And on This Farm They Had Some Pumpkins

You know how those Bloggy Moms seem to have it all together? They make the best crafts, yummiest treats, and post about holidays way in advance to help their readers? They post beautiful pictures of their joyful cherubs immediately after finishing seasonally appropriate activities with them.

Yeah, well, I am NOT one of those moms. Sure, I post about the good stuff. Behind the scenes? Chaos.  Finding time to write during the day is on par with a Zelda-level treasure hunt. Then, actually writing during the day merely reminds my boys that they were just about to ask to play a computer game. Writing at night interferes with my ROCpoppa paying the bills online... Wait. Who am I kidding? Writing at night interferes with cleaning up the kitchen, folding laundry, getting ready for the next day's chaos, and falling onto the couch to watch shows that have been on the DVR since August.

This is my long explanation for the fact that this article should have been written and posted two weeks ago. Many apologies, and here we go anyway...


It's that glorious time of year. We bundle up for the morning bus stop, and change into shorts when the bus returns the kids home. The leaves are gorgeous, bold colors, and perfect for piling up and jumping into the crunch. Pumpkin spice lattes flow like water. Yes, it's fall.

So it's time to pick your pumpkins.

If you live in the Rochester, NY area, you are lucky. Pumpkin patches are aplenty around here, and these farms have so much more than pumpkins:

Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18), Waterport, NY

October weekends 10 a.m - 5 p.m.; hay ride ($2 each) or walk to the pumpkin patch to pick your own.

Barnyard Buster Pass is $10/kids $8/adults includes Barnyard Adventure activities (reg. $5/$4 each), Corn Maze (reg. $5 each), and Barnyard Express (reg. $3 each). Additional fees for hay ride ($2 each), pony rides ($3 each), face painting ($3 each).

Giant slide in the Barnyard Adventure

Cobble Creek Farm, 5161 Ridge Road West, Spencerport, NY

October weekends 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; hayride to pick your own pumpkin.

Admission is $7 per person (children under 2 are free) and includes hayride, cider, donut, train ride, corn maze, pumpkin hollow, straw crawl, duck races, and more. 

Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY

October weekends 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; technically this is not a pumpkin patch but it is a great option in inclement weather since the fun is indoors.

Admission is free; tickets ($0.50 each) are required for rides, games, arts & crafts, and the Singing Pumpkin Light Show.

This is from their Winter Holiday Festival,
but gives an idea of the fun inside.

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 E. Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY

October weekends 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; weekdays 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Free daily activities include mazes, haunted house, fun house, and pumpkin slide. Additional weekend activities are pay-as-you-go or a $10 pass per child for: train ride, super slide, mini golf, wagon rides, duck races, trike track, straw crawl, spider web, one tattoo, and one pumpkin to paint.

Boo! (scaring the golf ball
into the hole)

Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY

October weekends 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; October weekdays 9 a.m. - dark

Free activities include giant tractor tires, wooden pirate ship and train, grass mazes, picnic table checkers, giant sudoku, Pumpkin Nursery Rhyme Land, and seasonal displays. The Back 40 activities are $5 per child and $2 per adult to join in (weekday prices): jumping pillow, hoop shoot, climbing wall, swings, giant slide, giant spiderweb, and more. Barnbuster tickets available on weekends include The Back 40, the Amazing Maize Maze, hay rides and cow train rides: $11 ages 5+, $7 ages 2-4, under 2 free.

Power's Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY

October weekends 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; October weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Free daily activities include the giant teepees with amazing jack-o-lanterns displayed inside, a small petting zoo, and lots of photo opportunities. Purchase your tickets inside the market for the spooky hayride. 

               

Enter the teepee, if you dare...

...and check out amazing jack-o-lanterns!

Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
October weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General admission is $9.75 per person; children under 2 are free; includes all activities except pumpkin launcher ($1 for 3 pumpkins) and pumpkins (priced per pound). Activities include corn maze, bounce pillows, straw fort, giant slides, hayrides, train ride, farm animals, pedal cars, nature trail, duck races, trike track, and more. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase. 

Pumpkin launch!

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield, NY
Open daily 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Daily activities include play set, farm animals, and jack-o-lantern display; fees apply for corn maze, jumping pillow, train ride, mini golf, and batting cages. Weekend activities include hayrides (fees apply). 

