Rolling along leaf peeping without really having a destination in mind, we came upon McCray's Farm in South Hadley...
With so many farms struggling these days, some intrepid farmers like the folks at McCray's have diversified by opening up their farms -and more importantly a bit of the 'farm life'- to visitors. This particular farm, already known for it's ice cream stand during summer, also has a neat little petting zoo for big and little kids.
It's small but set up nicely with some interesting specimens of peacocks, llamas and billy goats, alongside more livestocky fare like ponies, calves, pigs and hens.
On the other side of the landbound animals is a pond where the waterfowl roam, within feeding distance of the visitors...
The animals were very kid-friendly and eager to entertain as we waited for the wagons that would take us out into the fields, where we can select our own pumpkins.
(There were plenty of prime selections on display out front, but after all, what fun is that?)
We hopped aboard the next wagon ($3 each - bloggerettes ride free), and were soon putting broad acreage behind us; jostling along in the breeze...
McCray's is positioned perfectly near the nexus of the Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke ranges, with perfect views of both bordering the horizon to the west and north...
After a nice sunny jostle, we reached our designated pumpkins patch, and were set loose on the countryside, spreading out in search of conquest.
There is much to deliberate, when considering the perfect gourd.
Fortunately, the young don't bother with rumination too much and are prone to make quicker decisions...throwing ripeness to the wind.
(That's where a little parental guidance and experience can come in handy, and a more orangy choice can be negotiated...)
There was no rush and the crowd took their time before reboarding the wagon with their selections. The tractor driver took the long way back passing through the rougher parts of town, where the fields are done up for McCray's famous, night-time-scary, Haunted Hay Ride...
...it's another ingenious, and profitable, use of their farm land; during the slow months between farming.
It was a fun time; the weather was perfect, and we wound our way back home under blazing foliage...
Such a beautiful season...I wonder if New England can get any New Englandier...
4 comments:
The photo of Lilana leaning on the pumpkin is adorable! ... and standing, wow! Make sure you add that pic to her baby book, so cute.
Oh yeah Mattenylou, we've got a few pictures of her, don't worry..!
Great pic of bloggerette!
She said thank you, Mary. (It sounded like 'gurgle gurgle squeak', but trust me...)
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