Your Guide To Fall Family Fun!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about fall, it’s that the season is meant to be experienced slowly — a cozy walk through orchards, the scent of fresh apples in the air, and the vibrant burst of colors from the flowers and trees around you. So, when we decided to spend a day in Essex County, I had no idea it would turn out to be the perfect mix of nature, nostalgia, and pure joy.
Feel free and COPY + PASTE this itinerary!
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We kicked things off at Eh Oh Farms, a beautiful little gem tucked away in Kingsville. If you’ve never picked your own flowers before, let me tell you – it’s a game-changer. The farm was alive with the kind of autumnal colors that made you feel like you were walking inside a painting. From vibrant sunflowers to deep marigolds, we wandered around, gathering the perfect bouquet to take home (with the help of Little Hannah of course). Jennifer said it’s a great alternative for your decorating needs, let’s say for a bridal shower or party favour. Also, If you’re a parent looking for a way to keep your little one busy, she says kids LOVE this activity.
There’s something about the gentle hum of bees and the crisp air that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of fall. Plus, how can you resist a photo op with a field of flowers under the golden sun?
The orchard was buzzing with people picking apples straight from the trees. It’s not fall until you bite into a crisp, juicy apple that’s just been picked. Not only that, their orchard had other tasty treats like Peaches, Blackberries and Raspberries too! Truly, their trees were so full.
Inside the store, we indulged in freshly made cider, donuts, jams, and other treats that capture the essence of Meleg’s farm’s bounty. We even bought APPLE SOAP! LOCAL is on the menu in store of course, so we grabbed some fresh English Muffins from Iron Kettle and some homemade pickles (among the other things in our haul). We even ate our donuts in the car!
It’s very obvious that Dana and Christine, and the staff working that day LOVE what they do and honour tradition year after year. It’s the kind of place where you can find something special to bring home, and the people behind the counter make it feel like you’re part of the family. It quickly became clear that this was a stop worth making every year.
My Mom and I made our way to Wagner Orchards along Lakeshore Road. Another quiet and peaceful Fall getaway, the kind of place where you can take a deep breath and soak in the beauty of fall.
Kids are free to roam and play on the equipment while Mom and Dad have a snack and mayyybe a sip of wine. I was very impressed by the number of wines they make, (even Hard Cider). Also impressive, their baked goods. Particularly the APPLE STRUDEL. The door kept opening with people coming in to pick up strudel ‘as good as my Grandma made’. Tons and tons of take home dinner options like Hormone & Antibiotic free meats like ribeye, ground beef, and pork chops.
It felt like we had all the time in the world to just enjoy the season. Katrina and her family make it THAT easy.
Don’t forget, after Halloween, they’ll take your jack o lanterns to feed to the animals as long as they are free of paint or other stuck on décor!
How have I never been here!? This is an all day stop for your family. The amount of games alone would take half a day: bowling, human fuse ball, grain bin basketball, playground equipment and more! Once you’ve tried everything, sit down and grab something from their food truck, there is a little something for everyone. That day Kingsville Brewery had a little mobile bar, so we had a lunchtime bevvy.
Once the kids fueled up, they wanted desperately to try the Corn Maze, something none of us had tried before. Ben gave us the run down, and we learned you can track yourself through GPS with a QR code, and choose EASY or HARD. It was a little scavenger hunt with a DISNEY theme that was magical for the Twins. I won’t reveal anymore, you must try it.
Allsop brought all the charm you’d expect from a family-run farm and market. We found everything from fall squash to giant MUMS. I appreciate that they labelled their Mums so you knew what colour they will eventually bloom into. The market is a true local favorite because there are so many kitschy homemade craft and décor items, plus cotton candy and other treats on your way out. The staff were a well-oiled machine and felt like the heartbeat of the community. Never been, you gotta go!
Do I even need to write anything here 😉 A STAPLE for Windsor Essex Families for MANY MANY MANY years.
By the time we hit Colasanti’s, we were all in full fall mode. Colasanti’s is more than just a place to pick up pumpkins; it’s an experience. Between the mini-golf, the petting zoo, and the variety of activities for kids, you can easily lose track of time here (but in the best possible way). They LEVELED UP their outdoor area! You wont be able to pull the kids away from the new peddle track. It was like mini-people Nascar. Their brand new playground COMPLEX felt like its own little wooden village. Nestled next to it was a Dino digging sand pit that’ll make your kids feel like they’re in Jurassic Park (minus the pure fear and blood thirsty Dinos).
After the kids fed the goats (my rule is you must feed one goat) we headed down the winding paths, walked by the pigs and found the whimsical hedge maze. I now know, I am a terrible navigator. We managed to get out thank goodness.
We packed it all in: Pizza, Broaster Chicken, Peach Juice, Donuts, mini golf, the arcade, I grabbed some pumpkins and some cactus (or cacti? ) – pretty on par for an autumn wonderland.
To wrap up our Family Fall Tour, we headed to Sauve’s Country Market in Woodslee. In business for about 4 years, I’m happy I’m finally discovering this place (and Family). Located quite literally on a farm, we rolled up the long driveway with huge silos in the distance. This charming market has everything you need to finish your fall shopping — fresh local produce, local jams, local hot sauce, local pies – you get the theme here – and of course, the most adorable autumn décor. Ashley sets our PORCH packages literally, complete with door, so you can get inspired. Vintage tractors and signs are peppered through the property, along with swaying porch swings for the perfect photo op. Lots for the kids to do on the property, complete with Corn Maze. The entry fee is donated to ChildCan – which supports children and families through childhood cancer. They even put on some NIGHT HAUNTs in the maze with live actors if your into jump scares and peeing your pants 😊
Ashley’s Dad John gave the Twins a surprise and offered to take us on a Tractor ride. We went through the winding woods and took a pit stop at their skating pond filled with frogs (my kids were PUMPED, there were so many!) I stayed on the wagon as I am sheepishly afraid of frogs. It’s small gestures like these that make all the difference and remind me why we need farmers like the Sauve’s in our community.
Scott and I stocked up on dinner: Steak, ground beef, local beets and pickles, Strawberry Rhubarb pie, and even Breakfast sausage. The kids chose freeze dried skittles (shocker).
I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. They embody the true spirit of hospitality, working tirelessly to connect us to the land and the food we eat.
I’m so excited to hear that their hard work is paying off, and they’re outgrowing their current store. It’s wonderful to see them thrive, and I’m sure their new, larger space will only bring more joy and local goodness to our community.
Plan your own Fall Fun Day with the Fall Event Guide and use the Pick Your Own Guide as a checklist for the quintessential fall activity — apple picking! (and pumpkins and flowers!)
Original Blog Post by: Morgan Malewicz
