Thursday is the first day of fall, and I’m not above making it my whole personality. Kick it off with a festive trip to the ole’ pumpkin patch. These farms are all day-tripable. Picking starts in late September.
- Queen Anne Farm – Jump in the tractor-pulled hay wagon in search of your perfect pumpkin. They even have a pumpkin house? Admission: $10/car, Drive from D.C.: 45 min
- Montpelier Farm – Truly a fall wonderland, Montpelier has pumpkins, a corn maze, giant slides, and animals. Admission: Varies, Drive from D.C.: 50 min
- Sharp’s at Waterford – Has a different fall festival practically every weekend. Take your pick. Admission: $9/person, Drive from D.C.: 60 min
- Butler’s Orchard – Check out the great farmers market and kids’ play park while you’re there. Admission: $5/person, Drive from D.C.: 50 min
- Wegmeyer Farm – Find 50 varieties of pumpkins from Jack-O-Lanterns to giant green heirlooms. Admission: $30 (includes pumpkins), Drive from D.C.: 75 min
