Fall in Central Ohio is arguably the most romantic time of year—cozy sweaters, changing leaves, perhaps a warm cup of apple cider for two…
If you’re looking to up your date night game, we’ve got the perfect itinerary that combines the beauty of the season with a little adrenaline and a few frights. You’ll spend the afternoon picking fresh apples and sunflowers, then end the evening with a spooky walking tour that’ll have you both holding each other tight—whether it’s from the chill in the air, a few frights, or maybe the pheromones are simply working overtime.
Without any further ado, here’s an awesome fall date idea for Columbus and Central Ohio.
1. Afternoon Apple and Sunflower Picking at Branstool Orchards
5895 Johnstown-Utica Rd NE, Utica, OH 43080
Start your day with a short drive to Branstool Orchards up in Utica, where you can bask in the glory of all the fall vibes. You’ll find rows upon rows of apple trees, with a wide variety ripe for the picking until early November. Wander through the orchard and fill your basket with as many as you can carry (but let’s not waste food here, only grab as many as you’ll eat!). But this stop ain’t just for apples. Branstool also has a sunflower patch that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Van Gogh painting. And nothing says “romantic afternoon” like picking fresh flowers to take home as a souvenir.
By the time you leave, you’ll be armed with the perfect fall bounty! Just make sure to pack a little picnic to enjoy while you’re there and savor the last golden hours of daylight.
Pro tip: Branstool is the ideal spot to soak in those gorgeous fall colors, so don’t forget your camera!
2. An Evening of Ghostly Tales at Greenlawn Cemetery
1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
After your scenic afternoon in the orchards, it’s time to shift gears for something a little spookier. Head back to Columbus for a ghostly walking tour at Greenlawn Cemetery with Columbus Ghost Tours. But be warned… this is no ordinary history lesson! Your guide, Bucky, is a master storyteller who knows the ins and outs of the cemetery’s eerie past, pointing out various prominent monuments, “residents,” and Civil War memorials. As you stroll through the gravestones under the cover of night, you’ll hear chilling stories of hauntings and spooky sightings that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
And let’s be real—nothing sparks a little romance quite like a good scare. If horror movies have taught us anything, it’s that couples always seem to get closer when things go bump in the night.
Ready to Fall in Love?
Whether you’re spending the afternoon picking apples and sunflowers or holding hands tight during a haunted cemetery tour, this date night is sure to bring all the fall feels. So grab your favorite flannel, hit the road, and embrace the season with an adventure that’s as charming as it is chilling.
