Agritourism is big business, estimated to harvest $9.2 billion this year, half of that in the United States alone. A significant slice of the pie is generated by pumpkin patches, with Americans spending an estimated $762.8 million on pumpkins last year, according to analysts at Finder. While many associate picking your own pumpkin with the Midwest, the northeast portion of the U.S. has the most interesting offerings.
Historians tell us pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants, grown as early as 7,500 to 5,000 BC. The orange gourd is tied to our nation’s history, as one of the crops the natives helped European colonizers grow. Pumpkin patches are a more recent invention, sprouting up in the 1970s and ‘80s.
The most recent USDA agricultural census in 2022 records more than $4.5 billion earned by agritourism, a 33% increase over the previous five-year period. Analysts say that it could potentially double in the next five to seven years.
Every state has at least one pumpkin patch, even Alaska and Hawaii. Americans love pumpkin patches for a lot more than just photo ops, looking for corn mazes, tractor rides and picking opportunities.
New England
Much like fall leaves, New England and the tri-state area boast the best pumpkin patches you really must see. The small town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, may have only 36,000 people, but it boasts the largest pumpkin patch in the state at Adams Farm. Voted the best pumpkin picking in Rhode Island, on account of their large selection, the farm also has plenty of family-friendly activities like hay towers and mazes, and herds of animals to meet, pet and feed. The 101-year-old farm also has the largest corn maze in Rhode Island and their own brewery to keep parents happy while their kids explore.
There’s no shortage of pumpkin picking opportunities in Williston, Vermont. The Isham Family Farm showcases multiple pumpkin patches over its 108 acres. Nestled in the heart of Chittenden County, the location is a popular wedding spot and features a big barn theater with live performances and plays. In addition to their corn maze and pumpkin picking, guests can also check out the sugar house and learn how to make maple syrup.
Sustainability has been the rule since the now-500-acre Jones Family Farm was founded in 1858. The seventh-generation family farm makes a point to honor the Indigenous people who lived on the land before they arrived with the “Tale of Three Sisters.” The Pumpkinseed Hill area has oodles of pumpkins to pick, towering sunflowers, a corn maze and a 20-minute hayride farm tour that includes their Christmas tree farm.
The Treworgy Family Orchard, in Levant, Maine, was voted the best pumpkin patch in America three years in a row, and prides itself on 8 miles of pumpkin and squash and award-winning corn mazes.
Just outside of Portland, Maine, discover how much fun it can be to get lost at Pumpkin Valley Farm. In addition to affordable pumpkin picking, the 5-acre cornfield maze is exciting to explore. Kids can enjoy riding the cow train, or playing in the corn pit and jumping pillow.
Combine two fun fall activities at Stowe Farm in Millbury, Massachusetts. Before or after you pick your pumpkins and apples, hop on the train at Stowe station and get a leisurely tour of the fall colors across the Blackstone River Valley. Ride a mechanical bull, take horseback riding lessons or let kids take their first pony ride.
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, New Jersey, hosts the Great Pumpkin Festival, the largest fall festival in Northern New Jersey. In addition to pumpkin picking and other gourd-inspired activities, check out the stunt dog show, let your kids do a spider web crawl, and check out the Alice in Wonderland-themed corn maze.
Founded in 1886, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, New Jersey, has the largest Halloween light show, more than 32 acres, a crooked house village and a very popular spooky hayride. For pumpkin picking, get an online field reservation or book a private hayride tour of the orchard.
There are cornfield mazes and then there’s Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, New Jersey. Every year, more than 10 acres of the farm are transformed into a themed maze with 3 miles of pathways and a lookout bridge. Pick your own pumpkin, check out the Pumpkinville pumpkin houses, or try your hand at pumpkin bowling.
Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck, N.Y., offers 8 acres of on-the-vine pumpkin picking, a gnome maze, a “Wizard of Oz” themed corn maze and tons of farm animals in a petting zoo. Can’t find the perfect pumpkin there? Ask and they’ll give you directions to one of their other two patches.
Step back in time to pick your pumpkin at Decker Farm in historic Richmond Town on Staten Island. Established in 1810, Decker is New York City’s oldest continuously working family-style farm and farm museum. Get a glimpse of colonial life, then exorcize your 21st-century stress with a round of pumpkin chucking.
You’re not allowed to pick the pumpkins, but if you’re in New York City, make time to check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Nowhere else can you see more than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. Kids will enjoy the life-sized dinosaurs, while parents grab a drink at the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway.
The pumpkin you pick
Pumpkins have long been a staple of the fall season in America, from the earliest indigenous peoples to European settlers through today. Pumpkins are versatile fruits, whether you’re using them as decorations, carving a jack-o-lantern or transforming them into tasty Thanksgiving snacks. No surprise that they’ve taken a place in the growth of agritourism, helping to keep many farms alive while providing seasonal fun for the whole family.
Ksenia Prints is a food and travel writer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over at We Travel We Bond, writing about family travel off the beaten path.
The post Most unique pumpkin patches across the Northeast appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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