Great Pumpkin Adventures in Central Alabama

There is just something about crisp, cool air, the rustle of falling leaves, and walking through rows and rows of pumpkins, trying to find that perfect one. Or two. Or five. Stumbling upon the right shape and depth of color, you bend to pick up your prize only to find one even better a few feet away. And then one better than that. You can already see the amber glow of hand-carved faces leering out at the passer-bys on Halloween night. So can your child, as she diligently tries to pick out a pumpkin for the cat. Yes, the cat. Each pumpkin has its own personality, and her imagination is limitless.

Where can a family find the perfect pumpkin? Many grocery stores sell them. Churches and boy scout troops sell them. You can find pumpkins to purchase with little effort. But if you want a true family adventure that you'll remember, make a trip to the pumpkin patch.

From September 30th through Oct 30th, Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Harpersville, Al explodes with colors and activities for the whole family. With Civil War re-enactments, an Indian village to explore, a playground, petting farm, cotton bounce, pedaled tractors for the tots, corn maze and hay maze, wagon rides, and arts and craft shows, it might be hard to find time to take the Dead Hollow Swamp hayride to the pumpkin patch. Fortunately they open at 9am on Saturdays, so with any luck you might fit all in. The Farm opens Sundays at 1pm, and 3pm on weekdays. They close at sundown. There is an admission fee, and please call to confirm events. 205-672-7209. This outing is perfect for schools and church groups.

The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden, Alabama is perfect for those who want to spend a few hours out, rather than making a full day of it. Like the Baker Farm they too have a petting farm and hayride to the patch, but they also provide a wonderful country store, picnic area, and a Big Red Barn where you can purchase crafts, smaller pumpkins, refreshments, and corn mill ground right on the farm. Kids can enjoy the inflatables and expend some of their energy on the bungy jump while you enjoy live music. In the large patch, pumpkins are placed in easily accessible rows, so there is no bustling or tripping while making your selection. This is a more natural, country fair type setting, and one I prefer. The Great Pumpkin Patch opens Sept 21st . They are open form 8am until dark on Friday and Saturdays, and 1pm until dark on Sundays. Weekday hours are from 8am until 4pm. Call 205-647-2183 for more information, or check the link provided at the end of the article.

How about a train ride to a pumpkin patch? The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama can do just that. Climb aboard for the Pumpkin Patch Express and travel to fun! Jump stations, face-painting, coloring, and a hayride round out this trip. Don't forget to select your favorite pumpkin! Tickets for adults are $15, for children ages 2-11, $10. Price of pumpkin is not included. 1-800-943-4409 or 205-668-9900 for fax.

After all the activities, take time to really roam the pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect pumpkin that everyone can appreciate. Let this be your true, close family hour. Let all of the family members have their say. Agree then and there what face to carve. It'll be like adding a new member to the family. That evening, pop in Charlie Brown, let the little ones get their hands slimy, and don't forget to roast those seeds! Make this a wonderful family tradition that everyone will look forward to.

www.oldbakerfarm.com
www.greatpumpkinpatch.com
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/ALpbham.php