By Joshua Huff
Bluegrass Road Trips

With the changing of seasons, Boyd Orchards turns from the berries, corn and asparagus of summer to the spoils of fall as guests from all over Kentucky travel to Versailles to partake in apple and pumpkin-picking, hay rides, a corn maze and a playground guaranteed to tickle the fancy of even the most arduous child.
As the leaves slowly change color and the temperature begins its downward march, Boyd Orchards turns into a destination that has become synonymous with a getaway into the world of cider, pumpkin jams and candy apples.
The adventure begins after you turn off the meandering, country road and notice the sprawling grass parking lot situated around the barn-like structure that serves as home to the assortment of trinkets, fruits, delicacies and delights of Boyd Orchards.
Take notice, the weekend ushers in droves of people which makes for a less than ideal situation for those searching for a touch of serenity. Thankfully, Boyd Orchards is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The more hectic weekend hours begin Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Boyd Orchards is closed Mondays.
Upon walking through the arch and onto the grounds, you’ll notice — during fall — priced pumpkins littering the crowd. As you enter the facility, the smell of their homemade apple cider donuts assaults the senses. And apples, pairs, donuts, jams and fall-themed decorations decorate the shelves.
Take a walk through the back doors and the playground, with its 90-foot slide, three-story tree house and giant hay castle, appears. And just behind the playground stretches the apple orchards and seven-to-eight acres of pumpkin patches.
Guests are allowed to pick their own apples and select their own pumpkins. In the fall, guests can choose from apples, gords and pumpkins. An information table is set up just prior to entering the orchards for those looking for bags and prices.
For guests looking to partake in the numerous activities located throughout the orchards, it will set you back $12 for kids and $8 for adults. The price includes admission into the playground, animal center, hayrides and the corn maze. The train ride around the orchards is $4 per person.
Boyd Orchards also hosts events all throughout fall. On Oct. 22-23, the orchards will host the harvest festival, and Oct. 29-30 will be the last festival.
Boyd Orchards is located at 1396 Pinckard Pike in Versailles. The orchards sits amongst the rolling hills and farms of central Kentucky. It is just miles from Keeneland and the Bluegrass Airport.