Pumpkin patches

by Marge Weimer

Richmond and its surrounding counties are chock-full of pumpkin picking choices. Most of these farms offer tons of other family activities to round-out your day of pumpkin harvesting.

Ashland Berry Farm

What to expect: Pumpkin picking, including an “All the Pumpkins (from the field) You Can Carry & Take 3 Steps Just $20,” deal.  Hayrides, mazes, and haunted evenings available.
Date: The entire month of October
Time: Weekend Hours 10am tp 5pm, Last Hayride at 4:30pm; Weekdays Beginning Oct. 7th, 1pm to 6pm, Last Hayride at 5pm
Location: 12607 Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam Virginia 23015
Cost: Individual pumpkins from $2 – $20; more information can be found on the Web site
Contact: 804-227-3601

Belmont Pumpkin Farm

What to expect: Hayrides out to the pumpkin fields, mazes, farm animals, and more. Also, haunted hayrides the last two weekends in October.
Date: Every weekend
Time: 10am to 6pm
Location: Rt 617 at North River Road in Mathews County, VA
Cost: $4 for ages 2 – 62, $12 family rate
Contact: 804-725-7251

Boulevard Flower Gardens at Ruffin Mill

What to expect: A pumpkin patch with harvest hayrides as well as castle bounce, pony rides, and other fun activities.
Date: Friday, October 2 – Friday, October 30
Time: Monday – Friday, 2 pm to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 6 pm and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Location: 2100 Ruffin Mill Road in Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Cost: Pumpkins are .55 cents per pound; see Web site for other prices
Contact: 804-526-4000

Chesterfield Berry Farm

What to expect: Fall harvest corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Date: Through Sunday, November 1
Time: Monday through Friday 2pm to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Location: 26002 Pear Orchard Road in Moseley, VA 23120
Cost: $11.95 “All Day Fun” Admission, Children 2 and under are free. See Web site for details
Pumpkins are .59 cents per pound
Contact: 804-739-3831

Gallmeyer Farms

What to expect: Free activities like hayrides, tours through a spooky house, mazes, and pumpkin picking.
Date: Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 31
Time: 8am to 7pm
Location: 4506 Millers Lane in Richmond, VA 23231
Cost: Pumpkins are .49 cents per pound
Contact: 804-222-2285

Layz S Ranch

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, hay bale maze, and corn maze.
Date: Every Saturday through October 24
Time: Saturdays only, 10am to 5pm
Location:2257 Jefferson Parkway in Palmyra, VA 22963
Cost: See Web site for details
Contact: 434-591-0898

October 18, 2009 0