Photo opp at Wickham

With two more weekends to pick your pumpkins and enjoy the Halloween and fall festivities at these farms, now is the time to make plans to take advantage of all these activities. Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know which farm is your favorite for fall family fun! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

September and October are absolutely my favorite two months out of the year. The weather is perfectly comfortable. The in-season apples and squash are delicious. And the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are addictive (make mine decaf, soy, please). I love picking apples and pumpkins, going on hayrides, and decorating for Halloween; that has all been part of my fall routine, even B.C. Before Children.

Living in the Rochester area has been outstanding in perpetuating my love of the fall. There are so many festivals and pumpkin patches with tons of activities for kids that you could probably visit a different one each fall weekend without repeating any. Now, if the weekend weather would only cooperate, I could make that possibility a reality. Keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine; Friday and Saturday are looking wishy-washy, but Sunday holds some promise. Whew.

Story Time & More

Friday, September 14, 2012

1. The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. in the corn tent followed by related games and crafts; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals.
2. Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers ages 1-4, with songs and games
3. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

4. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time (at 11 a.m.), sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply. 

WXXI Open House
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WXXI, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY
Join WXXI for fun, free activities including a visit from the Cat in the Hat, Elmo, Arthur, and Curious George. There will be live music, courtyard performances, and lots of interactive activities. Admission is free, and free parking is available across the street in Kodak's lot.

Greentopia Ecofest
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
High Falls District, Rochester, NY
There will be a farmer's market, green vendors, an alternative fuel vehicle show, fashion show, wine & beer tasting, organic food, music, and a FREE kids' zone. In the Kids' Zone: make your own arts and crafts, enjoy family yoga, explore minerals and fossils, build a small wind turbine, see animals from the Seneca Park Zoo, read green picture books, win a prize for completing a scavenger hunt, and dance to some kid-friendly music. There will be a diaper changing area, breastfeeding tent. Admission is free.

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY
Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Face painting, pony rides, hayrides, dinosaur corn maze, lots of pumpkin and apple treats made at Brown's, Barnyard Adventure, Barnyard Express, pedal cars, rope maze, giant slide, playground, and more. Fees apply for activities; please check web site for details.

Trains Weekend
Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Museum of Play at Strong, 1Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Model train displays, train crafts, and more included with general admission. All aboard!

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 31)
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 28)
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.

I hope the weather cooperates and that you find some fun things to do with your family this weekend. Enjoy! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The first week of school is coming to an end; it's time to celebrate! Give your kids a break from the books and get out to a farm to pick some apples or pumpkins - there are plenty of places where you can pick your own. Or teach your kids about the Irish culture at the Irish Festival. Or enjoy a look at the past with a trolley ride. As usual, there are lots of family-friendly options for fun, fun, fun in the Rochester area.

Story Time & Animal Friends

Friday, September 7 at 11 a.m.

1. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story, stay for the farm animal fun!

2. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time, sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply.

Kids' Weekend
Friday, September 7 - Sunday, September 9
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Friday at 10:30 a.m.: Stop by the corn tent for stories and related games and crafts. Stay for lunch; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals. Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Free activities include balloon creatures, face painting, crafts, games in the picnic tent. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult). Sunday from 1-4 p.m.: Free actives include a family-friendly concert with music, storytelling, and juggling; crafts; face painting; and games. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult).

Rochester Irish Festival
Friday, Sept. 7 (3-11 p.m.), Saturday, Sept. 8 (noon-11 p.m.) & Sunday, Sept. 9 (12-6 p.m.)
Camp Eastman, Lake Shore Boulevard, Irondequoit, NY
Enjoy Irish crafts, dancers, traditional Irish food and music to keep Ireland's spirit and culture alive in Rochester. Be sure to check the schedule before attending. Don't miss the children's activities including free crafts, family photos, tattoos, scavenger hunt, kiss the Blarney Stone, learn to Irish dance, and more. Adult tickets are $10 for one day or $20 for the weekend.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, September 9 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 8 - October 31 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.


Have fun welcoming the fall, and enjoy the weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Brown's Berry Patch

This past Saturday, we were looking for something different to do with the kids and decided to try Brown's Berry Patch.  It's a bit of a drive to Waterport, but it was peak week for strawberries, plus we have heard some great things about the farm. I must say, we had a berry good time. (Yep, I went there.)

