This year has flown by, and I am not sure if I am truly ready to let go of summer as it was filled with endless sun and much needed time with family. I am not someone who decorates for Fall immediately after Labor Day, but when October hits...count me in. With all that COVID has given us, local travel is now the new norm. So this Fall take a short road-trip to a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard in order to get away and get your travel fix safely. Most pumpkin patches have apple orchards or other fruits to pick on their grounds. However, many of them also offer things like: hay rides, petting zoos, corn mazes, homemade ice cream, and (my personal favorite) APPLE CIDER DONUTS. So, I have outlined some of the more popular pumpkin patches in the North East for your convenience. If you've ever been, feel free to share your favorites with me as there may be some I haven't been to and should see in person this season. If I had to choose, my favorite from the list below, I would visit Alstede Farm in New Jersey, as they truly do have it all. The below spots are in no particular order, but are all wonderful options. Enjoy the spots below In - what I am calling - The Great North Eastern Pumpkin Tour. New York: Waterdrinker This is such a cute little farm! It has sunflower fields, Tulip Fields of every color, haunted corn mazes, pumpkins, and a variety of happy, furry friends! You can even bring your own pet with you to the farm! This is a great place for everyone as it's perfect for kids, OR taking instagram photos. No matter which walk of life you are in, you will have a blast here. Also, they are prioritizing their COVID-19 safety precautions, which means things may be a bit different than you're used to, but it is all to keep you safe!. Visit Their Website Admission: $10 during the week $15 on Saturday and Sunday. Address: 663 Wading River Road, Manorville, NY 11949 F/W Schmitt family farm This farm HAS. IT. ALL. Hayrides, pumpkins, mini golf, great photoshoot locations, and Long Island's largest straw pyramid [which is great for the kids!] This is a very well known farm and can be a bit crowded, but is definitely worth a visit. Be sure to pick your own pumpkin that's the perfect size for carving before you leave! Visit Their Website Admission: $10 Address: 26 Pinelawn Rd, Melville, NY 11747 The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze This is not a pumpkin farm but it's more of a pumpkin exhibit/ spectacular. Glowing pumpkins, pumpkin carousels, and anything you can possibly think of. They have made it...out of pumpkins. It's something that you need to see in the evening in order to truly experience it. The tickets can be purchased online. [Note: they DO NOT sell tickets there so be sure to grab yours before you go.] They do have COVID measures in place as well, and are only allowing a certain number of people to walk through at a time, so plan accordingly. Buy Tickets
Admission: $48** Most weekends are soldout*** Address: Van Cortlandt Manor 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 Connecticut: Scott'sYanker Farmers This place gives me a very warm feeling which is why I chose it for the list. The farm is quaint with the cutest little farmstand on the grounds. They have a corn maze, and a photo area with a hollowed frame for you to take a picture in front of their sunflower fields. They also have apple cinnamon donuts and they seriously look so good... my mouth has not stopped watering. Be sure to try one on your next visit. Visit Their Website Admission: $5 admission fee for up to 5 people. Each additional person is $1 which will be paid upon arrival. Address: 436 Boston Post Rd, East Lyme, CT 06333 Silverman's Farm Silverman's Farm is a family friendly destination, but this one is a bit unique. Although most of the farms do have animals, this one has a much larger animal portion than the others. Their animal farm homepage is marketed as 'From bunnies to buffalo', and that pretty much sums it up. Enjoy everything that you would expect from a pumpkin patch, with the added cuteness from these furry friends! Visit Their Website Admission: Not listed online Address:451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612 Jersey: Johnson's Corner Farm When I say that Johnson's Corner Farm has everything, I mean it literally has everything. This farm in Jersey has a huge selection of fruits, veggies, sweets, jam, etc. to choose from. Their grounds are well kept and offer a variety of things to do! They also offer some unique experiences throughout every season and for some special holidays so this isn't just a fun place to visit in the Fall! If you live in Jersey and can make the drive, this place is sure to impress. Visit Their Website Admission: $5 during the week, $6 on the weekend Address:133 Church Rd. Medford, NJ 08055 Alstede Farm Alstede Farm is another farm that has a lot to offer in New Jersey. Not only do they offer just about everything the other farms have, including fresh flower picking in their flower fields and pony rides, BUT they have homemade ice cream. Yep, you heard that correctly - HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. There's nothing better than a fresh batch of ice cream straight from the farm. The only thing I can't help you with is choosing a flavor. Something else that makes them unique is that they offer wine tastings, which is something you all know I enjoy. Grab your girlfriends and head out to the farm for a few hours of tastings! Visit their website Admission: Pricing varies based on day/time and activity. Address: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester Township, NJ 07930 New Hampshire: Mack's Apples Mack's apples is known for it's apple orchards, but has a lot to offer on a crisp Fall day. Like Alstede, they also have a homemade ice cream stand with a variety of flavors. What makes this place unique is that they also have trails for mountain biking or hiking! I love that they offer outdoor space and a way to exercise right on their grounds! It's a nice place to visit and be outdoors while maintaining a safe distance from others. Visit Their Website Admission: Pricing varies based on day/time and activity. Address:230 Mammoth Road Londonderry, NH 03053 Riverview Farms This farm has a massive variety of apples [15 different kinds] to choose from / pick. They have a corn maze and a lot of fun other activities to offer during the day! One thing I love about this farm is their transparency about their COVID safety rules. They have made it clear that safety is their first concern, and have even shut down some of their most popular attractions like their pony rides to make sure everyone stays safe. I love a business that is concerned for everyone's safety, so I wanted to share them as a part of this blog for that reason. They do also offer private classes for small groups. Stay tuned for wreath making classes around the holidays! Visit Their Website Admission: Pricing varies based on day/time and activity. Address:141 River Road Plainfield, NH 03781 Massachusetts: Sauchuk's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch Although this place doesn't offer as many attractions as some of the other farms, Sauchuk's offers quality over quantity. Their corn maze is HUGE and will definitely take a while to navigate so you should arrive early! They are known for the maze, but also offer pumpkin picking too! Enjoy your day at the maze, and be sure to book ahead as some weekends sell out quickly. Visit They Website Admission: $15.95 Address: 200 Center Street Plympton, MA 02367 Wojcik Farm This is our final farm, but it is definitely a place for a visit in October! Wojick farm offers a large variety of 'to-dos', similar to the other farms, but they sold me with their apple cider donuts. I am CRAVING them and cannot recommend them enough, so be sure to buy one when you go. This farm is incredibly picturesque and is the epitome of 'old school'. Their grounds are well kept, and inviting, and it truly is what their website describes: "a day in the country." https://wojcikfarm.com Admission: $10 for the corn maze Address: 65 Milk Street, Blackstone, MA 01504