The Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves is a charming and delightful event with a special place in my heart. I've attended this festival since childhood, and it wouldn't feel like fall if I didn't go. The festival takes place in the picturesque town of Bainbridge, Ohio, amid the stunning fall foliage adorning the area, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Getting There
As you go to the festival, you'll be greeted by the beautiful fall foliage, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the adorable houses built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, decorated for Halloween. Once you arrive at the festival's center, you'll see a large white tent that beckons you to enter. Inside, you'll find many vendors selling various items, from trendy t-shirts to Scentsy products and delicious home-baked cookies courtesy of the Cookie Jar.
Food and Drinks
As you exit the tent, you'll come across an array of food vendors offering a variety of cuisines. Make sure to stop at R. Kitchen, which offers an eclectic variety of food, including the delicious pork tenderloin sandwich. The 634 Coffee and Cafe inside the Paxton Theater is the perfect spot to enjoy various hot and cold drinks, including flavorful caramel lattes and sweet tea. Remember to grab some waffles to enjoy as you walk around the town; it's a perfect breakfast for the festival.
The next shop, Pap's Hilltop Honey and Distillery is next to the post office. Here, you will find
local honey, swag, jellies, and jams, and you will be able to purchase --wait for it-- moonshine. I bought a ticket for a dollar to sample 4 thimbleful of drinks. I started with the coffee moonshine, which had a pleasant flavor and was on the lower end of the spectrum at 50% proof. I then sampled Caramel Apple Pie and Peach; they were at 70% proof and burned and lingered. I mentioned in other posts that I don't drink, but I was curious about what moonshine tasted like and found out. The proprietor laughed at me the whole time.
I recommend the Caramel Apple Pie.
Shopping
Exploring Main Street is a must-do activity at the festival, and you'll come across the
charming Ancient Valley Mercantile. Once upon a time, this establishment used to be Lloyd's Furniture store. Still, it is home to antiques, curiosities, and fine art. If you're looking for a restoration project or new decor for your home, be sure to stop here. As you stroll, you'll come across local sellers with yard sales, where you can pick through the odds and ends until you come across unique finds to take home with you.
Carnival Rides
For those with little ones, the carnival rides are a must-visit attraction. An all-day hand stamp is available for $25, providing access to unlimited rides that cater to every age group. There is something for everyone, from the gentle rides for the young ones to the more daring ones that will spin you until you can't walk straight.
Legends Pit Stop
After indulging in the carnival rides, head back through the food vendors, where you'll come across the bulk of the food vendors. If you're not interested in those, you can always go to the Ironside Bar and Grille. However, be warned that when we arrived there to get some sliders, we were informed that no food would be served for an hour, so timing is essential. Otherwise, you'll have to walk to another vendor. Thankfully, we could locate Legends Pit Stop, where we indulged in some tasty smash burgers and excellent crispy fries, which hit the spot for an empty tummy.
Events
Throughout the day, there are plenty of events to enjoy, including the car show, stage karaoke, and pageant. So be sure to check those out while you're there.
Parking and Admission
Parking and admission are free, but arriving early is best to find the best parking spot. This festival is well worth the trip if you enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, great food, and quaint small towns with a lot of character. The Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves is one of Ohio's best fall festivals. It should be on your list of must-visit attractions this autumn season.
Conclusion
The Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves is a must-visit event in Ohio. With its breathtaking fall foliage, delicious food and drinks, unique shopping experiences, exciting carnival rides, and entertaining events, there's something for everyone. Remember to secure the best parking spot early and take advantage of the free admission. This festival is undoubtedly one of the best ways to celebrate the fall season. It should be on your list of must-visit attractions this autumn.
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