VERMILION, Ohio — Did you know there are over 80,000 farms in Ohio? Some are big and used for industry. But then there are the mom-and-pop places you see along our country roads.
One of those is Krieg's in Vermilion, known for their strawberries, but everything from their farm stand to frozen custard makes it a "must-visit" for an essential Cleveland summer.
It's a quiet, hazy June morning in Vermilion. The first fruit of the season is ripe for picking at Krieg's strawberry farm, a summer destination in the area for over 30 years.
Family-owned and operated, Kriegs cornered the farmer's market when it came to strawberries.
“A friend of mine told me, he said, 'Gary, do what you do best and stick with it.’ That's what I did, and it's been a success for us ever since,” says Owner Gary Krieg.
Starting memorial day weekend, families can come to pick their own berries -- which has become an Instagram-able "must-do." But the real draw is the taste of fresh farm-to-table produce, even way beyond berries.
“I do have tomatoes over here, these are from Tennessee,” says Marcia Krieg, showing off her produce stands.
“People come from all over to get the Tennessee tomatoes. They're awesome tomatoes.”
Marcia says the mom and pop farmers have a co-op, knowing which farms can grow the freshest produce, and supplying the stands throughout the summer.
Vegetables are great, but the biggest draw at Kriegs? The frozen custard stand.
“During strawberry season, we sell lots of home strawberry shortcakes. It's warm buttermilk biscuit with vanilla custard our strawberries,” says Marcia
Whether it's the strawberry shortcake or a twist cone of custom flavors, the ice cream as a morning snack is just part of the experience.
You can find Krieg’s Farm Market at 3175 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on June 19, 2022.