First we walked into the Marketplace. You could definitely spend some time - and some money - in there. They have unique mustards, jams, salsas, and even Bloody Mary mix. Most of it is even made with fruit from their farm. Fresh-picked fruit can be purchased inside, if you're not planning on picking your own. And who can resist an ice cream sundae made with freshly baked waffle cones and fresh-picked berries?!?!? Although, they had me at ice cream.

Inside, we purchased tickets for the Barnyard Adventure. We actually purchased the Combo Passes so we could visit Barnyard Adventure and take a ride on the Barnyard Express (it's only a dollar more). Next you have to bring your receipt to the barnyard behind the Marketplace and get your bracelets. Then the fun begins.

After saying hello to some friendly farm animals, our boys headed straight for the giant sandbox. There are plenty of trucks and digging toys, a tunnel to climb through, and a real boat that kids can sit in and  pretend to drive.

We skipped the playground and play house, and went straight for the duck races. They also have boat races, and plenty of spots to take fun photos, too.

After riding around on the tricycle track, we tried out the rope maze. It's harder than it looks, but it's easy to get out if needed.

Next stop: the jumping pillow! Just be sure your kids are wearing socks. No shoes are allowed, and the jumping pillow can get pretty hot in the sun.

The day isn't complete without checking out Goat Mountain and the giant slide. Look up and you'll see goats walking around above the barn and silo, along various walkways. On the other side of the silo, kids can climb up to the top of the tower and zip down the giant slide.

Inside the silo, run around, listen to your echo, and crawl through a tunnel. Adults, relax on a hay bale while the kids go crazy.

Be sure to bring some quarters; you'll want to feed the goats. Buy some animal food from the dispenser, drop it in the can and watch a goat pull the rope with his teeth until the can is at the top, where he can enjoy a well-deserved treat. Impressive trick!

Pedal cars, swings, a misting tent, and the Red Barn Twister are lots of fun. The twister is an oversized tunnel that spins. Kids can climb in while others turn it, and giggles will be unstoppable.

The Barnyard Express is a fun way to take a seat, take a break, and see the whole farm. Each animal car has a horn and bells to keep kids busy while they ride.

Finally! Time to pick some strawberries. We bought two four-quart baskets in the Marketplace, and we filled one with beautiful red berries.

 Then we walked over to the cherry orchard to fill our second basket with delicious, plump cherries.

We had a great day, and I'm already planning another trip when the blueberries are ripe in July. Between June and October, there are about a dozen different fruit and berry varieties that are available. Check their web site for updated picking conditions.

If you're planning a trip, Brown's Berry Patch is located at 14264 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18) in Waterport, NY. You can purchase a meal or snack in the Marketplace, or at the outdoor Farm Grill (weekends only). There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. There were posted signs near all outdoor tables indicating that coolers are not allowed. Restrooms are located in the Marketplace.

We ended our visit right around dinner time and found a decent, low-key restaurant about five minutes away: Black North Inn. It was relatively kid-friendly. The staff was friendly, there is a kids' menu, and if you can get a table facing the water, the boats outside may be enough to occupy the kids while the adults have a real conversation. At least for a few minutes. (Non-kid-friendly note: there is no changing table in the restroom). We ordered the Chevre-Portobello Pizza, and I was sad the next day when the leftovers were gone. It was that good. Garlic, spinach, portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, and mozzarella; could there be a more delicious combination for a pizza? Probably not.

On the next sunny day when you are looking for something new to do, I highly recommend Brown's Berry Patch. Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know about your visit! And as always, thanks for reading.

A Whole Week of Dinners with My First CSA Share

On Monday afternoon, I made sure my boys were excited about our first trip to Mud Creek Farm to pick up our CSA share. A while back, I wrote a post about community supported agriculture (CSA) and why I'm a fan. Now my boys are fans too.

We arrived early for our pick up, and went straight to the Pick Your Own Garden.

Each crop that was ready to be picked was marked with a flag and a sign. The boys took their job seriously: finding the flags in the field. Our first stop was a pink flag by the sugar snap peas. I showed the boys how to find the pea pods, then to pull and twist them off the stems. We filled a big Solo cup (this week's allotment) in just a few minutes.

