Okes Family Farms in Cool Ridge, WV -Where Fall Traditions Come Alive

Ingrid Lemme
Sep 20
3 min read

Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut

Saturday, September 20th, marked Opening Day at Okes Family Farms in Cool Ridge, West Virginia—and it couldn’t have been a more perfect kickoff to autumn. From the moment we turned down the farm lane, the season embraced us: rolling hills stretched into the distance, woodsmoke drifted on the breeze, wagon rides waited at the ready, children’s laughter carried across the yard, and the unmistakable aroma of apple butter simmering over open flames filled the air.

Right after the check-in tent, we were welcomed by Jennifer and Kevin Okes, the husband-and-wife team behind the farm, along with members of their family. Their warmth set the tone for the day ahead.

Pumpkin Picking

We began with a tractor ride to the pumpkin fields, joined by a family of five—a father, mother, and their three daughters, who have been coming here since the eldest was born 12 years ago. With wheelbarrow in tow, they were on the hunt for their perfect picks.

The fields were pure autumn magic—bright orange pumpkins nestled among green vines, some small enough to cradle in one hand, others so large they needed two people to carry. As we searched, another family rumbled past on the returning wagon, laughing and proudly balancing their harvest. Soon, we had our own perfect pumpkins, ready to load up as the tractor came back around.

Corn Maze Adventures

With pumpkins paid for and stowed in the car, Marcus and I set off into the corn maze. Towering stalks and twisting pathways turned the maze into a puzzle of laughter and discovery. We managed to get lost more than once, but that was the fun—turning corners, stumbling on new paths, and running into fellow wanderers equally determined to find the exit. Every dead end brought smiles; every breakthrough, a small cheer of victory.

Apple Butter & Family Heritage

In another barn, a copper kettle of apple butter had been bubbling since morning. Kevin, who runs the farm with Jennifer, stirred the thick mixture with practiced ease, joined by his father, uncle, and a couple of agriculture students from the local high school.

For Kevin—an agriculture teacher at Shady Spring High School and a member of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Board for more than 15 years—this is more than cooking. It’s heritage. He learned the craft from his uncle, the family’s apple butter expert, and now passes it on to the next generation.

Farm Animals & Barnyard Friends

Close to the barn, the barnyard was alive with sound and excitement. Horses leaned over the fence, their soft eyes following visitors who reached out to pat their muzzles. Goats jostled playfully for handfuls of feed, while sheep grazed quietly nearby, occasionally lifting their heads to the delight of the children.

What struck me most were the kids—faces glowing with wonder, some of them meeting real farm animals for the very first time. They giggled as goats nibbled from their hands, pointed at the sheep, and pressed close to the fences to stroke the horses and cattle. For families who rarely get the chance to see farm animals up close, the experience was pure magic.

Bees, Honey & Country Charm

Inside the barn, we met the beekeeper from Haga’s Apiary, who keeps hives right on the Okes property. Rows of colorful boxes line the tree line, where thousands of bees work to pollinate the crops and create jars of golden honey. Each spoonful tastes of West Virginia itself—wildflowers, clover, and forest edges captured in liquid amber. Bottled in nearby Sophia, this honey has become a fall favorite for visitors who want to bring home not just pumpkins, but a flavor of the land.

Fall Fun, Every Week

Best of all, the celebration doesn’t end after Opening Day. Okes Family Farms is open every weekend throughout the season—Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Families return again and again, knowing each visit holds something new: a hayride, a fresh-baked treat, or simply time outdoors together.

Getting there is simple too—just enter Okes Family Farm into your GPS. From Glade Springs Resort, it was only a 15-minute drive for us.

A Celebration of Community

What struck me most was how seamlessly fun and community blend here. Okes isn’t just a pumpkin patch—it’s a classroom, a gathering place, and a living tribute to West Virginia’s agricultural heritage. Kevin and Jennifer don’t just welcome guests to their farm; they invite them into a tradition. Watching Kevin’s students guide wagon rides and lend helping hands alongside families who’ve been coming for years made it clear: this farm is rooted in people as much as it is in land. www.okesfamilyfarms.com