On a crisp September Saturday at Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland, kids zipped down the tube slide on the barn-themed playground while parents guided wagons through rows of pumpkins, letting little hands search for the perfect pick. My son and his friend shared a crispy, pull-apart apple fritter, licking the crumbs from their fingers, and savored a warm, cinnamon donut. Later, they wandered through the Mulberry Road Orchard, picking bright red apples and crunching them on the drive home.
Fall at Patterson Fruit Farm is more than a season—it’s a full sensory adventure. The farm’s roots stretch back to 1879, when Augustus Patterson sold fruit, eggs, and milk locally. In the 1970s, Jim Patterson helped spearhead the pick-your-own movement, famously noting that anyone can bring food to the people, but he wanted to bring people to the food. Over the decades, the roadside stand evolved into a bustling agritourism destination, complete with a farm market, bakery, Family Fun Fest, pick-your-own apples and strawberries, and even a wedding venue—one of the most scenic I’ve ever attended back in 2011. The farm also wholesales its apple cider throughout Northeast Ohio, keeping the community stocked with its seasonal flavors. Today, brothers Dave and Bill Patterson carry on the legacy, blending tradition with thoughtful innovation while keeping the farm deeply connected to the community.
Autumn is the highlight of the year. Family Fun Fest draws visitors with wagon rides, corn mazes, pedal cars, and the straw pit, where kids tumble and laugh for hours. For quieter moments, a wagon ride reveals sweeping orchard views and peak fall foliage, while the bakery tempts guests with apple fritters, maple cookies, and other seasonal treats. From picking apples and pumpkins to browsing freshly cut sunflowers and tomatoes, every visit is a chance to enjoy the flavors, sights, and simple joys that have made Patterson Fruit Farm a cherished Northeast Ohio destination.
11414 Caves Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026 | Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
440-729-1964 | pattersonfarm.com