Frights and Delights: Fall Festivities To Try
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and no, I ain’t talking about the Andy Williams song. It is the perfect season of 60-some degree weather, broody vibes and of course, jumping in between “Twilight” and “Saw” marathons.
Not the “rotting” sort? OK, fine: Celebrate this time of year with the top-quadrant pumpkin patch festivities:
Bella Organic Farm | Sauvie Island
Nestled near the main fork of the Willamette River at the south end of Sauvie Island, this is one of my favorite places to double-fist a cinnamon-sugared elephant ear and a Portland Cider Co.’s Kinda Dry cider– all in search of the pumpkin.
Bella Organic Farm sits on 100 acres of beautiful farmland, growing a plethora of vegetables, fruits and berries. Entrance to the farm is free and is filled with plenty of activities: (obviously) pumpkins galore, tractor rides, an impressive menu of seasonal snacks, a petting area and, of course, the corn maze.
This year, Bella Organic Farm is offering free admission to the maze for our Mt. Hood instructors and teaching staff: Score! Otherwise, admission to the maze is $10/weekdays and $12/weekends.
If you’re looking for an extra thrill with friends (cause I sure as hell would not go alone – I’m just a baby!), you can attend the “after hours” haunted maze experience ($30-45). If it’s anything like “Children of the Corn” – ’Bye. P.S. Bella’s is dog-friendly!
Admission: free
See above for additional fees.
Liepold Farms | Boring
The family-owned, 250- acre Liepold Farms just does not quit. Though the flannel season invites many to explore its pumpkin patches, this farm is all-season, with berries and fruits in the spring, and vegetables in the fall.
This season, the Liepold Fall Festival will be celebrating a “Magic Beneath Our Feet” theme to invite attendees to get “down and dirty” into the elements and ecosystems of farming.
I’d say, sure, once you finish unearthing worms, grab an apple cider and prepare for a quite a few hours of activities: a hefty 6-acre corn maze, a pumpkin and gourd patch, hay rides, tasty jams and homemade pulled pork (jaw drop). If that wasn’t enough for you, ask an attendant about their “challenges.” Maybe challenge someone to the apple-pult?
Admission is $20 ($15 for children 3 to 12 years)
Additional fees for some activities.
Hoffman Farms Store | Beaverton
This lovely farm is an absolute labor of love. I recall my first time driving up to Hoffman Farms Store, trying to decide if I should spend money on pumpkins or pumpkin pies – it’s a yearly debate, for all the right reasons.
Walking towards the store, you may notice that no space goes without detail: a sign, fall boutiques and oh, my gourd – pumpkins!
Scattered tables, benches and hay bales offer plenty of seating to enjoy donuts, cookies and live music. Inside the store, well… that’s your own adventure. Pies, everywhere.
If you’re able to hold off purchasing three pies like yours truly, hop onto the Hoffman Farms Express train for a little ride. Better yet, the alternative activities are endless: a pumpkin-fall-wall for you Instagram/Tiktoker influencers, scattered tractors and a recycled tire-grain structure for all ages to explore. And if you’re a somewhat self-competitive type, try your luck at the 10-acre corn maze. You will be humbled, perhaps even sunburnt.
Admission: free
Additional fees for some activities
Packer Orchards | Hood River
Say you’ve already been to each of the previously mentioned pumpkin patches; damn, I’m impressed. Well, if you haven’t heard of Packer Orchards, it’s time to grab a couple coffees, put on Khruangbin radio and head east up the Columbia River Gorge to scenic Hood River.
To celebrate the 75 years of the comic series “Peanuts,” Packer Orchards has decorated the property with all Charles Schulz-themed activities. Its Fall Festival offers several family-friendly activities such as a “find Snoopy” challenge, Peanuts picture booths, a Snoopy-themed corn maze and a pit… full of corn.
As you can imagine, this place is “packed” with pumpkins that may satisfy your carving, painting or decorating needs. The property also has a second location for all baked goods: empanadas, fruit pies and fresh smoothies.
Admission (single day): $14 Admission (VIP single day): $35 Season Pass: $40
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