Time to Pick Some Pumpkins

photo by bwilhelms

I have one rule about pumpkins: pumpkins come from a field and never, ever from a bin at a grocery store (no matter how enticing – and convenient – those bins full of pumpkins seem!).  Ok, I’m stepping off my soapbox now :0)

Visiting a pumpkin patch is one of the highlights of the Halloween season and there are several local farms in the area to choose from.  Many offer special events and activities on the weekends – see online links for details.  And remember, always call ahead before visiting a local farm!

Blue Jay Orchards – 125 Plumtrees Road in Bethel #(203) 748-0119

• If you’re up for a day-trip, consider visiting Blue Jay Orchards during the weekend.  Tucked within the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, Blue Jay Orchards is in a quiet country setting and surrounded by the colors of Fall.  Enjoy a hayride on Saturdays and Sundays through their orchard to the pumpkin patch (behind the store, not the small patch alongside the road).  Pick a few more apples as you wander through the orchard.  Bring a picnic and supplement with goodies from their Farm Store (i.e. apple cider donuts).  Or, keep it simple and have hot dogs for lunch and kettle corn for dessert – both available on weekends only.  When you leave, let the kids nap in the car while you take the scenic route home.  We stumbled upon Key Rock Road/Poverty Hollow Road, a designated Scenic Route off of Route 302.  Follow this road to either Sport Hill Road or Route 58, both of which will lead you back to the Merritt Parkway.  Even if you get a little lost along the way, the countryside is so beautiful you’ll hardly mind at all.

Jones Family Farm – 120 Beardsley Road in Shelton #(203) 929-8425

• Jones continues to be our favorite place to pick pumpkins.  It’s not too far away and has the best selection of pumpkins around.  I definitely suggest bringing a picnic because there’s no close place for food.  Treat yourself to Beardsley’s cider and donuts on the way home (off Route 110).  To read more about why we love Jones, click here.

Bishop Farms – 500 So Meriden Road in Cheshire #(203) 272-8243

Bishop’s Orchards – 1355 Boston Post Road (US Rte 1, I-95 Exit 57) in Guilford, CT #(203) 458-7425

Clover Nook Farm – Fairwood Rd in Bethany #(203) 393-2929

Johnny’s Roadside Market Garden - 346 Brainard Road in Enfield #(860) 763-1300

Ives Farm – 1585 Cheshire St in Cheshire #(203) 272-5847

Lyman Orchards – Jct. Routes 147 and 157 in Middlefield #(860) 349-6015

Plasko’s Farm – 670 Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull #(203) 268-2716

Rose Orchards – 33 Route 139 in North Branford #(203) 488-7996

Silverman’s Farm – 451 Sport Hill Road in Easton #(203) 261-3306