Autumn Festivals in Iowa: Fruit, Vegetables, Hayrides and More

When you live in the heartland, autumn is an especially enchanting time of year. Here, in the area around Des Moines, Iowa, there is an abundance of beauty, color and excitement in the air. And there is an abundance of harvest, as well. Corn, all kinds of vegetables, apples and more are available at farmers' and country markets all around.

Additionally, all the little farms and orchards in the area overflow with produce and canned and baked goods. Many offer family entertainment, homemade cider, handmade items for sale and more. It really is a great time to enjoy what the great state of Iowa has to offer. Here are some best bets:

Deal's Orchard Fall Festival - October 13th & 14th, 2007 - 1102 244th Street, Jefferson, Iowa. A few highlights: Horsedrawn Hayrides ot the Pumpkin Patch, Haunted House, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Straw Maze, Arts & Crafts, Lot's of great food and a Cider Press.

Center Grove Orchard and Farm - "The Farmyard", 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, Iowa. "The Farmyard" is open September 1st until Thanksgiving. A "Farmyard Pass" for $6.95 gets you in to: hayrides, a hay castle, corn maze, one room schoolhouse, farm animals, goat walk and more. Additionally, of course, they have several varieties of apples and a country store.

Cedar View Apple Orchard Festival - October 13th and 14th, 2007 - Nashua, Iowa - 641-435-2085. A few hightlights: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, apple maze, food

Pella Fall Festival - September 22, 507 Franklin, Pella, Iowa - A few highlights: The Historical Village will be decorated in fall regalia. Craft demonstrations, quilt show, flower show, games, soup supper and more.

Seymour Fall Fling - October 13, 2007 - Seymour, Iowa, 641-895-2577 - A few highlights: Giant pumpkin contest, fire department children's activities, salsa contest, flea market, food vendors, more.

Here are some local orchards that don't have events planned, but still have a wonderful bounty of produce to choose from:

Appleberry Farm - 2402 West Main Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 - Marshall County - Phone: (641) 752-8443 - Apples: Cortland, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Macintosh, Jonathon, Wealthy, Chieftan, Honeycrisp - August thru Halloween 8:00 am 'til 6:00 pm daily. Other months have shortened hours.

The Berry Patch Farm - 62785 280 st, Nevada, Iowa - Ready-Picked Red Raspberries, Apples, and blackberries PLUS Pick your own raspberries and apples - Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Mornings 8 - noon.

Cumming Orchard - 284 R45 Highway, Norwalk, IA 50211 - Warren County - Phone: (515) 981-4413

Winterset Apple Orchard - RR 1, Winterset, IA 50273 - Madison County - Phone: (515) 462-3034

Each orchard and farm has its own unique personality and style and its own unique offerings. But there is an overall climate of fun at each and every orchard I have been to in the past. Whichever one you choose, you're likely to have a very satisfying and bountiful excursion!