Pumpkin Picking Problems

Oblivious to the ridiculous day we're having...

In past years, Jayson and I have gone to local Serres Farm for our pumpkins. It's a family owned farm just down the road from us. This year, we wanted a "bigger" experience: a hayride, apple cider, petting zoo--anything a local place could offer. We got numerous recommendations to visit Jubilee Farms, and Jayson knew right where it was, as it's near Carnation Golf Course. We headed there on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Laine gets a whiff of the piggies at Jubilee.

This was our first stop. Yes, I said "first stop." Of three. Yes, I said "three." We got to Jubilee to find it a bit deserted except for some school kids that were riding away in a hay truck. We walked around a bit, not knowing which direction to head to the pumpkin patch. We watched two big pigs roll in the mud and eat peppers. We went inside the barn to see where to go pick pumpkins, where the only employee told us she didn't "know where the picking field was this year," and just shrugged. "It might be that way," she pointed left..."or that way," she pointed right. She told us we could buy any of the pumpkins around the barn, though. Hmmm...not what we were hoping for. We hung around looking for guidance from someone else, but no one was to be found except for a few people picking up their crop share (which is really cool and I'd love to do!) who couldn't direct us either. We decided to go to Remlinger Farms, which was only a few minutes away. **I must note that once we got home, we went to Jubilee's website where we learned that on Saturdays and Sundays they have all their activities: hayrides, farmers market, cider and concessions, kids hay maze in the barn attic, etc. I think we'll try there again next year!

Photo op at Remlinger...the only good thing about it!

Remlinger's seemed like a promising option. We'd been there before, and of course LOVE their pies! We parked and headed inside, Laine shouting with excitement at all the scarecrows lining the walkways. Once inside, we were floored. $15.25 per adult for the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Yes, this meant we could ride the rides, train, petting zoo, and pick your pumpkin. We were just not prepared to pay that much! Maybe next year--when she can actually ride the rides. We left, defeated. Time to go to Serres Farm!

Found a pumpkin! Too green to pick!

We were still a bit disappointed--most pumpkins were still green, and there weren't any white pumpkins or gourds ready for purchase yet. We picked out a big round one and headed home. (I got my white pumpkin and other ones at QFC...I know I'm a sell-out.)