In many regions of the country, it has become common to find Halloween candy displayed in stores in August. But late September and early October is the time when the pumpkin patches really thrive. In fact, TimeOut recently published a report on the best pumpkin patches in the country and a Florida location made the list.
"While every state produces pumpkins (yes, it’s true), only the country’s top patches offer gourds and good times—think fall activities like corn mazes and leaf-peeping and spooky Halloween fun, including haunted hayrides," TimeOut explains, providing details on their requirements.
When you plant pumpkin seeds, they typically begin to bloom within 8-10 weeks. Pumpkins then can take 90-120 days to mature, according to Creative Vegetable Gardner. Weather is an important part of the process. The warmer weather helps pumpkins grow, while the cooler fall temperatures are best for ripening.
In Florida, the destination that was named one of the best pumpkin patches in the country, has even held a pumpkin festival for over 30 years.
Hunsader Farms - Bradenton
Located approximately 45 miles south of Tampa, Hunsader Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1967. This year, their 32nd annual pumpkin festival is spread over three October weekends (14-15, 21-22, 28,29). During these dates, you can expect a day full of your favorite fall activities. This includes everything from hayrides to corn mazes to live music. Then, there are also the unique components that draw visitors from all over the state. This includes chainsaw sculpting and a butterfly display.
In addition to the pumpkins you pick out, Hunsader Farms also has six other fresh "U-Pick" items you can select during the fall months. This includes eggplants, zipper peas, and green beans.
Dogs are allowed on the property (with lease), and they will be among many other animals at the farm's petting zoo. Lastly, if you are interested in making an entire weekend out of the Hunsader Farm experience, they opened a KOA campground on the farm in 2020.
Florida Has One of the Best Places for Apple Cider in America
Apple cider season is here. There's just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What's more, if it's chilly out, it's extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some of the bets spots for apple cider in America? Florida has one of them.
Before we get to today's apple cider, let's look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very "first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times," and, "in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ." That's so wild to think about.
Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, "Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there's no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages."
In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let's get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What's your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.
Florida Has One of the Best Spots for Apple Cider in America
Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania
Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It's a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.
Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan
If you haven't tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven't experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It's a super fun spot for fall activities.
Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina
You'll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.
Mercier Orchards in Georgia
Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They're located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida
"Our mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce," Bedner's Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner's Fall Festival.
