The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus, OH: Farm Market & Café {review}
Want to know our favorite hidden gem in Ohio? The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus turned a random road trip stop into a yearly tradition – from the best Turkey Pretzel Club sandwich we’ve ever had to fresh apple cider you can’t leave without. Here’s why this charming farm market keeps us coming back!
Discovering The Pickwick Place
We discovered The Pickwick Place back in 2018 while driving up Route 4 from Dayton to Sandusky, Ohio to attend a conference at Cedar Point. After passing through the quaint town of Bucyrus, we noticed a lot of activity around three big red brick buildings.
Pumpkins and fall decorations adorned the exterior, and cars were filing in and out of the parking lot. We just had to see what all the fuss was about—and we are so glad we did!
Farm Market Experience
On our first visit, we were thrilled to find a large farmers market filled with local produce, baked goods, honey, syrup, apple cider, meat, sauces, and snacks.
We filled an entire shopping cart with treasures: Grape Hand Pies (out of this world fresh grape flavor!!!), Apple Butter BBQ Sauce (if you love sweet sauce, this is incredible!), Ohio Pure Maple Syrup from Harschuh Farms (as good as the best Vermont syrup), and gallons of fresh apple cider (do not leave without a gallon or two!)
Updated Market
In recent years, the market has expanded so they can provide even more items. The pictures above were taken during our most recent visit in September of 2024.
Swiss Made Grape Hand Pies, Apple Cider Slushies, Apple Butter BBQ Sauce, and Maple Syrup
Every time we shop, we find something new to try. We particularly love trying their unique apple sauce flavors and BBQ sauces.
Fresh Grocery Products at the Market
- Seasonal fresh produce selection – Choose from freshly picked apples, asparagus, rhubarb, watermelons, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, cherries, and more.
- Fresh Baked Goods – Be sure to stock up on delicious Amish breads, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, hand pies, cake pops & more. For the best selection, shop on weekends.
- Specialty food items and preserves – Don’t pass up a chance to try some of Pickwick’s relishes, salad dressings, BBQ sauces, honey, and maple syrup.
- Apple Cider – You’ll definitely want to try their apple cider slushies. Just be sure to drink slowly. Brain freeze is a real thing.
- Local Farm Fresh Meats and Cheeses – Bring a cooler along so you can stock up on beef, chicken, sausages, cheese, and butter.
The Café at Pickwick Place
On our first visit to the café, it was a food truck with outdoor seating. All of the tables were full and people were waiting for a place to sit. We figured the food must be good, and we were right! I loved my Peach BBQ Sandwich served with Peach Applesauce (a seasonal special) and Jim raved about the Turkey Pretzel Club and fresh-cut fries.
This lunch was so deliciously memorable that we decided The Pickwick Place Café would be a must-visit the next time we drove to Sandusky for the conference—and we’ve been every year since. We’ve even driven out of the way on three road trips to enjoy lunch and pick up our favorite items at the market.
We wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. We’d be regulars for sure.
Menu Offerings (and our favorites)
Over the years, we’ve tried many of their delicious menu items including their Orange Cranberry Club, Southern Peach BBQ Flatbread, Harvest Salad, and even seasonal Pumpkin Gnocchi.
Our favorite menu item is their Turkey Pretzel Club. Grilled turkey, bacon, cheese, and mustard served on top of a pretzel bun. It sounds so simple, but this sandwich is next-level!
All of the café’s sandwiches come with your choice of fries (excellent choice!), chips, fresh fruit, or apple sauce (be sure to try the seasonal flavors). Or you can upgrade to sweet potato fries (so good!), soup (haven’t tried), or fried cheese curds (amazing!)
Expansion in 2022
Thankfully, the café has expanded to include a large kitchen, indoor seating, and lots of places to sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch. It’s always packed with locals and travelers.
Hours
The Café is only open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly. You don’t want to miss out on a meal here.
The Stalls: Artisan Gifts, Antiques, and More
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore all that Pickwick Place has to offer.
There are three large red brick buildings on the property. One building houses The Market and Café, another houses The Lofts (a party space for weddings and events), and the third, The Stalls, is filled with locally handcrafted gifts, artisan wares, antiques, and unique treasures.
There are over 70 vendors. You could spend hours shopping!
You-Pick
The farm boasts you-pick apple orchards, you-pick pumpkin patches, and even you-pick flower fields.
Holiday Markets
The Market and the shops at The Stalls are filled with treasures for every holiday.
We’ve only visited in the fall and spring but would love to visit at Christmastime to purchase gifts, see their holiday displays, and enjoy their holiday activities.
Special Events & Activities
In addition to holiday activities, they host several festivals throughout the year.
We visited during the Fall Festival with our 16-year-old foreign exchange student, and we had a blast firing apple cannons, running in the Hillbilly Treadmill, racing rubber ducks, and more.
Planning Your Visit
- Location and directions: 1875 North Sandusky Avenue, Bucyrus, OH 44820
- Hours of operation: Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm Café Hours: Wed-Mon 9 am-6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
- Best times to visit: anytime! The market is busiest at lunchtime, and you’ll find the best selection of baked goods on the weekends. We found the shelves pretty empty on Monday (in 2024) when we visited.
- Parking information: There is plenty of free parking in their paved lots, but you may have to park in the grass during special events.
- Accessibility features: There are handicapped parking spots near the entrance to the market/café and a ramp for easy entry.
Conclusion
The Pickwick Place Market and Café is a must-visit destination on your Ohio road trip. Whether you’re stopping by for a farm-fresh lunch, picking up locally-grown produce, or attending one of their magical seasonal events, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you leave!
