If you happen to find yourself in the Los Angeles area on a fall weekend you should definitely pop over to Underwood Family Farms for their annual Fall Harvest Festival. Celebrating their 17th anniversary this year, the fair is absolutely perfect for city-dwellers who don’t want to miss out on all the bounties and activities that come every autumn. I had the opportunity to make a trip up this past weekend with Joe from JoesDaily.com and we had a fantastic time.
Exciting before we were even in
As we began to get close to the festival, the long line of cars made it apparent that we were in for something good. Luckily, the wonderful staff and the ample parking made for a short wait. As we approached the entry, we were met with a gorgeous array of every shape, size, and type of fall produce that a person could ask for. This is especially great for those just looking to grab a few specialty gourds, sans festival, or if you want to save your pumpkin picking until the end (which we did).
Once we made our way inside there was so much to do that it was almost a worry we would get lost in it all. Closest to the gates was their animal featured entertainment. This included a petting zoo, kiddie corral (where both the human and goat varieties can play), pony rides, chicken coops, and even adorable piglet races. Joe and I got a kick out of the overhead walkways they have set up for the goats to get from pen to pen.
Everything was gorgeous
Farther in is where we found the various pumpkin patches, all surrounded by beautiful sunflowers. Here you can grab a wheelbarrow and pick up as many orange beauties as you please. Be sure to check out the rows they have set up along the far edge. This one features an assortment of specialty pumpkins and gourds that you probably didn’t even know existed.
Should you wish to supplement your fall decorating with baby pumpkins, calico corn, or literally any other kind of gourd or squash you can think of, they have a multitude of large booths set up, displaying everything you could ever need. Close by they have their Country Store where you can grab some pumpkin carving supplies (among many other things), as well as several booths selling things like cowboy hats and handmade wooden toys.
Even breaktime was great
Somewhere between the Cinderella pumpkins and calico corn we decided to take a break. Joe and I headed over to the food vendors to grab some pumpkin pie. If you don’t happen to be a pie person, they also have every other kind of dessert one can make with a pumpkin, as well as other seasonal favorites like candied apples and roasted corn on the cob. While we ate our pie, we sat in one of their large tents and enjoyed a live band. Do note that each weekend has its own theme. When we went it was Western Weekend so there were specialty events like lassoing lessons and a flea circus.
Photo ops
Underwood Family Farms had some other great features worth mentioning. There were plenty of photo opportunities with the Hay Pyramids, stilt walkers, a human sunflower, and even a Pumpkin House. If you’re looking for some additional entertainment horse or tractor-pulled wagon rides and the corn maze might be for you. For a full list of everything that Underwood’s Fall Festival has to offer you can visit their website here.
So it pretty much goes without saying that our visit was a huge blast. I’m originally from Illinois and needed something to cure the homesickness I get every fall. I can definitely say this place did the trick. So, if you get the chance, be sure to grab a group of friends, your whole family, or just your significant other and make your way to Underwood Family Farms. Your fall probably won’t feel as complete without it.
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