Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio - Open Year Round

As a child, my parents would take us kids to Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio. At the time, it seemed like a really far drive when in fact, it was only about 25 minutes away from where we lived in Parma. I think when we are kids, everything seems bigger and farther to us.

As a young adult, I also would visit Mapleside Farms often. I loved looking through everything in the Gift Shop, the Apple House and the Bakery. I always bought their homemade apple cider and usually something else to treat myself.

As a much older adult, well, you guessed it, I still visit Mapleside Farms.

The state apple of Ohio is the Melrose Apple. Mapleside Farms produces the most Melrose Apples in the entire state.

Mapleside Farms is a fully functioning 100-acre apple orchard. This family tradition has been an attractive destination in Northeast Ohio for over 50 years.

People come from far away to dine in the restaurant, enjoy fresh homegrown produce, bakery, ice cream plus a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Mapleside Farms began as a roadside stand where excess garden produce was sold on a table under an umbrella. In addition, maple trees lined a hill on the farm and were used to produce maple syrup. Hence the chosen name for the farm: Mapleside.

Many changes took place over the years including the planting of apple trees. Buildings were built including an Apple House with a Cider Bar, Cheese House and Flower House. And eventually a restaurant in 1984 where visitors could sit down for a bite to eat.

Changes continue to take place since Mapleside Farms acquired new owners in December 2010. See what they currently have to offer below.

Mapleside Farms received America's Most Beautiful Farm award in 2011.

There are many things for the entire family to see and do at Mapleside Farms.

A central attraction in the gift shop is an historic water wheel wishing well. Unique gifts can be found from classic toys, candles, Happy Blankie’s, jewelry and even hand-blown glass apples.

This farm market features in-season homegrown produce all year long plus a variety of other foods, delicacies and decorative craft items too. Fresh-pressed apple cider is always available to sample and purchase.

Corbo’s has brought “a piece of Little Italy” to Cleveland for many years. And now they have brought their specialties to Mapleside Farms. Italian pastries, cakes, breads, cookies and more are available at the bakery. Visitor favorites include Corbo’s famous cassata cake, cannoli and tiramisu. In addition, you can order a beautiful cake for your special occasion.

This upscale restaurant offers a vast food and drink menu that is sure to please all visitors. You can also relax in the Cider House Pub and Wine Loft. The upper level veranda offers beautiful views of the countryside. And if you time it right, you can see amazing sunsets as well.

Note: The Orchard House, offering a home-style menu and featuring BBQ favorites cooked over an applewood smoker, will have its grand opening in January 2013.

This seasonal ice cream shoppe offers hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, malts and sundaes. A visitor favorite is the Apple Dumpling Sundae.

As one of Ohio’s largest outdoor summer concert series, enjoy the picturesque 50-mile view overlooking the apple orchards while you relax and listen to talented local bands of various musical genres.

This fun attraction for kids includes a 70-foot “jumping pillow” plus additional favorites such as a train ride and other outdoor amusements.

This fall extravaganza is fun for the entire family. Entrance includes fun in the pumpkin patch, maze, super slide, Jump Park, hay ride and more.

Mapleside Farms is a great place to plan special events such as family reunions, parties and receptions.

School teachers and other groups can plan a guided walking tour through the production areas and apple orchards. This learning experience can also include outdoor fun, weather permitting.

I have enjoyed visiting Mapleside Farms for many many years.

Check out their website, www.mapleside.com, for information on their festivals such as the:

• Johnny Appleseed Festival
• Cars, Crafts and Strawberries Festival
• Oktoberfest

If you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out.

This is Sharyn's Slant