Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)

Branstool Orchards is one of our favorite u-pick orchards to visit in Central Ohio. We always pick peaches and apples (sometimes twice) each year, and they have so many offerings from Summer through Fall. 

Located in Utica, Branstool Orchards is about 40 minutes from Columbus, and it’s worth the drive! (Trust me….there’s a nearby ice cream stop that you can’t miss below). You can definitely make day trip out of it.

The orchard is home to 40+ varieties of apples, 20+ varieties of peaches, pears, flowers, sunflower field, and pumpkins. There’s a extensive playground for the kids to enjoy, and a huge farm market once produce is ready for the season.

The grounds are beautiful, so enjoy the scenery while you’re there. Events are held throughout the season, and often have food vendors on-site during weekends and events. 

Events at Branstool Orchards

Farm Market

Farm market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in June from 10-5.

Pickle Fest at Branstool

Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Join us and The Crazy Cucumber for a celebration of all things dill pickle! Foods, drinks, pickles, pickle slushies, and dozens of other pickle flavored items.

This event is free to attend but tickets must be purchased to visit the Sampling Tents where more than 30 pickled/dill foods will be available to taste (must book timed tickets to prevent long lines). 

Expect food trucks with pickle dishes, pickle drinks, pickle donuts and slushies at The Donut Hut, and so much more!

See website for more details.

U-pick at Branstool Orchards

Crop availability is always subject to weather, pests, and crowds.

Peaches at Branstool

Over 24 acres of peach trees and over 20 different varieties!

U-pick peaches expected in mid/late July. Southern peaches available in market until then. Check website or Facebook for crop availability. 

Picking ends one hour before close so on Tuesday-Thursday it will end at 4pm, Friday-Saturday at 5pm, and Sunday at 4pm.

Pick a peck of peaches for $25 or a half peck for $15. Each person ages 5 and up must pay a $2 field fee to enter the orchard this year.

Apples at Branstool

They grow a huge variety of apples, so plan to visit different times of the year to enjoy the varieties. You won’t find rows of fruit trees overcrowded with people, and long lines of cars when you pick here. U-pick apples are mid/late August – late October/early November. 

I like to pick early varieties to enjoy in August/September, and then we ALWAYS go back for Goldrush apples at the end of the season. These will last in your fridge or cool area for months!

Picking ends one hour before close so on Tuesday-Thursday it will end at 4pm, Friday-Saturday at 5pm, and Sunday at 4pm.
Pick a peck of apples for $25 or a half bushel for $35.

Each person ages 5 and up must pay a $2 field fee to enter the orchard this year.

Other Orchard Fun

After we finish u-pick and visit the market, we take some time for the photo ops around the farm, including the beautiful lake, seasonal decorations, and more.

The kids LOVE the playground, so we count of spending some time there (and count on them getting dirty too!). This photo below is only a portion of the play area! 

Velvet Ice Cream Factory

If you’re driving you Branstool Orchards, you MUST stop at Velvet Ice Cream Factory just a few miles away. Ye Olde Mill opens for the season in May. See our write-up about visiting Velvet Ice Cream Factory and Ye Olde Mill.

Jitterbug Cafe & Parlor

Another great stop just down the road from Branstool Orchards is Jitterbug Café! This is one of my favorite coffee shops, and it always worth the stop if you are in the area. (Open Tuesday-Saturday until 3 pm).

In addition to brunch and breakfast, they offer a wide-assortment of pastries, beverages and gluten-free goodies. The menu and décor are 1920’s era speakeasy themed for a fun experience. Facebook | website

Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill Utica Ice Cream Festival and seasonal events

Branstool Orchards
5895 Johnstown Utica Rd
Utica, Ohio, OH 43080
(740) 892-3989
website | Facebook

Past events at Branstool

Sunflowers, Zinnias, and more

TBA for 2025! Fill a jar for $15 or a French bucket for $25. We also have pricing for just a few flowers. Check in at the market first. Flowers are for everyone!

Check website for details about bloom.

Professional Photography for Peach and Apple Blooms

See details for professional photography policy, application procedure, and fee schedule. 

Peach blooms should be ready for photography (unless there is a freeze out) about April 10-25.

Apple blooms should be ready for photography (unless there is a freeze out) about April 25-May 10. 

Dates are approximate. Check website or Facebook for updates.

Peach Party

TBA 2024

The normal time frame for peaches is mid-July to mid-September but they lost most of the crop to bitter cold December temperatures and driving winds.

They predict our only variety that made it completely through the cold snap will be Contender and those should be ready about August 12. We are planning lots of fun to celebrate the peaches that did persevere through the cold!

Pollinator Celebration

tba 2024

Join us at the market to learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and the vital role they play in food production. There will be an observation bee hive, honey samples, photo opps and more!

Sample Sunday

Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM  3:00 PM
Join us at the market to sample products from Branstool Orchards and several of our vendors.

Applepalooza

tba 2024 from 10:00 AM  4:00 PM
Join us to celebrate all things APPLE!

Squash Celebration

tba 2024 from 11:00 AM  3:00 PM
Join us at the market to talk SQUASH! Let’s discuss the varieties and how to cook and serve them!

Sample Sunday

TBA 2024 from 11:00 AM  3:00 PM
Join us outside of the market to sample products from some of our valued vendors.

Pups, Pints, & Pumpkins

tba 2024 from 11:00 AM  3:00 PM
Bring your dog to the orchard to help us celebrate fall on the farm with pumpkins, pups, and pints! Small bar with all proceeds going to charity.
 
Have questions about any of our events? Please call us at 740892-3989 or email branstoolorchards@gmail.com