Before pumpkins take center stage, apple season offers one of the first tastes of fall in Northern Kentucky. September may still bring plenty of warm afternoons, but local orchards are filling with ripe apples, fresh cider is being poured, and favorite seasonal treats are making their return.
From picking your own apples at a generations-old farm to sipping a cider slushie or filling a market bag with local finds, there are plenty of ways to welcome the season. Here are a few places to put on your early fall list.
Pick Your Own: NKY Orchards & Apple Farms
Nothing says apple season quite like heading straight to the orchard. Whether you want to pick your own or simply enjoy a fall day on the farm, these destinations are worth the trip.
McGlasson Farms | Hebron
The story of McGlasson Farms stretches back more than six generations. The family’s roots on the property began with a small log cabin in the 1860s, which remains intact today as part of the original farmhouse.
During apple season, visitors can head into the U-pick orchard for varieties including Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, and more. Add beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and it’s easy to see why a trip to McGlasson has become a fall tradition for many Northern Kentucky families.
Apple Season Highlight: Pick your own apples while visiting a Northern Kentucky farm with roots stretching back more than 150 years.
Ayers Family Orchard | Owenton
Perched on a scenic hilltop overlooking the Kentucky River Valley, Ayers Family Orchard has been growing apples for more than 40 years.
The eight-acre, family-owned farm grows more than 30 varieties, including favorites like Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Ruby Jon, and McIntosh. During the season, the family opens its orchard stand and can also be found at area markets selling apples, apple butter, jam, and other farm favorites.
Apple Season Highlight: With more than 30 varieties grown on the farm, this is a great opportunity to try an apple you might not normally find at the grocery store.
Eckert’s Versailles Orchard | Versailles
For an apple-filled day trip, travel south toward Lexington to Eckert’s Versailles Orchard. The Eckert family’s farming tradition began in 1837 and is now carried on by the sixth and seventh generations.
Visitors can pick varieties such as Crimson Crisp, Fuji, Winesap, Zestar, and more. The orchard also celebrates the season with Apple Fest, bringing together apple picking with wagon rides, live music, animals, slides, and other family-friendly activities.
Apple Season Highlight: Make a day of it during Apple Fest for apple picking and plenty of activities around the farm.
Pour a Glass: Where to Find Local Cider
Picking apples is only part of the fun. From the classic version to frozen and grown-up varieties, cider offers another way to taste the season.
For Fresh Cider: McGlasson Farms | Hebron
After a visit to the orchard, check the farm market at McGlasson Farms for fresh apple cider to take home. It doesn’t get much more fitting for fall than cider from the same farm where you spent the day picking apples.
For a Cider Treat: Evans Orchard & Cider Mill | Georgetown
Early fall in Kentucky can still feel a lot like summer, which makes the Apple Cider Slushie at Evans Orchard & Cider Mill a perfect September treat. This frozen twist on traditional cider lets you embrace fall flavor even when the temperatures haven’t caught up yet.
For the Grown-Ups: StoneBrook Winery & Cidery | Melbourne
At StoneBrook Winery & Cidery, apples get a grown-up twist. The family farm in Melbourne produces small-batch cider right on the property, with flavors that have included Apple Cinnamon and Blackberry.
Save Room for an Apple Treat
Of course, you can’t talk about apple season without saving room for something sweet. Add these local favorites to your fall food list.
Apple Cider Donuts: Kinman Farm Market | Burlington
A trip to Kinman Farm Market is a chance to enjoy plenty of fall fun, but don’t head home without looking for the apple cider donuts. Grab one to enjoy during your visit or take a few home for later.
Caramel Apples: Hollmeyer’s Orchard | Cincinnati West Side
A short trip across the river brings you to Hollmeyer’s Orchard on Cincinnati’s West Side. When apple season arrives, a classic caramel apple makes for a sweet addition to the orchard experience.
Apple Pie: Granny’s Garden | Burlington
Sometimes the classics are best. Stop by Granny’s Garden in Burlington for apple pie and bring home a dessert that tastes like fall without having to turn on the oven yourself.
Fill Your Fall Basket
Apple season is also a great excuse to spend a weekend morning at a local farmers market. Bring a reusable bag, browse the vendors, and see what’s being harvested and made around Northern Kentucky.
Independence Farmers Market | Independence
Set against the backdrop of the historic Kenton County Courthouse, the Independence Farmers Market brings local vendors together in the heart of the community. During early fall, keep an eye out for fresh apples and other seasonal finds to take home.
The Farmers Market of Fort Mitchell | Fort Mitchell
Another easy stop for a fall market morning is The Farmers Market of Fort Mitchell. Browse local vendors for fresh produce, jams, pies, and other locally made goods, with selections changing throughout the season.
Fill Your Market Bag
Availability varies from week to week, but keep an eye out for:
- Locally grown apples
- Apple butter and preserves
- Jams and jellies
- Fresh-baked pies
- Local honey
- Seasonal produce
- Mums and fall flowers
Market Tip: Arrive earlier in the day for the best selection, and check each market’s current schedule and vendor lineup before heading out.
Bring Apple Season Home
Once the orchard baskets and market bags make it back to the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to keep enjoying the season at home.
- Keep it simple: Fill a favorite bowl or woven basket with fresh apples for an edible early fall centerpiece.
- Bake something: Turn your orchard haul into apple crisp, pie, or baked apples.
- Make the house smell like fall: Simmer sliced apples with cinnamon sticks and warm spices.
- Host a cider night: Serve local cider warm or chilled with cinnamon sticks, caramel, and other toppings.
- Pair sweet and savory: Add sliced apples to a fall cheese board with local cheeses, nuts, and preserves.
You don’t need an elaborate fall refresh to make your home feel ready for the season. Sometimes a basket of fresh-picked apples on the counter is enough.
Before Pumpkin Comes Apple
Before the pumpkin patches, Halloween celebrations, and peak fall color arrive, apple season gives Northern Kentucky its first taste of what’s ahead.
Maybe your tradition is picking apples with the family, bringing home the first jug of cider, grabbing an apple cider donut, or spending a Saturday morning at the farmers market. However you celebrate, these simple early fall favorites make the changing season a little sweeter.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the season close to home? Explore our Northern Kentucky blog library for local favorites, hidden gems, seasonal adventures, and more inspiration for experiencing the region.
