It’s Pumpkin Time: Pumpkin Patches In North County

By Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl It’s Pumpkin Time! Where To Find Pumpkin Patches In North County

We are entering the fall season now, where the word “pumpkin” is popping up everywhere, especially in food and drinks. But we can’t forget where the true pumpkin lies — in a patch on a farm! In San Luis Obispo County, we are fortunate that there are many pumpkin patches for us to purchase that special pumpkin(s). Whether you want to go to North County or South County or want a pumpkin patch with additional activities surrounding the picking-out fun, there is a patch for you.

River K in Paso Robles is a family-owned and operated business by the Kunze family, and they have been growing pumpkins for 25 years. They also have a fun 3-acre corn maze to meander through and weekend hay rides for an added fee, according to Zak Kunze.

Customers are also given clippers to pick and cut their pumpkins. The patch is open October 1 through 31, and during the week, the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Jack Creek Farms in Templeton is a fifth-generation-run farm. It is open year-round, selling produce and honey, and offers what they deem a pumpkin palooza centering around pumpkin crafts and activities for families to enjoy.

Kids can enjoy playing with their wooden train and haystack. Their farm also features Happy Acres (paid entrance fee required). Families and children will enjoy their fort polliwog maze, tractor tire garden, farm animals, farmer’s market, corn bin, sand trough, storybook trail, laundry adventure, little buckaroo cafe, and more.

Jack Creek visitors can even get a Pumpkin Palooza “to go” kit, which is available September 16 and while supplies last. The kit includes one small pumpkin, one apron, one table cover, six acrylic paint cups, one paint brush, one paint tray, one cup for in-between paintbrush rinsing, one glue stick, and one bag of decorations. The Jack Creek Farms is open most days, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chesebrough Farms in Templeton, founded by Bob and Donna, has been running a seasonal pumpkin patch for over 20 years. The patch is open October 1 through 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and specializes in growing fresh pumpkins, squash, and corn, but also offers other fresh vegetables in season. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the farm, including at their old-fashioned roadside stand, complete with their “Pumpkin and Winter Squash Cookbook.” Also, for an additional cost, you can make an early request to artist Donna to scar a pumpkin for you next year — something she is known for around town!

North County Pumpkin Farm Locations

• River K | 5670 N. River Road, Paso

Robles

• Jack Creek Farms | 5000 Highway 46

West, Templeton

• Chesebrough Farms | 790 Moss Lane,

Templeton