Part of autumn is enjoying the cooler weather, changing leaves, and the new season for fresh produce. Nothing says autumn like a weekend getaway to a local orchard to pick your own fruit or select that pumpkin for Halloween. Here are a few suggestions for city dwellers to enjoy the natural wonders of fall while learning about local farming.
Local Orchards
Check out local farm to table gardens and fruit orchards. Learn about free tours or fall festivals hosted by local farms over the weekends in November. Many local growers depend on city folks to increase exposure to not only how food is grown and delivered to the grocery store but also the work involved with running a successful farming operation. The land and resources might be scarce but urban farms thrive in many areas. Here’s one example in Wilcox, Arizona of an apple orchard and sustainable farm that has onsite apple picking for families. Consider planning your visit on a weekend to take advantage of lunch on the farm and the pumpkin patch nearby.
Pumpkin Patches
If you still need to pick out your pumpkin for Halloween, check out local farms for pick-your-pumpkin weekends or special harvesting events. An Arizona farm in Dewey, Arizona which is an hour drive from Phoenix is open year-round and hosts special autumn activities. Kids would love the Corn Maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking which lasts through October. Enjoy a leisurely Saturday enjoying the cool weather and homemade food in the County Store. In addition, pick out that perfect pumpkin for your next Jack-O-Lantern and capture the memories for your kids. Don’t forget to check out the hours of operation to plan your perfect fall getaway.
Finally, don’t limit yourself to the autumn season to visit local farms. Many parts of the country enjoy a mild winter and growing seasonal fruits and vegetables happen year-round. This gives you and your family a few ideas to check out on your next free Saturday or Sunday. Remember to have fun on your real-life farm experience and understand how our food supply operates. You also learn what it takes to bring your family fresh produce to your dinner table every night. Enjoy your local farmers and be sure to check back every few weeks for other travel ideas for your family. Safe travels!