Hudson Valley Guide Finding The Perfect Pumpkin 2017

NYACK-PIERMONT, NY—It's fun to wander through a pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin, but eventually you have to make a decision. How do you know if a pumpkin is right for you? Here are some pointers on picking the perfect pumpkin.

The ideal pumpkin will feel firm and have consistent coloring throughout. If you can press your finger into the pumpkin, it may not last until Halloween. The best pumpkins also have solidly attached stems. Green ones mean the pumpkin has recently been harvested. Before making your decision, turn the pumpkin around to see how it looks from all sides. Where you choose one that's as plump and round as Cinderella's enchanted carriage or as tall and thin as witch's pointed hat is up to you.

Here are a few nearby pumpkin picking opportunities. Many of these farms offer fun fall activities, such as

hayrides and corn mazes, as well as seasonal treats, such as cider doughnuts.

Rockland
Dr. Davies Farm, 306 Route304, Congers, 845 268-7020

Enjoy a scenic trailer ride to the Pumpkin Patch, hayrides and more.

The Orchards of Concklin, 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, 845 354-0369

Choose from thousands of pumpkins in a field full of brilliant sunflowers. The barn store offers a selection of painted pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, scarecrows, straw and fall decorating staple. The orchards offer a variety of pumpkins, plus fresh-pressed apple cider, an array of vegetables and farm fresh eggs. The bakery sells delicious pies, cookies, and pastries.

Westchester
Outhouse Orchards, 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914 277-3188
The orchards offer a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds and Halloween decorations to inspire the fall spirit. There's a corn maze and hayrides.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, 914 245-5111
The farm is open daily from August until mid-December. You can pick pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for freshly baked cookies, pies, cider doughnuts, strudel sticks and gift items.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, 914 245-2784
The 200-acre family-owned farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins, apples and vegetables. On weekends you can take a hayride through the orchards and end the visit by sampling a freshly baked pie or doughnut with a
glass of apple cider. New in 2017? The farm has added a corn maze.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914 485-1210
The farm is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6p.m. While you can’t pick pumpkins off the vine at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, they do offer a wide variety of regular and obscure varieties. The annual fall festival, which runs weekends through the month, features hayrides, apple cannons, bouncy castles and bungee trampolines.

Putnam
Salingers Orchard, 230 Guinea Road, Brewster, 845 277-3521
The orchard was established in 1901 and is still farmed by the same family. Not only can you buy pumpkins there, as well as apples, vegetables and raw local honey, but you can also stock up on pumpkin pies. Salinger's
Orchard is open daily year-round, except for holidays.

Mid-Hudson Valley

Ochs Orchard, 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, 845 986-1591

The three-generation family farm has pumpkins, cider doughnuts, homemade ice cream and a petting zoo for the kids.

DuBois Farms, 209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, 845 795-4037
Visitors can pick pumpkins through the end of October, as well as enjoying pony rides, tractor-pulled wagon rides, visits with farm animals, and a two-acre corn maze.

Meadowbrook Farm, 29 Old Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, 845 297-3002
A local favorite for over 70 years, the farm offers pumpkins galore, a large variety of apples for picking and uses their own apples to make fresh cider. Open 9 a.m. top 6 p.m.

Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, 845-897-4377
The farm offers a selection of pumpkins, plus several varieties of apples, fun hayrides, a farm market, cider doughnuts, honey and maple syrup as well as a a full stock of local NY state produced cider, wine, beer and liquor.

Apple Hill Farm, 124 Route 32, New Paltz, 845 255-1605
Apple Hill Farm offers produce but also a panoramic view, as it overlooks the picturesque Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. Pumpkins are available through October 30. Hayrides are on weekends only. Visitors
can also check out the restored 1859 barn for fresh pressed apple cider and mulled apple cider donuts, as well as wreaths, dried and fresh-cut flowers.

Hurds Family Farm, 2185 Route 32, Modena, 845 883-6300
At Hurds Family Farm it’s possible to pick your Halloween pumpkin, plus some vegetables, salad greens, pears and a variety of apples. There’s also a lot of “agritainment” for the whole family, including a Big Apple Bounce air pillow with a beautiful view of the Mohonk Mountains. Kids can go gem mining, follow one of the
two nature trails or take a hayride around apple trees and pumpkin patches

Wilklow Orchards, 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland, 845 691-2339

After picking pumpkins, stop by the bakery, where New York State flour plus regional butter and eggs are used to make muffins and bread. Fresh fruit from the farm is used to make jam and cider.

Greig Farm,

227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, 845 758-1234

The farm is open for picking pumpkins from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The field is located at 263 Pitcher Lane, so look for the signs. There's a petting zoo for kids, a nursery/garden shop and Christmas shop. The farm, which has been open to the public for more than 60 years, also organizes wine tastings.
Photo: Courtesy of Wikipedia