There’s nothing that signifies fall is in the air like crisp mornings, changing leaves, and most of all, pumpkin patches! Cynics out there will pan millennials around this time of year for drinking pumpkin spice lattes and wearing big furry boots, but we know the truth: fall is the best season.
It’s a welcomed end to summer’s blazing temperatures, and best of all, we get to go to pumpkin patches! I’m not sure that I’ve conveyed yet how much I love pumpkin patches.
A Quick History
Believe it or not, pumpkins actually originated in North America, even though the word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word for “large melon.” Natives cultivated this giant fruit for thousands of years, until the pilgrims also decided that they were delicious and invented pumpkin pie. In fact, you could argue that pumpkin pie is more American than apple pie!
Add in the fact that, during Halloween, we carve pumpkins with silly faces and place them on our front porches, you can easily see how pumpkins are a major cultural and social icon. They’re practically synonymous with fall, and maybe best of all, pumpkin becomes more and more hilarious every time you say it. Pumpkin. Pumpkin. Pumpkin.
So What About Pumpkin Patches?
Pumpkin patches are basically the best. Not only can you pick pumpkins right of the vine, but some places have awesome things like hayrides, corn mazes, petting farms, and even craft workshops. This is a fun-filled family event that everyone should enjoy this season.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how and why pumpkin patches came about. The logical thing is that a smart farmer somewhere knew that pumpkins would be one of his last crops before the winter, wanted to figure out a way to capitalize on fall mania, and he came up with the first pumpkin patch. Ever since that genius pioneer blazed the trail for fall fun and merriment, the craze spread all across the USA.
Find one close to you!
Just like everything in the world, some pumpkin patches are bigger and better than others. We recommend doing your research to find the best pumpkin patch near you. Here are just a few amazing pumpkin patches that are a must see this fall:
The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois
- They have over 300 varieties of pumpkins from over 30 different countries...all grown here
- They have a bunch of family friendly animals to pet: Chickens, rabbits, alpacas and llamas...that's right LLAMAS.
- They have mazes, wagon rides, shops, a museum...yeah, 'nough said.
Roba Family Farm in Dalton, Pennsylvania
- They have a pumpkin patch corn maze, farm animal center, hillbilly pig races and singing chickens (you read that right, singing. chickens.)
- The funs not over...they have a pumpkin cannon.
- They have Pink Pumpkin weekend in October to support breast cancer awareness
- Once Halloween is said and done, you can head back for Christmas trees after Thanksgiving!
Roloff Farms in Hillsboro, Oregon
- Best known for their role on TLC show, Little People, Big world - this family farm is the best
- They have pumpkin salsas, gift barns, wagon tours, pony rides and more! This is perfect for a fall trip!
For more, check out this list with some incredible destinations and attractions. But for goodness sakes go outside and enjoy the fall!
