For RV travelers, these seasonal events offer the
perfect opportunity to park in scenic locations, explore rural landscapes, and
enjoy family-friendly activities. With farms and small towns catering to RV
enthusiasts, you can easily plan a trip to multiple harvest festivals this
fall.
Here’s a roundup of the top harvest festivals in
the U.S. for RV travelers, each offering unique experiences and plenty of fall
fun.
1. Apple Harvest Festival –
Ithaca, New York
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Ithaca’s Apple Harvest
Festival is a must-visit for RV travelers, celebrating the bountiful harvest of
apples. This annual festival is a celebration of all things apple, offering
fresh cider, apple donuts, pies, and local craft items. Families can enjoy live
music, entertainment, and plenty of apple-picking opportunities at nearby
orchards.
RV-Friendly Tip: The Finger Lakes area is perfect
for RV travelers, with numerous campgrounds and RV parks nearby. Take advantage
of Ithaca’s proximity to scenic state parks such as Taughannock Falls, where
you can park your RV and explore the stunning waterfall views before heading to
the festival.
2. Harvest on the Harbor –
Portland, Maine
Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor is a food lover’s
dream come true, especially during the harvest season. This festival celebrates
Maine’s rich agricultural heritage and coastal seafood with a blend of
farm-to-table cuisine, local spirits, and artisanal goods. Sample Maine’s
famous lobster dishes alongside fresh fall produce and enjoy a culinary
experience like no other.
RV-Friendly Tip: Portland is an excellent
destination for RV travelers, with campgrounds just a short drive from the
city. Stay at a nearby RV park and enjoy the stunning fall foliage as you explore both the
festival and the scenic coastline.
3. Circleville Pumpkin Show –
Circleville, Ohio
Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” the
Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the
country. Held every October, this event boasts giant pumpkins weighing over
1,000 pounds, pumpkin-flavored treats, parades, and carnival rides, celebrating
the significance of this staple crop. Kids will love the pumpkin pie-eating
contest and the creative pumpkin displays.
RV-Friendly Tip: Circleville offers plenty of
RV-friendly options. Nearby campgrounds and RV parks make it easy for travelers
to stay close to the action, and the town is welcoming to RV visitors. This
charming Midwest town is a great base for exploring more fall attractions in
Ohio.
4. Harvest Festival – Arroyo
Grande, California
Arroyo Grande’s Harvest Festival is the
quintessential small-town autumn celebration, featuring a parade, live
entertainment, local food vendors, and a scarecrow-building contest, all while
celebrating the diverse crops harvested in the region. Situated on California’s
Central Coast, this event combines coastal charm with classic fall fun,
including hayrides, pumpkin patches, and plenty of arts and crafts.
RV-Friendly Tip: RV travelers will find several
parks along the coast, with easy access to both the festival and the nearby
beach towns. Stay at one of the many RV parks that cater to travelers seeking
coastal views and fall activities all in one trip.
5. National Apple Harvest
Festival – Biglerville, Pennsylvania
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple
country, the National Apple Harvest Festival is a two-weekend event celebrating
the new crop and all things apple. From fresh apple cider to homemade apple
butter, this festival has it all. Attendees can enjoy tractor rides, apple pie
baking contests, craft vendors, and live country music performances.
RV-Friendly Tip: Gettysburg is just a short drive
away, making it a perfect stop for RV travelers interested in both history and
harvest fun. There are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds in the area, many of
which provide full hookups and easy access to both the festival and the
historic Gettysburg Battlefield.
6. Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin
Festival – Elk Grove, California
Elk Grove’s Giant Pumpkin Festival is a
family-friendly event that takes place during the harvest time, featuring
massive pumpkins! The festival includes a pumpkin weigh-off, where giant
pumpkins often reach record-breaking sizes. In addition to pumpkin-related
activities, there are carnival rides, a pumpkin regatta, and even a pumpkin
derby.
RV-Friendly Tip: Elk Grove is RV-friendly, with
campgrounds nearby offering easy access to Sacramento and the surrounding
areas. After you’ve had your fill of pumpkins, take your RV on a scenic drive
through the nearby vineyards and farmlands.
7. Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch –
Oakland, Nebraska
For a down-home harvest experience, head to
Oakland, Nebraska, where the Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch offers an authentic
farm experience centered around pumpkins, a staple crop. This family-owned farm
features a massive pumpkin patch, corn mazes, hayrides, and fun activities for
kids like petting zoos and playgrounds. It’s a perfect stop for RV travelers
seeking a quieter, more intimate festival.
RV-Friendly Tip: Nebraska’s countryside is filled
with RV parks and open spaces, making it easy to find a peaceful spot to park
your RV. Many farms in the area are accustomed to RV travelers and offer ample
parking and warm hospitality.
8. Sonoma County Harvest Fair –
Santa Rosa, California
For wine lovers, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair
offers a blend of grape stomping, wine tasting, and agricultural exhibits.
Similar to the veneration of Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, in Bali, this event
also celebrates the region’s harvest with farm-to-table cuisine, local crafts,
and family activities. The grape stomp competition is a favorite for visitors
of all ages.
RV-Friendly Tip: Sonoma County is full of RV parks
and campgrounds, making it easy to explore both the harvest fair and the many
wineries in the area. Stay in your RV and take in the stunning views of the
vineyards, all while enjoying fall activities.
9. Hershey Harvest Fest –
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Combining the fun of fall with the sweetness of
chocolate, Hershey Harvest Fest is held at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, marking
the end of the rainy season. The event offers a delightful mix of autumn-themed
attractions, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and, of course,
chocolate treats. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly
games.
RV-Friendly Tip: Hersheypark Camping Resort is
ideal for RV travelers who want to stay close to the action. The resort offers
full hookups, shuttle service to the park, and plenty of amenities, making it
easy for families to enjoy the festival and the park without worrying about
accommodations.
10. Baldwin County Fair &
Corn Maze – Robertsdale, Alabama
Head down south for the Baldwin County Fair in
Robertsdale, Alabama. Similar to the yam festival, this harvest-themed fair
features a classic Southern experience, with livestock shows, corn mazes,
pumpkin patches, and plenty of fairground rides. It’s a wonderful way to
explore the Gulf Coast while enjoying the fall festivities.
RV-Friendly Tip: The Gulf Coast is a prime
destination for RV travelers, and the Baldwin County Fair offers RV-friendly
parking options nearby. Enjoy the warm autumn weather, and consider taking a
short drive to the beaches after the festival.
11. Washington State Fair’s
Harvest Festival – Puyallup, Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, the Washington State Fair’s
Harvest Festival in Puyallup, which occurs around the fourth Thursday of
November, offers a perfect blend of agricultural exhibits, fall activities, and
scenic surroundings. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin carving contests, apple cider
tasting, and festive rides. The beautiful fall foliage in Washington makes it a
perfect time for an RV road trip.
RV-Friendly Tip: Washington State has plenty of
campgrounds and RV parks for travelers. The Harvest Festival is close to Mount
Rainier National Park, giving RVers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the
Pacific Northwest after attending the event.
12. Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’
Festival – Stowe, Vermont
For something a little different, check out
Vermont’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe. Marking the beginning of the
harvest season, this quirky event involves launching pumpkins across fields
using homemade catapults. It’s a family-friendly event with a lot of
excitement, live music, and great food, set against the beautiful backdrop of
Vermont’s autumn landscape.
RV-Friendly Tip: Vermont is an RV traveler’s dream, with
stunning fall foliage, scenic campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Stowe’s RV parks offer breathtaking mountain views, making it easy to relax and
enjoy both the festival and nature.
Plan Your Ultimate
Family-Friendly Fall Road Trip with Cruise America
With so many harvest festivals across the U.S., RV
travelers can create their own autumn road trip itinerary, much like a
Thanksgiving celebration of gratitude for bountiful harvests. Many of these
festivals are conveniently located near RV parks or campgrounds, making it easy
to explore multiple events in one trip.
Whether you’re into pumpkin patches, apple picking,
or enjoying the best farm-to-table cuisine, these harvest festivals offer
something for everyone. Pack your bags, load up the RV, and get ready for a
fall adventure filled with crisp air, scenic drives, and seasonal fun.
Taking an RV trip allows you the freedom to roam
from one harvest festival to the next, experiencing the very best that fall has
to offer.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 25/10/2024