Spanning across over 50 acres of land, Honey Haven Farm has been an Ashland tradition for years. The farm itself has been in John and Deb Boyer’s family for generations, as they have lived there together since their married in 1973.

The family has been operating their “pick-your-own-pumpkin” patch since 1999 and their corn mazes since 2000. In the most recent years, they have added their own on-the-farm farmers market, added a straw maze and petting zoo, as well as country store and refreshments to create an enjoyable experience for the entire family.

In the past few years, Honey Haven has not only seen a big draw from families, but also from a large number of Ashland University students. 

Senior Nick Hall made his first visit to the farm this year after being encouraged by the Boyer family.

“My friend and I were out taking pictures of the sunset one night this summer when we met the owners of the farm near their house,” Hall said. “They told us about the festival and how we should bring college students to join in the fun. When fall came, we headed over to the farm and had a great time.”

Each weekend in October, for the farm’s fall festival, Honey Haven hosts a variety of different events.

This weekend at Honey Haven is supported by the Ashland Country Food Bank and the farm is offering two dollars off the admission to the corn maze in exchange for a donation of canned goods or non-perishable items along with a pie-baking contest. 

Honey Haven’s activities and events are attractive to college students who are approaching the middle of the semester and experience an extra amount of work and stress. 

Sophomore Kaitlin Bean and her friends spent their Sunday at Honey Haven this past weekend.

“My friends and I decided to take a trip to the farm to take a break from schoolwork and make some new memories with best friends,” Bean said. “We heard about Honey Haven from other friends and we saw videos and pictures of all the different activities you can do there, which really convinced us to make a trip out there. Honey Haven was definitely better than what I expected it to be. It’s a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.”

Along with AU students going to Honey Haven with friends, campus clubs have also made their way to the fun fall filled farm.  

Ashland’s Campus Activities Board brought some of their members over the weekend as a type of bonding experience.

“I went to Honey Haven as a CAB retreat in order to have a fun time and get to know and hang out with new “CABbies” that had recently joined,” senior John Benko said. “For the past few years we have decided to go to Honey Haven for this retreat. It’s so close and so much fun! It is the perfect way to get into the “fall” spirit! Plus the pumpkin ice cream…need I say more?”

In such a close proximity to the AU campus, Honey Haven, traditionally an attraction for families and children, has become one of the most popular trips students take during October. 

The Fall Festival season will continue throughout the month of October, but the farm remains open throughout the rest of the year.