The humble pumpkin is an honest-to-goodness symbol of fall that has infiltrated our culture in every way imaginable. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin beer, pumpkin soups, pies, cakes, breads…need I say more? But there’s something different about pumpkin picking. The simple act of scouring the patch has become an annual ritual for most Long Islanders looking to ring in fall with hayrides, corn mazes and a host of organic produce. Plan a trip to one of these seven Long Island pumpkin picking farms for a day filled with traditional (and much-anticipated) autumnal pastimes.
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Krupski’s Vegetable & Pumpkin Farm, Peconic
This North Fork gem has everything needed for a delightful afternoon. The Krupski family has cultivated the land for four generations, but didn’t have a farm stand until 1976—when the pumpkin patch was born. This sparked the retail operation that expanded the business dramatically. Today, a visit to Krupski’s is filled with U-pick pumpkins, spooky hayrides, a haunted corn maze and some sweet candy apples. Go.
Hank’s Pumpkintown, Water Mill
Hank’s is the ideal destination for everything pumpkin (if the name didn’t give it away). Visitors will find pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, pumpkin spice donuts and fresh ground pumpkin spice coffee. Not to mention, there’s also a corn shack with fresh-picked corn that’s roasted and seasoned with butter and spices. If that wasn’t impressive enough, guests can enjoy pony rides, cow milking, hayrides, mazes and face painting. Go.
Harbes Family Farm, Jamesport/Mattituck/Riverhead
Having been in the industry for over 13 generations, Harbes packs a generous punch. The Jamesport location has nine acres of on-the-vine pumpkins and a six-acre interactive corn maze that even poses a challenge to repeat customers. For more adult-like activities hit the flagship venue in Mattituck, where guests can take a stop at Harbes Vineyard’s tasting room before choosing their next jack-o-lantern victim. To get a real scare, head to the orchard in Riverhead and try to make it through the haunted maze without shuddering. Go.
F&W Schmitt’s Family Farms, Melville
Nothing screams comfort like pie. And Schmitt’s has the pumpkins for success. Pick the gourd that’s perfect for your recipe, and while you’re at it celebrate fall with corn mazes, hayrides and a haunted mansion. Go.
Gabrielsen’s Country Plant Farm, Jamesport
This quaint farm pays tribute to the motifs of harvest season with bountiful produce, pumpkin fields and fall decorations for the home. Don’t miss out on the roasted corn or fresh squeezed lemonade from the farm stand. There are also hay wagons, train rides, farm animals and live music. Go.
Fink’s Country Farm, Wading River
Think Fink’s for a well-deserved fall extravaganza. There are corn mazes, pig races, pumpkin slingshots, pony rides, face painting and (drumroll please) Long Island pumpkin picking. Explore the farm stand, filled with colorful local vegetables, fruits, potatoes and corn stalks. Bonus: bundles of dried cornstalks that make for seasonal outdoor décor are for the purchasing. Go.
Fairview Farm at Mecox, Bridgehampton
Pumpkin picking just got a whole lot more exciting. Fairview Farm has a corn cannon to see who can shoot corncobs the farthest. Test your aim and wager with friends for some homemade baked goods from the country store in the process. Or, of course, some pumpkins. Go.