Next we saw a yellow flag by the flowers. My four-year-old picked a white snapdragon, my two-year-old picked a pink snapdragon, they each picked out some flowers that look like giant mums, I picked a purple wildflower, and we added some maroon Queen Anne's Lace (or perhaps some strain of baby's breath?) to our bouquet. Pretty.

Our last stop was an orange flag at the other end of the field by the garlic chives. I'd never had - or heard of - garlic chives before, and I admit I was excited. I snipped a couple of handfuls, and then we made our way over to pick up this week's share. Holy greens, Batman! My canvas bags were overflowing with leafy goodness in no time.

The final tally: a ginormous bag of kale, more Swiss chard than I know what to do with, a head of Romaine lettuce, 2 1/2 pounds of spinach, some broccoli, garlic scapes, plus the snap peas and garlic chives. Now, what to do with it all? Well, we had my older son's birthday party this past weekend which left us with lots of extra food but not an entire meal's worth of anything. Our surplus included stale rosemary-olive oil bread which I turned into breadcrumbs, a few types of cheese, parsley, basil, celery, carrots, pasta salad, and potato salad.

As I added items to my bag, I kept thinking, "What in the world am I going to do with all this?" And around this time last year, I remember seeing some Facebook posts from friends asking for recipes for their CSA bounty. So, I know I'm not alone. I figured that some of you might be wondering what to do with your fridge full of new produce, so I'm sharing my week's menu.

A Whole Week of Dinners with My First CSA Share

1. Quiche (recipe follows) and Tossed Salad, plus leftover Potato Salad
2. Chik'n and Veggie al Forno with Jarlsberg cream sauce 
3. Curried Lentils & Kale with Basmati Rice
4. Ravioli & Roasted Red Pepper Sauce with Sauteed Kale, Spinach & Garlic Scapes
5. Marinated Tofu with Stir Fried Bok Choi, Snap Peas, Carrots & Garlic Chives and Brown Rice
6. Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans and Fresh Tomatoes over pasta
7. Leftovers!

The quiche was delicious, if I do say so myself (I made up the recipe)! Try it yourself:

Swiss Chard Quiche

1 Tbsp. olive oil
4-5+ leaves Swiss chard, de-ribbed and roughly chopped
2 garlic scapes, chopped
1/4 c. white wine
1 c. sausage or vegetarian sausage, cooked to package instructions and crumbled
10 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1 roasted red pepper (jarred is fine), chopped
5 eggs
1/2 c. milk
4 oz. shredded cheese (pepper jack is a good option)
1 tsp. salt-free seasoning
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375. Coat a pie plate with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the chopped garlic scapes and heat 1 minute. Add the chard and wine. Toss to coat, then cover until chard is wilted. Allow to cool then squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add the cheese and four seasonings and mix well. Add the Swiss chard and garlic scapes, the cooked sausage, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and mix well. Pour into prepared pie plate and top with bread crumbs. Bake 30-35 minutes.


I made up this recipe as well:

Chik'n and Veggie al Forno with Jarlsberg Cream Sauce

3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1/4 c. white wine
1 pkg. Quorn Chik'n Tenders (or real chicken)
2 garlic scapes, chopped
6 c.+ combined Swiss chard (de-ribbed) and spinach, chopped
1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
1 c. milk or milk alternative
4 oz. Jarlsberg cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 Tbsp. oil and wine. Add the chik'n or chicken and cook until browned and liquid is absorbed. Remove chik'n to a dish and set aside.

3. In same skillet, warm 1 Tbsp. oil and add chopped garlic scapes; heat 1 minute. Add chard and spinach; toss then cover until greens are wilted.

4. In a small saucepan, heat remaining oil and add 1 Tbsp. flour. Whisk and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and continue whisking until sauce thickens. Add cheese and stir until melted. Turn off heat and add parsley and basil; mix well.

5. In a large bowl, combine chik'n, greens, leftover cooked veggies, and cream sauce. Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake 30 minutes.


Cooking with all these fresh-from-the-ground foods is exciting. Trying to pair them with other foods from our pantry and fridge is challenging, but it's sparked some culinary creativity - which is usually a good thing. Plus, my grocery bill this week was only $52 for some fruit, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, bread, milk, eggs, string cheese, and juice. Not bad.

As always, thanks for reading and happy cooking! If you have a great farm-market or CSA-related recipe, please Post a Comment to share it.