Pumpkin Patches and Pumpkin Carving

It is the time of year for spooky moments, costumes, scary movies, and Jack o'lanterns. Saturday we went to a pumpkin patch in Appomattox at Kinderberry Farm. We spent a fun and relaxing afternoon at the pumpkin patch (but we did not see The Great Pumpkin or Linus while we were there. We rode on a wagon (1.50 a person) through woods filled with ghosts, carved pumpkins and other spooky sites.

We meandered through the pumpkin patch and picked out four perfect pumpkins. My husband and daughter got the traditional round variety, while my son opted of a tall, skinny pumpkin and I chose one that bears a striking resemblance to a skull. Then we rode the wagon back to the spot where we paid (pumpkins ranged from $2-$5, small gourds and pumpkins were priced at 3 for 1.00 or .50 each).

We drank apple cider and watched the children enjoy the tire swings. They also visited the emu and the goat.

So now we have our pumpkins at home ready for carving. Nowadays there are so many options. Some people paint or draw faces on their pumpkins (they hold up longer this way and you don't have to worry about children and sharp objects). Many people now use special kits that provide you with scoops, 'saws' and drawings that you can use to make your own special pumpkins. And then there are those of us who still use the old-fashioned 'carve a face out' method. Whichever you do, be careful and have fun!

If you want some ideas for how to carve your pumpkin, check out these past pumpkin carving contest winners!

Here is a site you can go to to practice carving pumpkins before you start in on the real thing. Warning! This site is addictive!