Harvest season is now upon us and that means it’s time to enjoy some beautiful fall weather and inexpensive family fun at your local farms. Visiting local farms at harvest time is a budget-friendly way to spend the day with the whole family.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy including hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking and petting zoos, and more. Some farms often have festivals that include live music and delicious foods. Many of these small family farms pull out all the stops to ensure that your family has a great time and learns a lot about farming too.
Search the Net
You can find farms in your area by going to the website, localharvest.org. They provide a drop-down menu that includes the type of farm you are looking for: u-pick farms (farms that you get to pick your own harvest) or farmer’s markets.
All you need to do is click the option from the drop-down menu, add your city and state, and a map will generate with all the options available to you. A simple Google Search will also do the trick, yielding local farms and all that they offer. If you know where your local farmer’s market is, you can even take a trip there to ask some farmers if they have any events or know of some, while you shop for more products.
Plan Ahead
It is always a good idea to plan before you make a trip to the farm, especially if you are bringing the whole family. First, find out what kind of events they have to offer. Will there be a lot of running around and will you be petting and feeding a lot of animals? That way you can be prepared in advance for dirty hands, dirty clothes, or other issues.
Knowing what happens in advance helps you pick appropriate clothing and supplies like hand wipes if your kids get too dirty. With all the running around, chances are they will get a little dirty so make sure they wear something that isn’t too valuable and are wearing a good pair of shoes. Bring an extra set of clothes so they can change if needed.
Consider What You’ll Eat
Find out if the farm will have any food prepared. That way if your whole family is hungry when they get there, you can enjoy the delicious fresh food and treats. If they don’t offer options, bring a picnic lunch with you so no one goes hungry.
Think About Storage
Chances are you will be bringing a lot of apples, pumpkins or other goodies back with you as well. So, make sure you have plenty of space in your car for the trip back. The same goes for your kitchen. You will not want to miss out on all the fresh apples and pumpkins! If you do, then you won’t get to take the fun home with you. Who doesn’t like a fresh pumpkin pie or some homemade applesauce?
Finally, be prepared to have fun and enjoy it because the season will be over before you know it. Your kids will learn so much (and so will the adults!), and you’ll get to spend the day being active and healthy while building wonderful family memories.
RECIPE
One-pot Harvest Pasta
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 medium zucchini, cubed
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 19-ounce can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup elbow macaroni (you can use gluten-free pasta if needed)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil
Grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. In a large pot, over medium heat, add the olive. Add the vegetables and garlic. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables is almost tender.
2. Then add the beans, broth, pasta, red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
3. Remove from heat season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
4. Serve with grated parmesan cheese on top.
To Your Health,
Patti
