Seasonal pumpkins bring more 'orange' to Orange County

GOSHEN — Orange County’s “pick-your-own” pumpkin farms offer a myriad of fall family fun activities all season long.
“Why pick from a pile of grocery store pumpkins when you can color your fall with a fun farm experience here in Orange County?” asks Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism. “Ride a hay wagon to the pumpkin patch to find your perfect Jack-o-lanterns. See why it’s become a rite of fall for so many families.”
Among the “U-Pick” farms in Orange County are:
Wright Family Farm 329 Kings Highway, Warwick
New this year: Pumpkin Cannons. Take a free hayride to the nine-acre pumpkin patch to pick that perfect pumpkin. Get lost in a five-acre corn maze! Little ones can dig in a crunchy corn box and play at rubber duck racing. Take a whirl on the pedal carts and ride the cow train. There are pony rides, a community campfire and lots more! The pumpkin patch opens September 15.
For more information, visit www.wrightfamilyfarm.com.
Pennings Farm, 161 South Route 94 and Warwick Turnpike, Warwick
Located on more than 60 acres of farmland, Pennings’ U-Pick season offers activities for the whole family including hayrides, pony rides, face painting, live music, and outdoor dining.
For more information, visit www.penningsfarmmarket.com.
Lawrence Farms Orchards, 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh
Lawrence Farms welcomes visitors for their U-Pick season, which lasts through the fall. During the month of October, head to the farm for pumpkins, grapes, tomatoes, and additional fresh produce. The scenic location also offers a haybale maze and other activities for kids as well as a concession stand serving savory apple cider donuts, roasted nuts, paninis, and more.
For more information, visit lawrencefarmsorchards.org.
Manza Family Farm, 730 State Route 211, Montgomery
Celebrate the start of autumn with a trip to Manza Family Farm’s Fall Festival. Pumpkins are grown on more than 20 acres of farmland and visitors can enjoy tractor-drawn hayrides, pony rides, a straw maze, farm animals, and more. Open weekends throughout the month of October.
For more information, visit www.manzafamilyfarm.net.
Maples Farm, 749 Route 17M, Middletown
This second-generation family business hosts an annual Halloween Festival with U-Pick pumpkin patches, hayrides, a hay maze, farm animals, a haunted barn, and country fair midway. Open weekends throughout October.
For more information, visit www.maplesfarm.com.
Pierson’s Farm, 1448 Route 211 West, Middletown
Visit one of the oldest farms in Orange County when you attend one of Pierson’s Farm’s seasonal events. The farm’s Fall Festival includes a pumpkin patch, hayride, corn maze, petting zoo, haunted events, and more. Open late September – October.
For more information, visit dreamfarm.piersonsfarm.com/events.
• Visit www.OrangeTourism.org for a full list of lodging, activities and attractions.