Fall has finally arrived, and Halloween is just about a month away. The next few weeks will be filled with various seasonal activities including hayrides, scenic hikes and pumpkin carving.
Most people buy their pumpkins from grocery chains like Stop & Shop, Big Y and Price Chopper, but here are some places where you can get the best pumpkins while also supporting local farmers.
In Vernon is Strong Family Farm, which is what it sounds like: a family-owned farm.
This working farm came to light in 1878 and began its journey raising turkeys. Since then, its farmers have grown from raising animals to growing plants, vegetables and flowers on their property.
On Oct. 18, the farm will hold its annual harvest festival filled with one-of-a-kind pumpkins to choose from, friendly animals to pet and memories to make.
Another amazing farm, and a personal favorite of mine, is Foster Family Farm, located in South Windsor.
What started as a small dairy farm in 1790 grew into a lovely place for livestock and people alike. This farm has everything: from a beautiful courtyard to ginormous pumpkins, scenic hayrides, corn mazes and super cute sheep. The farm also hosts field trips for daycares and elementary schools.
On Oct. 2, Foster Family Farm will host a safari night at the corn maze. This event is a wild night with animal-themed trivia and games. Speaking from past experiences, this is definitely a fun night out with friends and family.
Scantic Valley Farm, located in Somers, is another gem.
As its website puts it, this farm loves to “harvest happiness” through its various plants and flowers.
Known for its delicious blueberries and strawberries during the summer season, the farm also offers a variety of different kinds of pumpkins in its pick-your-own pumpkin patch, accompanied by its one-of-a-kind twisting, spiral corn maze.
The last farm to mention is Edmondson’s Farm Nursery, located in Coventry. This farm is another family-owned farm operating since 1932.
It is open seasonally and offers everything from vegetable plants to large and small pumpkins.
Edmondson’s also offers carving supplies to those up for the challenge. Although it’s quite simple to buy a cheap, $5 supply carving kit from Price Chopper or Spirit Halloween, the outcome from using better, more stable supplies is worth it.
Cheap carving kit tools break easily and more often than not, end up leaving your pumpkin with a sloppy design. At Edmondson’s, buying a carving knife for 10 dollars can make your carving experience transcendental.