Take the Scenic Route: Fall in Pickaway County
Fall is a good time to slow down, take the back roads and spend a day exploring Pickaway County.
As the season changes, country roads wind past colorful trees and open farmland, farm markets fill with pumpkins and seasonal favorites, and cooler days make it a great time to get outside. Add a few local shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of reasons to spend a fall day exploring.
Start with Something Local
A crisp fall morning and a local coffee are a pretty good match. Stop at Pick’em Up Joe Coffee Co. in Commercial Point or River’s Coffee House in Ashville, then spend a little time exploring nearby before heading out onto the country roads.
Fall is one of the best times to leave a little extra room in the day for an unplanned stop.
Take the Scenic Route
Head north through Ashville and Commercial Point, west toward Deer Creek, or choose a few back roads and enjoy the drive. Outside of town, the landscape opens into farmland, tree-lined roads and small communities, with plenty to see as the leaves begin to change.
For more time outdoors, head to Deer Creek State Park or A.W. Marion State Park near Circleville. Walk a trail, spend some time along the water or find a spot to enjoy the fall color.
Parks and trails throughout Pickaway County offer even more places to get outside while the weather is cool.
Make a Farm Market Stop
Fall and farm markets just go together.
Look for pumpkins, mums, apples, fresh produce, baked goods and locally made favorites at stops including Parrett’s, Mast Farm Market, Kirk’s Farm Market, Rhoads Garden Center and Fannin’s Farm Market & Deli.
These are just a few of the farm markets, growers and seasonal stands around Pickaway County. Keep an eye out as you travel the back roads. You may find another stop to add to the day.
Heading west? Lohstroh Family Farms sits just across the county line in neighboring Madison County and is another longtime fall destination in the area.
Farm market hours and offerings change with the season, so check with individual locations before visiting.
Make Lunch a Local Stop
All that exploring calls for something good to eat. Stop at Cherry Street Diner in Ashville, grab a pizza at Saltcreek Slice in Tarlton, or see what other locally owned restaurants you find during your drive.
Save room for something sweet. Crosstown Creamery in Tarlton is a stop for ice cream and desserts, while Country Cakes & Bakes in New Holland has plenty of bakery favorites to take home for later.
Make Time for a Little Shopping
Spend some time exploring downtown Circleville, where locally owned shops line the streets around the historic downtown. Browse for clothing, gifts, home décor and other finds, then take a walk around town before heading to your next stop.
Fall is also a good time to check out local shops in communities throughout Pickaway County.
Sip Something Local
Manchester Hill Winery produces wine and hard cider in the Circleville area, while M&O Spirits in Ashville offers locally crafted spirits. Tours of M&O Spirits can also be scheduled for a closer look at the distillery.
Stop in for a drink, plan a tour or make one of these local stops part of your fall drive.
Make Fall Your Own
Coffee in Commercial Point or Ashville. A drive through the countryside. Pumpkins from a farm market. A walk at Deer Creek or A.W. Marion. Lunch somewhere local. A little downtown shopping. Maybe a glass of wine or something sweet before heading home.
You don’t have to fit it all into one day. There will be another country road to take, another local place to try and another reason to come back.
Take the scenic route this fall in Pickaway County.
Find more places to eat, shop, stay and explore at Pickaway.com.
