It’s no secret that autumn has always been my favourite time of year. I’ve spent most years cosied up in rainy Wales, savouring the warm drinks and crisp, cool air that signal the season’s arrival. But as I scroll through social media, year after year, I can’t help but be captivated by the way Americans seem to celebrate the fall season.

From expansive pumpkin patches and golden sunflower fields to apple cider donuts and festive corn mazes, the sheer romance of an American fall is irresistible. So, when I was invited to Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival during our Florida trip, I was beyond excited to finally immerse myself in a quintessential American autumn.

Southern Hill Farms isn’t just a place, it’s an experience built on a foundation of farming and community connection. Their mission is clear and heartfelt: to provide the freshest, highest-quality produce while creating a space for families to make lasting memories. They believe in teaching visitors where their food comes from, who grows it, and how a little fresh air and sunshine can rejuvenate the soul. As someone who appreciates the importance of local organic fruit and vegetable farming, I found their ethos inspiring and their farm an absolute joy to explore.

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When we visited, Southern Hill Farms was transformed into a fall wonderland. The sprawling farm offered something for everyone: vibrant sunflower and zinnia fields you could stroll through and pick from, a picturesque pumpkin patch brimming with every size and colour imaginable, and an enchanting 5-acre corn maze. For a creative touch, you could even pick flowers to craft your own floral arrangement - a truly gorgeous way to bring a piece of the farm home with you.

The farm wasn’t just about scenery, though. There was a palpable sense of celebration, with live music playing under the food truck barn and a fairground bursting with rides for the kids. From a giant fun slide to a carousel and rock climbing wall, my children were in their element. The best part? Entry passes included unlimited access to all the rides, making it easy for the little ones to explore everything. For a touch of nostalgia, we hopped on a tractor ride that gave us a full tour of the farm, letting us soak in the beauty of the fields and the crisp fall air. And of course, no fall festival would be complete without yard games and face painting to round out the family fun.

Fall flavours were everywhere at Southern Hill Farms, and the food was an absolute highlight. Food trucks offered a variety of seasonal dishes, from hand-tossed pizzas and authentic tacos to juicy smash burgers and Latin cuisine. Sweet treats were plentiful too - I couldn’t resist the hot apple cider donuts (a fan favourite!), warm apple cobbler, and pumpkin cookies. For adults, there was a Beer Shed serving local craft beers, seasonal frozen drinks, and even mimosas. If you’re a sports fan, you didn’t have to worry about missing your favourite game either; flat-screen TVs under the food truck barn played all the weekend’s biggest rivalries. As the sun set, the farm took on an even cosier vibe with fire pits perfect for roasting s’mores. Kits with roasting sticks were available for purchase, and the smell of marshmallows toasting over the fire was irresistible.

Everywhere you turned, there were stunning photo opportunities, from the vibrant fields to rustic barns and festive pumpkin displays. Southern Hill Farms even had a thoughtful touch for those who came to shop or pick pumpkins: a complimentary pumpkin holding area so you could enjoy the festival hands-free before taking your treasures home. The Southern Hill Market was another gem, filled with handmade lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balms, candles, and even local raw honey - perfect for bringing a little piece of the farm back with you.

Visiting Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival was everything I’d hoped for in an authentic American fall experience and more. The vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and sense of community made it a day to remember. If you’re in Orlando during the fall season, this is one stop you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Southern Hill Farms captures the magic of autumn in a truly unforgettable way. And as I sit back in Wales, looking at the photos and sipping on a hot apple cider, I already know I’ll be dreaming of returning in the future.

Book to visit here: https://southernhillfarms.com/

Instagram: @SouthernHillFarms

Facebook: @SouthernHillFarms