Get the Full Fall Experience
Photos Courtesy of Pumpkinville
A fall favorite returns, welcoming families and friends to enjoy all of the seasonal fun to be had! Each day we inch closer and closer to peak autumn vibes, so what better way to take in that crisp mountain air than by planning a trip to Pumpkinville? Perfectly settled between the hillsides of Great Valley, the pumpkin patch kicks off their 56th year with plenty of exciting new additions and activities to enjoy!
Mark your calendars! Starting September 14, 2024, Pumpkinville will open its doors for a season like no other. If you thought you knew what was to come, keep guessing. From an ambitious addition to the play space to a celebrity guest, this year will definitely be one to remember.
To start, we spoke with Lisa Pawlowski of Pumpkinville who shared with us her excitement on the season to come. A big announcement to the festivities this fall, Eric Jones, famed pumpkin carver and caricaturist, will be in attendance to host pumpkin carving classes along with demonstrations for guests. “He is going to be giving some pumpkin carving classes that we’re really excited about,” said Lisa, “and he’s also going to be doing some demonstrations creating huge carved pumpkin displays for us to have here and people can get their photos taken with them.” It’ll be a really fun way for guests to hone in on their pumpkin carving skills and learn from one of the best there is! During these ticketed events, you’ll get the chance to choose either a pumpkin carving class or an adults only Sip & Carve (must be 21+ to attend). Reservations are limited, so be sure to book your event online at www.pumpkinville.com under Special Events to reserve a seat!
An Olean native, Eric Jones recently took the title as Guinness World Recorder for carving the World’s Largest Jack-o-Lantern in 2023. He also has won Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins Season 3 and will be returning to television this September for Food Network’s Halloween Wars.
But wait, there’s more magic to explore on your perfect fall day. With activities for all ages, Lisa Pawlowski went on to announce a new addition to the farm. Eager eyes may notice the recent construction of… a corn barn! Inside, guests will have the opportunity to dive into tractor loads of corn kernels. “Kids can dig and play in that corn and jump and make mountains and there’s toys in there to play with so it’s kind of like a giant sandpit but with corn instead!” And of course Lisa’s seven-year-old son approves. It’s the perfect addition for a pop of fun!
Some other noteworthy attractions that are new this year include a floor piano (think like in the movie BIG), but of course Pumpkinville had to put their own swing on it. Instead of your typical piano notes, the keys will all play a different pitch of chicken clucks. Where else would you get to make your solo debut to the silly tunes of chickens squawking and calling?
They also have a 1900s style crank tractor that gives the chance to hand turn the engine if you put the muscle into it!
Whether you’re here for the pumpkins or a full day in the fun zone, no trip would be complete without the perfectly paired fall treats. This season you’ll be tempted to try two new menu items, so come hungry. At the Sweets ’n Treats stand, the Hot Cider Sinker makes for the perfect warm-up beverage on those cooler autumn days. Poured into a souvenir mug and paired with their signature pumpkin donut, this toasty treat will hit all of your seasonal senses. The next menu drop, you’ll most likely smell as you walk in. Fresh off the smoker with a name to fit a feast, the Piggy Pile is the ultimate combination of mac ’n cheese piled with pulled pork, chopped apple, and crispy fried onions. It’s a must-try!
Returning for all things fun, guests can expect all of their favorite featured attractions, like the pumpkin’ jumping pillow, cow train, carousel, apple cannons and more. As always, the front market, retail, and food vendors are free of charge to enter and will offer this year’s extensive harvest of pumpkins and holiday gourds. And the farmhouse residents are as cute as ever. Along with the sheep and pigs, Pumpkinville is joined by some new furry faces. Baby goats came along this year, as well as the newly added Flemish Giant Bunnies and a donkey named Zeb. If you check the farm on the right day, you’ll see attendants taking Zeb around the facility for a friendly walk, maybe even with the chance to say hello!
Surrounding all of the nostalgia - from returning guests and new adventures to welcome for first timers - Lisa Pawlowski looks forward to what this fall as to offer. “We’re just really, really excited about some of the new things we have going on and we’re hoping we can just continue to offer all kinds of memories for families,” she said. Sharing in that excitement, she went on to add that for a limited time, Pumpkinville will be offering buy-one-get-one free season passes through September 22nd. To take advantage of this offer, check out www.pumpkinville.com using the coupon code PKV2024.
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience a whole new season of fun this fall at Pumpkinville, located at 4844 Sugartown Road in Great Valley, NY. Let’s add to autumn’s traditions with a day well spent at our favorite pumpkin patch!