Thanks to Lee Tasseff of Mansfield & Richland County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau for providing this most helpful information.
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates Mansfield, Ohio peak foliage season?
Generally peak foliage arrives in mid-October but that stage can vary depending on annual seasonal temperature swings. The full season can last from mid-October through early to mid-November.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Mansfield that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
Mt. Jeez near Malabar Farm is fantastic. You are up high enough to see three counties, rolling hills and lots of trees spanning the countryside.
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
State Routes 97, 603 and 39, Pleasant Valley Road and Possum Run Roads.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events are taking place during the 2009 Fall foliage season?
Ohio Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park
Saturday Night Hayrides – Malabar Farm State Park
Haunted Wagon Rides – Blueberry Patch Friday and Saturday night in October
Prairie Peddler Festival
Fall Family Fest – Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Visit www.mansfieldtourism.com to get information on these and other events.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
Yes. The Renaissance Theatre, Malabar Farm State Park, Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Kingwood Center
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Mansfield.
The Ohio State Reformatory Haunted Prison Experience, Gorman Nature Center, Richland B&O Bike Trail
What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Apple Hill Orchard is a great place to pick apples, dring cider, taste their famous apple donuts, hang out by the fire, etc…Perfect for families.
Wayne’s Country Market has a hay maze, swinging rope, inflatable pumpkin for kids to bounce around in, wagon tours and lots and lots of pumpkin and fall items to decorate your yard with!
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
Yes. Malabar Farm, Kingwood Center, Oak Hill Cottage.
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
Malabar Farm State Park, Wayne’s Country Market, Apple Hill Orchards, Blue Berry Patch, Richland B&O Bike Trail, Heritage Days at Malabar Farm, .Saturday Night Hayrides – Malabar Farm State Park, Haunted Wagon Rides – Blueberry Patch, Prairie Peddler Festival and Fall Family Fest – Ohio Bird Sanctuary 10/17
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
Go to www.mansfieldtourism.com to get a lot more information on local dining treasures, B&B’s, hotels and more.
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling Mansfield for the fall foliage season?
We aren’t “America at its Best!” for nothing. Mansfield is one of prettiest areas in Ohio with nationally known attractions and events during the fall (and throughout the year). With elegant dining inside and out located in the country side to go with the abundance of fall events and attractions it makes a perfect location for a quiet or fun-filled family getaway. Just call 800-642-8282 or better yet, look us up and see for yourself at www.mansfieldtourism.com.