Fall has it all including pumpkin picking. PHOTO CREDIT: Ashlyn Messier
Having a hard time getting in the fall spirit? That’s okay, I’m with you. If you’re anything like me, it’s getting a bit harder to get out of bed in the morning as the temperature gets colder by the day, and days turn to nights even faster. Well, sweater weather is here and it’s time to pull out the jackets and strap on some warm, fuzzy boots for an activity that screams fall: pumpkin picking.
Pumpkin picking is truly one of my favorite fall activities and is an easy way to get in the fall spirit. More than that, going pumpkin picking isn’t just about actually picking the pumpkin, it’s about all of the activities that come with it. Most farms have a lot of different activities to do in addition to pumpkin picking, like hayrides, corn mazes and lots of other goodies to look through other than just the pumpkins. I went to Clark Farms, which is a super quick, 15-minute ride from campus. I grabbed one of my best friends and my sister to come along for the journey, and the three of us started our day of fall fun.
The first step to pumpkin picking is establishing what you are looking for. As much as I love getting a big pumpkin, and feel like I just have to get one to carve and display every year, I also love the teeny tiny pumpkins you can get. Some of them are orange, some are white, others are lots of different colors, but they are all so cute. It’s also really fun to get a few little pumpkins and some gourds to make a little display in the front of (or inside) your house.
When I started my search for a bigger pumpkin, I looked for one that was not too big, because those are really heavy and awkward to carry, but one that was longer and a little bit smaller. After holding up tons of pumpkins and lining my favorites up next to each other, I found the one I wanted to get. It was a little bit lopsided, but it still worked for me.
Of course, I had to take advantage of all the cute fall setups on display at the farm. There was a red truck with hay in the back and a small display of pumpkins and gourds organized on top. I love getting inspiration from displays like this to implement in my own home for some fun fall decorations.
After picking my pumpkin, I made my way home to keep the fall fun going. I brought my pumpkin in front of the house until I was ready to carve it, and went inside to watch my favorite fall movie, “Hocus Pocus.” I went into the kitchen before I started the movie and made some apple cider. Did you know that you could buy apple cider K-cups and make apple cider right in your Keurig? I recently realized this and I have been obsessed ever since. Pumpkin picking, apple cider and “Hocus Pocus” was definitely the way to get myself in the fall spirit.
There are so many fun fall activities, but pumpkin picking is one that I have always enjoyed. Now, all there is left to do is carve my pumpkin!