Fall Tradition: Visiting the Great Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins, gourds, animals and hundreds of people enjoying a wonderful Fall day in Central Illinois are just a few of the things you will see at the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur. Visiting the site is an annual event for JC and I -- and each time I visit I can't help but think back to our very first Pumpkin Patch expedition.

Posing in front of the Great Pumpkin Patch.

Our first trip took place during the Fall of 2005.  JC had asked me out on a "real" date and decided to take me to the Pumpkin Patch.  I thought it sounded like a fun, unique first date so I was looking forward to the outing.  We spent the day looking at the animals, pumpkin displays and found a pumpkin to bring home to carve.  Seven years later, the Great Pumpkin Patch holds many special memories for us.   

Because of this, we always make an effort to return every year.  Through the years the displays have gotten more and more extravagant.  Additional animals are wandering the grounds and more tasty treats can be found at various stands.  Even though the Pumpkin Patch is continually changing one thing hasn't, visitors can still wander through the patch to find a special pumpkin.  If you don't want to put that much effort into it, opt for the lazy route (which is what we usually do) and find a pumpkin in the rows set up for sale, already picked. 

Walking through one of the mazes.

Pumpkin house.

If you live in Central Illinois, or visit the area in the fall, a trip to the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur is a great way to celebrate Fall.  After seven years, here is a list of my favorite things at the Great Pumpkin Patch:

-Check out the variety of pumpkins, squash and gourdes -- there are some that look really cool -- and hopefully taste pretty good too.  We bought our first spaghetti squash to try this year. 
-Visit the animals in the barnyard.  Pigs, llamas, sheep, chickens and bunnies are just a few of what you'll find.
-Go through one of the many mazes on site.  There are a few designated just for kids and toddlers.
-Take a picture in one of the wooden cut-outs.  My favorite is the Cinderella themed.
-Check out the old school house.  It's pretty neat to see how schools ran 100 years ago.
-Don't miss out on the tasty treats.  Pumpkin ice cream and apple cider slushies are great.  Also, stop off at the Homestead Bakery for homemade Apple Butter, Banana Bread and Cinnamon rolls -- all are delicious!
-Of course, don't forget to get a pumpkin to take home to carve or bedazzle! 

Happy Fall!  I hope you enjoy the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur as much as we do!

JC, me, my brother and future sister-in-law.

Finding the "great" pumpkin.

Pigs in the barnyard area.

Pumpkin and gourd displays.