The great pumpkin trail: Perfect pumpkin patches and fall farm experiences in Lanark County
It’s officially fall – the time of year when front steps everywhere are adorned with grinning orange pumpkins and we are on the hunt for the perfect fall experience – a fall farm visit, the perfect pumpkin dish, and a drive to see the brilliant fall colours of the countryside.
Each year people flock to Lanark County to pick out their perfect pumpkins, straight from farm to porch. Of course, the appetite for pumpkins goes beyond jack-o-lanterns, and extends to products like pumpkin chai lattes, pumpkin pie, and even pumpkin beer.
This fall, celebrate the bounty of the harvest in Lanark County. Read on to learn more about where the perfect pumpkins are hiding and where you can find pumpkin-inspired treats and other farm experiences, straight from our farms to your home.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
When it comes to finding the perfect pumpkin to carve as your family jack-o-lantern, not just any pumpkin will do, it needs to be just the right shape and size, and as with everything farm related, fresh is best. Find the perfect pumpkin at these Lanark County farms:
Ferrier’s Scotch Line Farm 2579 Scotch Line Rd., Perth, ON
Visit Ferrier’s Scotch Line Farm to pick the perfect pumpkin for your front step (or soup pot) – they claim to have the biggest and best pumpkins in the valley, and they also have squash gourds, corn stalks, strawbales and home baking (like pumpkin pies) for sale in their on-site farm store. Drop by Fridays, Saturdays, and Holiday Mondays.
Geoburn Farms – The James’ Pumpkin Patch 2634 Rosetta Rd., Lanark, ON
This is a one-stop shop to soak up some fall sunshine one a walking trail through a working sugarbush and wandering a real corn maze. Oh and don’t forget to get a pumpkin while you’re there! The farm is expected to open beginning Sept. 26; please visit their Facebook page for updates.
Baker’s Farm 109 Rosedale Rd., Smiths Falls
Located just off of Highway 43 between Smiths Falls and Merrickville, Baker’s Farm has pick your own strawberries in the spring, along with seasonal vegetables all summer, and pumpkins in the fall. Check in with them via their Facebook page before heading out to see if they have completed their harvest.
Try Pumpkin Beer
How better to celebrate fall and pumpkin season than with a pumpkin-inspired beer? The rich, spicy flavours of pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon combine to create the perfect brew for a crisp fall day.
Drop by Ashton Brew Pub in Ashton Station to try their Ashton Pumpkin Ale and relax on their outdoor waterfront patio (while warm weather permits). Ashton Brewery Pumpkin Ale is only available between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. While you’re on the pumpkin trail, swing by Perth Brewery to try their Punk’In Spice beer, but don’t stop there, they have more than a dozen styles of beer on tap for sampling in their brewhouse.
More than Jack-o-Lanterns
Pumpkins may be front and centre for décor at this time of year but it’s not all for show, a fair number find their way into home baking and fall table displays. This versatile fruit can be used for pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cake, and even pumpkin soup.
Each fall, Lanark County restaurants and cafes source their pumpkins straight from nearby farms for the freshest products. Enjoy pumpkin lattes from Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe in Perth, and pair it with a pumpkin spice sticky bun from The Pickled Pig in Smiths Falls.
Fall isn’t complete without a pumpkin pie from Perth Pie Co., Harvest Bakery in Elphin or C’est Tout Bakery in Smiths Falls. Pick up a pie straight from the farm at Ferrier’s Scotch Line Farm, or a maple pumpkin pie from Coutts Country Flavours. More of a pumpkin loaf person? Baker Bob’s in Almonte makes a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Loaf. Gluten free? Try a Pumpkin Spice Cake (gluten free) from Sunflower Bake Shop. Head to Mahogany Salon & Spa and cap off your day with a a Lemon Lime pedicure paired with a Chai Tea Latte to get you in the fall spirit.
Fall Farm Road Trip
Fall’s not only about pumpkins, it’s also about getting outside amidst the brilliant fall foliage to celebrate the warm weather while you can. Lanark County’s rolling terrain is the perfect backdrop for a fall road trip, where winding roads lead you through vibrant, tree-lined country roads to small, rural farms.
The route to Serendipity Farm and Sanctuary is one of the most scenic in the area, and worth the drive. Spend an afternoon at Serendipity Farm and learn all about this rescue sanctuary for llamas in need of a safe refuge. Take a llama for a walk (by appointment only) and visit with the alpacas and llamas during a farm tour. Visit their farm store and browse their products made with fibre straight from the farm.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, make the short side trip from Serendipity Farm to Ugly Apple Cider, where fall and cider go hand in hand. Book an outdoor tasting at this small farm and sample their ciders made from wild apples. These still, dry ciders are a premium product that you won’t find elsewhere, and a true reflection of the flavours of Lanark County. Tastings can be booked through the website.
Also see what’s happening at Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm this fall!
Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm is offering fall “pancakes on the porch”, wagon rides, fall foliage walks and shopping.
