“Holy cow! That’s a lot of pumpkins,” exclaims the girl sitting next me as the wagon we are riding pulls out of a stand of trees, revealing fields of bright orange pumpkins, rosy-red apples and green-and-gold corn.
This bucolic scene – complete with a bright red barn and cerulean sky – is the home of Whatcom County’s largest pumpkin patch at Stoney Ridge Farm, 2092 VanDyk Road, in Everson.
Both adults and kids have told me about Stoney Ridge Farm in the past, but I’d never ventured out to its east-county location before. My family and I have been missing out; but no more.
Our beautiful late summer melted into the fall, and we were fortunate to make it out to the farm on a sunny, dry day. (Be sure to wear boots once the weather changes!)
Open only Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and this year until Oct. 25, families have just a few opportunities to experience all the farm has to offer.
Admission is $2 per person weekdays, and $3 per person or 4 people for $10 on Saturdays. Included in the cost are wagon rides, corn maze and petting zoo.
U-pick pumpkins and apples are available as well as the pumpkins, apples, pears and squash for sale at the farm stand. Bring spending money for a treat from the bakery or the doughnut shop. And don’t forget to try the fresh-pressed apple cider.
My biggest piece of advice for a trip to Stoney Ridge Farm is simple: Bring a camera. Please, please, bring a camera. Not only is the natural setting picturesque, but the farm is filled with photo ops as well. The Gavette and Stemler families, who own and operate the farm, have done a terrific job outfitting the barns and outbuildings in a warm, whimsical country chic that makes the farm feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
On our visit, after selecting just the right pumpkin, we wound our way through the corn maze (twice!), made time for a few photo ops, then caught the wagon to head back up the hill to visit the craft and gift shop, drop in on the farm animals and have a snack in the bakery. The kids also discovered a small playground, while I watched the cider-making a short distance away. We could have stayed longer, but closing time was drawing near.
We had such a good time that we may just have to come back in a couple of months – Stoney Ridge Farm also offers Christmas trees and seasonal yuletide activities.
Other pumpkin patches around the county include:
