Fall festivals, corn mazes and wine trails await in Coshocton County

There's plenty to fall in love with in Coshocton County, especially during the autumn months. From festivals to foliage and from corn to wine and beer, there will be something to resonate with every visitor. The small-town charm of Coshocton and its surrounding areas set the scene, and guests leave rejuvenated for the busy coming months.

Relaxation around the bonfire at local Airbnbs, shopping in Historic Roscoe Village and the Downtown District, and comforting culinary staples make the trip extra sweet. Whether for a day or a weekend, Coshocton will be happy to welcome visitors from far and wide this fall.

The fall festivity Coshocton is most known for is the Historic Roscoe Village Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival, and this year's festival will be the 54th annual iteration. As visitors stroll the historic sidewalks of the village, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the festival, they will be transported to a land of sticky-sweet apple butter and orange-hued leaves.

More than 100 vendors are set up in the street each year, selling handmade crafts, food and more. Visitors can watch as apple butter is stirred in large cast-iron kettles and purchase some to take home. Live music takes place the whole weekend on the main stage, providing entertainment.

Living history tours also are available and are included with each guest's admission. This self-guided tour transports guests back in time to the 1800s canal era, depicting what a doctor's visit, a day at home, a visit to the blacksmith and other daily activities would have looked like then.

The locally owned shops and restaurants also will be open during the festival, allowing guests to start their holiday shopping. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.RoscoeVillage.com.

Another staple of autumn in Coshocton County is the Fall Foliage and Farm Tour hosted by Ohio State University Extension, Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District, and USDA Farm Service Agency. This drive-it-yourself tour is a complete mystery to those planning to attend — until the day of, when maps are available for pickup at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds.

The tour aims to educate attendees on the agricultural practices of the rural county while also entertaining them with things most people don't typically see every day. Past tours have included stops at livestock, horse and dairy farms; timber and furniture makers; vineyards; and historic sites. A lunch stop also is always included. Call Coshocton County's branch of Ohio State University Extension at 740-622-2265 for information.

One of rural Ohio's quintessential fall experiences is venturing through a corn maze, and Coshocton has ample opportunities to take part in that. Wine Your Way Out at Coshocton KOA is a wine and beer tasting corn maze taking place every Saturday in September. While navigating the maze, guests will encounter tasting tables showcasing local wines and beers.

Other hallmarks of the festival include food trucks and live music. Tickets and further information can be found at www.WineYourWayOut.com.

When October hits, the corn maze transforms into a fall haven for the whole family. McPeek's Mighty Maze, also taking place at Coshocton KOA, is a family-friendly corn maze festival held on all Saturdays in October, as well as the first Saturday in November. Wagon rides, a corn bin for play, food trucks and other activities take place each year.

From dusk to 9 p.m., Flashlight Nights will take place, a nonspooky nighttime version of the corn maze. Visit www.McPeeksMightyMaze.com for more information and to get tickets.

This year holds more opportunities for fall enjoyment, as the Friends of the Parks Half Marathon, 10k and 5k were rescheduled from April to Saturday, Oct. 25. The longer races will take place through Coshocton's Historic Downtown District and Historic Roscoe Village, in addition to the Lake Park Complex, while the 5k will remain in the park area. The late October date will provide beautiful running weather and great views. Runners can register at www.dkraces.com.

The Three Rivers Wine Trail also is a great source of fall fun this year. Wooly Pig Farm Brewery, a local brewery specializing in Bavarian-style beer, hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 this year.

The festival features Oktoberfest food, Festbier, Masskrug specials, a Masskrug holding competition (Saturdays), traditional Trachten attire, crafts, food specials and more. Killing Tree Winery also encourages a festive autumn spirit with its Corn-undrum Corn Maze, which features wine tasting throughout the maze as well.

For those wanting even more wine-related events, consider a sip and stay package at Coshocton Village Inn & Suites. The package includes a room for two, transportation to four Three Rivers Wine Trail locations by Cork and Tap Excursions, tastings at each stop, and a dinner voucher to a local restaurant. Call 740-622-9455 to book.