will find headstones for O.M. Scott, Reuben Partridge, and Noah Orr; before leaving the area, take a drive through American Legion Memorial Park and stop for a picnic under the bright-colored canopy of mature hardwood trees.

Treat Yourself to a Taste of Fall Favorites

Autumn spice and everything nice is on tap at locally owned ships as you take your rural road trip; whatever you are looking for can probably be found. Fresh-made pumpkin donuts at Jacquemin Farm, Fall flavors at Whit’s, or a homemade apple pie at Der Dutchman. If you’re looking for a locally sourced farm-to-table bakery Kitschen Bakery is a must-stop, everything is made in-house daily, and the menu is created from what is in season.

Union County has you covered if you’re craving a day trip or a weekend getaway this autumn. Plan your escape today for a drive into a rural American countryside to leaf peep and see the fields of amber wave as they are harvested.