Where to Pick Pumpkins {Friday Five}
by Rachel Tayse • October 21, 2011 • Events • 5 Comments
Me and my sisters next to Dad carrying pumpkins.
Several readers and friends have asked me where I recommend going to pick pumpkins.
The truth is, I don’t have a farm that I love. All I’ve visited are too crowded and pushy with extra purchases and sugary sweets. I wish I could find somewhere reminiscent of my childhood where the focus was on the pumpkin picking, not the extraneous stuff.
Here are five choices:
1) CRC Pumpkin Patch – The Clintonville Community Resource Center hosts a fall festival every year where families can receive a local pumpkin for a three-can donation to the food pantry. They have fall themed snacks and entertainment available too. 14 West Lakeview Columbus OH 43202
2) Circle S – This if the farm we usually hit up with a playgroup. Circle S has the hay barn, the snacks, the petting zoo, and hayrides to the field to pick your pumpkin. It is rather crowded on the weekends, expensive, and offers foreign cider, but those looking for agri-tainment will be pleased with Circle S. 9015 London Groveport Rd. Grove City, OH 43123
3) Pigeon Roost Farm – We happened upon Pigeon Roost one day after a fall hike. It is picturesque and offers a playground, pumpkin displays, and petting zoo among other activities. I’ve heard it gets extremely crowded on weekends. 4413 National Rd SW Hebron OH
4) Jacquemin Farms – We stopped at Jacquemin once before pumpkin season. It is well thought out and small, which might limit crowds. Read CbusMom’s review of their pumpkin offerings. 7437 Hyland Croy Rd. Plain City, OH 43064
5) Circleville Pumpkin Show – This is the big one, a huge street fair with pumpkin growing contests, displays, crafts, food, entertainment and more. I remember going as a kid and being overwhelmed by the crowds. The Circleville Pumpkin show website lists all the fun available today and tomorrow from 10 am -10 pm. 159 East Franklin Street Circleville, Ohio 43113
Where are you going this year?
PS. Wherever you find your pumpkins, don’t forget to roast the seeds!
To answer your question: Circle S. I’ve been before. The overall experience feels a tad on the weak side but it’s going to be a semi-large group so maybe that will make it better. I think you were right, “agri-tainment” pretty much sums it up.
I used to go to a farm in new Albany way out morse Rd, can’t remember the name of the road, but they always have signs out on morse, I know it’s past kitsmiller. It was much as you are describing when I left two years ago. They do strawberries in spring too. They have the best pickles ever!
I wonder if you’re talking about Doran’s, Melissa? I’ve picked strawberries there before and I do love the small family feel. Maybe we’ll head that direction.
A family friend grows and sells pumpkins on their farm in Chillicothe, Ohio. If you’re in the mood for a drive. Here is a blurb from her FB ” It’s a beautiful day to get pumpkins from the Jones Farm on Charleston Pike just 2.5 miles from the E. Main St. McDonald’s. Pumpkins range from 50ยข to $8. with a nice selection of $1. – $2. pumpkins (and a nice size, too ).”
You can head out to the patch to pick your own, we always go for at least one hubbard, one white, and one regular. Or you can get them pre-picked. She is a school teacher so she isn’t always there, and the gentleman who runs the stand can be very soft spoken. Nothing but pumpkins, gourds, and maybe a few corn stalks.
Perfect, Jennifer! I’m in Southern Ohio today looking for a place to pick on the way home tomorrow. I’ll look for her farm!