Embracing Autumn: Everything Pumpkin
While you are visiting our favorite local bookstores for some chilling and thrilling tales, or at your favorite local farm stand, why not stop and pick up a pumpkin on the way home?
Here’s what to look for: A fresh pumpkin should be solid to the touch. Avoid ones that have soft spots or sunken areas, as decay has already set in. Selecting good quality produce will ensure that your autumn display will be long lasting. High quality pumpkins have a firm, hard rind and are generally rich orange in color.
Why does Dev loves pumpkins so much?… Well, same reason you do - Pumpkins are special! They evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and tradition. They are not only a symbol of the changing seasons but also a reminder of the joy of celebration, creativity, and togetherness. These days in such a hectic and distracted world, the simple act of picking out a pumpkin can make us feel better. We start anticipating the holidays, and we start thinking of the wonderful aroma of pumpkin spice. So, our dear Devon is not alone in her love of all things Pumpkin.
For many Pumpkin carving is a cherished tradition during Halloween. Families and friends gather to carve intricate or spooky designs into pumpkins, creating jack-o'-lanterns that illuminate the night.
And lets not forget, pumpkins are featured in folklore, stories, and legends, such as the tale of Cinderella's pumpkin-turned-carriage. So what do you say....let’s put on our glass slippers and head out to look for that perfect pumpkin!
Where to look for pumpkins:
Wilson Farms - Lexington, MA
Wilson’s is always on Dev’s list this time of year. They offer a wide variety of pumpkins in various shapes, sizes, and colors. This includes traditional orange pumpkins as well as specialty varieties like white, striped, and heirloom pumpkins. Visitors enjoy visiting their pumpkin patch to pick their own pumpkins directly from the vine. Wilson has pumpkins that would make Charlie Brown proud!
Wilson Farm also offers other fall decorations such as gourds, cornstalks, hay bales, and decorative squash to help you create a festive autumn display.
Wilson Farm is known for its fresh and locally grown produce. You can find a wide range of seasonal fruits and vegetables to complement your fall cooking and decorating. Wilson also has a Farm Store packed with aisles of goodies from variety of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and more.
Farms like Wilson Farm often host family-friendly activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos during the fall season. These activities can make for a full day of fun.
Violent Farm - Needham, MA
Volente Farm in Needham Mass has plenty of pumpkins too. This top-notch farm store has everything you need for fall, the holidays, and beyond. Many people appreciate purchasing pumpkins directly from a local farm because they are often fresher and more recently harvested compared to those found at larger retail stores. Freshness can enhance the longevity of your pumpkins as decorative pieces. When we know our pumpkins are from a good local farm, we feel better, and Dev prides herself on supporting small business. Volente even has pumpkins spice lattes and muffins! Just more reasons we LOVE this place, and so will you!
IMAGE: Volente Farms
Verrill Farm - Concord, MA
Verrill Farm is a charming, family-owned farm in Concord. They have a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins. The farm stand also offers a selection of fresh produce and baked goods. We drove over to Verrill farm just the other day. As we stood out front of this cozy farm, the autumn air wrapped around us. It was crisp and invigorating. We love this time of year! We love farmstands, pumpkins and more....and we particularly love sharing all our findings & enthusiasm with YOU!
Pumpkin Martini Anyone?
Well, our Dev loves a Drunkin Pumpkin; just add vanilla vodka to a pumpkin martini AND your pumpkin will smile back at you, or at least it will feel that way. Dev recalls having her first Drunkin Pumpkin on the outside Patio of Donahue’s.