In Northern Ohio, Brant's Apple Orchard Offers Guests A Sweet Slice Of Fall
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 30, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Hot temps, festivals galore, outdoor recreation aplenty — there’s pretty much nothing better than summer in Ohio. Except, perhaps, fall in Ohio. Especially in Northern Ohio, where the skies above Lake Erie are endlessly cerulean blue, and the crisp mornings and warm days conspire to create the most glorious, dazzling fall foliage in the country. (Sorry, Vermont!) And it’s not just foliage that colors the landscape of the Buckeye State each autumn; it’s our orchards. Fields and fields of glorious apple orchards, as far as the eye can see. Pumpkins often steal the show in the fall, but we’re partial to apples. From plucking a ripe, juicy orb right off a tree to enjoying fresh-milled apple cider — and fresh-baked apple cider donuts — apples are the original fall mascot. And in the Buckeye State, Brant’s Apple Orchard is the most picture-perfect, family-friendly apple orchard of them all; a family-owned and operated Ohio orchard that offers guests the sweetest slice of fall.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Massachusetts to Southern California.
Every fall, something beautiful happens in the Buckeye State; a seasonal sea change paints the landscape red, orange, yellow, and gold -- the autumnal ROYGBIV.
And in the heart of it all, there's Brant's, an 80-acre orchard in Ashtabula, Ohio, that's home to more than 3,000 thriving apple trees and known for growing the most delicious and beautiful apples in the Buckeye State.
With a picturesque pond surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fall foliage and flourishing apple trees, cheery red barns, and old-fashioned tractors, Brant’s Apple Orchard is one of northeast Ohio’s favorite autumn destinations.
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Roy and Debbie Brant established the orchard in the early 1980s and built a barn that houses an on-site bakery and farm market. In 2014, they sold the property to current owners Brian and Jenn Diehl, who have gone to great lengths to honor the practices established by the farm's founders while also forging their own traditions, too.
"My husband and I purchased the business as an investment but also to help keep this gem in our community for our fellow community members," says Jenn. "We used to go on dates to the orchard and take our kids there for fall events."
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With the farm up for sale and its future in the balance, the Diehls couldn't pass up the opportunity to continue the legacy of this Ohio apple orchard.
"We continued to build on what the Brant's had formed as a foundation," explains Jenn. "We re-added school tours, hayrides, a kids playground, walking trails, more events, lunch options, extended hours, and much more!"
With regard to the "much more," the Diehls have breathed new life into the market menu. While Brant's has long been known for their fresh-milled cider and apple cider donuts; today, it's the next-level extras like cider slushies and bourbon apple butter barbecue sauce that set it apart.
Brant’s cider is made on an 1895 cider press from a blend of several varieties of ripened apples, which results in a wholly unique and delicious drink. "Our cider is unpasteurized and just tastes better than other ciders!" adds Jenn.
And because one cannot live on cider alone, Brant's has a full menu of fall favorites that you'll be craving all year long. Their Pulled Pork Mac with apple butter BBQ sauce? It's legendary.
But Brant's is so much more than delicious donuts and bucolic beauty; it's a destination and an experience. It's the type of place folks return to, year after year -- it's fall fellowship and community.
These connections are the most rewarding part of being a small business owner, says Jenn. "I love the people we meet, the smiling faces. I love to see a reason for families to get together and make a family day out of going to Brant's Apple Orchard. I love when high school kids come back to the orchard for dates 'cause they remember doing a school tour here in grade school. I love to see our workers come back all grown up and tell us how their first job made such an impact on their lives."
To that end, Brant's is a true community cornerstone, donating leftover bakery items and apples to food banks, supporting local schools and veterans' groups, and even sponsoring two high school scholarships each year.
"We are part of the community and want to support our county in any way we can," adds Jenn.
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This spirit of community and "the village" is becoming a rarity these days. But in Ashtabula, Ohio, it's alive and well, thanks, in large part, to one inspiring little orchard.
"We feel there is so much to offer in our area and want to be a part of the county's appeal. If you come to our orchard, you cannot be anything but happy," Jenn says.
In an ever-changing world often filled with uncertainty, traditions give us something to hold onto and anticipate. They are a comforting constant we can look forward to, year after year.
Many thanks to Jennifer and Brian Diehl of Brant’s Apple Orchard for sharing the story of their delightful Ohio orchard. Learn more about Brant’s Apple Orchard at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Of course, Brant’s Apple Orchard is just one of the many amazing family-run farms and businesses in Ohio; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Ohio article. And be sure to follow Only In Ohio on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Buckeye State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.
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