UPDATED for 2011: Whether you pluck your own apples fresh from the tree or bag’em from the bin, you have plenty of local orchards to choose from in the Mahoning Valley.
September is upon us, so it isn’t too early to start thinking about all things apples: cider, homemade pies, fritters, jellies, salads, marinades and sauces infinitum. A family visit to the apple orchard has become a fall tradition in Northeast Ohio and AllAbout Apples.com lists over 100 orchards and farms to choose from. Orchards can be found in every county of the Mahoning Valley – so you won’t have far to travel. (Orange Pippin and All About Apples have merged their two websites under the Orange Pippin domain. Check out the new interactive Orchard Map. Awesome.)
A Spotted Salamander (
The Thirteenth Annual Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival returns to Lincoln Park. The mission of the Festival is to celebrate the cultural and artistic diversity of Tremont and Greater Cleveland by encouraging the artistic and cultural endeavors of its visual and performing artists.
Here at the Lordstown Apple Cider Festival, September 16,17 and 18, you can watch as experts turn apples into fresh, sweet apple cider. This annual fall event also features a craft and flower show; musical entertainment; mechanical rides and carnival games; and a variety of food available. Also don’t miss the 5K run on Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
The Hartford Apple Festival, a long time tradition in Hartford, Ohio, returns the weekend of September 16,17,and 18. It has food and rides, parades and games, crafts, history, apple peeling and pie eating contests and apples, apples, apples. Go join the fun and share a bit of Hartford History! We’re told this years apples couldn’t be better!
According to Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), so far this year, the weather has been favorable for quality fall color. Despite somewhat irregular rain showers in the summer months, many trees seem to have recovered from the 2010 drought with our very wet spring of 2011.
Get ready for two spectacular Fall days in the Woods at the 
Successful volunteer efforts at Mosquito Lake State Park were recognized with the Volunteer Park of the Year Award for 2010, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).