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The Feel-Good Guide to Sports, Travel, Shopping & Entertainment
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| Main | Sports Events | Holidays & Observances | Pop Culture | Shopping | Travel |
Main It's Pumpkin Harvest Time!
While some schools get the whole class out in the fields, most kids get to go apple picking or pumpkin picking with the whole family. It's a healthy day out in the fresh air and a great photo-taking opportunity. The fresh produce lasts only for a short time, but the memory of "harvesting and gathering" (especially for city kids) lasts a lifetime.
Usually starting in September, pick your own farms welcome visitors to come and enjoy the fall harvest with the whole family. (Pets usually aren't allowed inside, so be sure to leave Fido at home that morning.) Pick-your-own farms are usually open seasonally, so be sure to call ahead for opening days and hours, and other treats and activities on offer. A good number of farms offer hot mulled cider, donuts, and even free hayrides to lure in the crowds on a bright, crisp fall day. Needless to say, the popularity of pick your own farms has grown over the years. Especially on the weekends, be sure to make it an early morning activity to avoid larger crowds. For the same reason, don't wait until October -- or you may disappointed by the slim pickin's left by families that have come before you!
If you are planning on carving your prize specimen into a jack-o-lantern, choose one that has a strong, healthy stem with no signs of cracking or injury, and always carry your pumpkin from the bottom to avoid breaking the stem. In pick-your-own apple orchards, use the apple picker - a long pole with a small basket at the end - to coax your perfect apple down from the tree. Large bushel baskets are also usually provided to haul in your prize specimens. Just as you would at the supermarket, look for brightly colored red or golden apples with no bruises. Planning on making an apple pie? Look for a tart variety such as Granny Smith, Cortland, or Golden Delicious. (Tarter apples have more pectin, which means they hold together more firmly while baking.) But, no worries. Apple tree varieties are usually planted together, and clearly marked, so you can easily distinguish varieties. Have fun!
Picking Tips for Fruits and Vegetables - A helpful guide from PickYourOwn.org with "rules of the road" when visiting any local farm including what to bring and when to go. Tips for Pick Your Own Farm Visits - Here's great advice for finding your way around and making the trip more enjoyable, with related resources.
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For city folks and suburban families
picking your own apples and pumpkins - along with 
When pumpkin picking, look for pumpkins that are fresh, ripe, and bright orange with no scars, cuts or bruises.
