3 Fall Activities To Do This Weekend

‘Tis the season for cozy sweaters, leaf piles, and pumpkin spice everything! Autumn brings its own set of unique, seasonal activities, and Emporia’s agricultural community has plenty to offer. The bounty of the season means plenty of goodies at the farmers market, plus hayrides and apple picking, so pack up the kids and take advantage of autumn in Emporia!

Farmers Market – 7^th Avenue between Commercial and Merchant Streets, Emporia, KS – It’s harvest time which means the farmers market is overflowing with locally grown fruit and vegetables. If you like knowing where your food comes from, here’s an opportunity to stock up on fresh produce straight from the grower. Homemade baked goods are also in abundance – pumpkin bread, anyone?  – while local artists display paintings, textiles, and more. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere. The Emporia Farmers Market takes place Saturday 8:30-10:30 a.m. May through October and Wednesday 5:00-6:30 p.m. June through October.

Roga Pumpkin Patch – 150 Road 140, Emporia, KS – Pumpkins for carving, pumpkins for decorating, pumpkins for cooking – whatever your pumpkin needs, Roga Pumpkin Patch has you covered. In addition to big orange gourds, you’ll also enjoy the hayride, maze, and a hay bale trail. Don’t forget your camera for fun photo ops! Roga Pumpkin Patch is open September 30-October 29, Monday -Friday 4-6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. -6 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

The Orchard – 1120 N Highway 99, Emporia, KS – Founded in 1992, The Orchard is a fruit farm & storefront located 6 miles north of Emporia, KS on Hwy 99. Pick a bushel of apples, play a round of mini golf, and catch up with the proprietors before loading your bounty in the car and heading home to enjoy your fresh apples. The Orchard sells a variety of Kansas made products and produce such as: fresh local fruit & produce, local honey, apple cider, Alma cheese and Kansas Country Blessing products. Don’t miss the fresh apple slushes, a local favorite! The Orchard is open September-December, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.