The Ultimate Northland Pumpkin Patch Adventures
Oct 15 , 2023
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Hello pumpkin!
I am a pumpkin spice lover, a cozy sweater hoarder, and while I believe that every season is special, there is something about our Minnesota fall weather.
As our beautiful views change to the vibrant orange, burgundy, and yellow leaves, as our hikes have an extra crunchy sound under our feet, and as we add cinnamon into every drink, let’s soak up the short but lovely season that is Minnesota’s Autumn.
Join me as I check out our local favorite pumpkin patches in the northland!
These farms have so many activities for the whole family.
Farmer Doug - 3.2 Miles from our shop in Duluth.
Farmer Doug has been a family owned and operated farm in Duluth for the past forty years. They, of course, have a pumpkin patch, but also much more. With their retirement, owners Louis and Doug have cut back what they've been growing the last few years. But they still have their field of pick-your-own pumpkins, a maple syrup operation, a field of peonies and plants for sale, as well as a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. Both of their children are on their own farming adventures, one running the Duluth Flower Farm and the other leading Hoffbauer Tree Farm.
For Doug and Louis, farming and growing crops + flowers for all to enjoy is truly a family affair.
Ru- Ridge Corn Maze - 21 miles south of our shop in Carlton.
A family owned and operated farm with so many fun memory-making opportunities. Open in the fall of each year, Ru-Ridge just south of us in Carlton and has a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family. Their signature attraction is the eight-acre corn maze, with a different theme each year. Keep an eye out on their social media to see this season's theme. Their farm also hosts a haunted shack starting in October- tickets available for purchase. This beautiful Minnesota farm is worth the short drive out to the country!
Whoopsa Daisy Farm - 11 Miles from our shop in Duluth.
Whoopsa Daisy is a fall family farm. Open August-October. They also have a airbnb vacation rental. With a farm packed full of fun for the family, including the favorites Dino Land and their Fairy Garden! Plan your family visit, a field trip for your school, or even upcoming birthday parties!
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A bonus of making these family-owned farms part of your fall tradition: you are supporting a local, family owned small business! What's better than that?
So put it on the calendar and plan your trip to pick pumpkins, adventure throughout the mazes, and let your kids run wild in the country for an afternoon.
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5 Bonus Pumpkin Carving Tips:
1. Use an electric hand mixer to gut your pumpkin-saves so much time!
2. After carving your pumpkin soak it in an ice water bath for a few hours.
3. Rub vaseline on all the areas you cut, inside and the face of the pumpkin. This locks in the moisture.
4. Be sure to spray your pumpkin with either white vinegar or peppermint essential oil spray to keep pest away.
5. It is best to use battery operated candles instead of an actual candle to help your pumpkin last longer.
Happy Fall Y'all,
Olivia
Olivia Cahoon is North & Shore’s Social Media + Marketing Specialist. She joined our team back in June 2022. She has a huge passion for loving + serving people in everyday life. Her main focus in life is living in gratitude. When she’s not in the shop, or working from home- you can find her probably watching The Office with her Aussie Selah, soaking up all the time with her loved ones, tending to her mini-jungle of plants + praising Jesus for his faithfulness in her life.