I consider fall to be the nicest time of year in Western New York (WNY), where Cats Like Us is located. As the season changes the days get cooler and the leaves turn a rainbow of autumn colors. Halloween and then Thanksgiving are not far off. Apples and pumpkins are in season and I can't seem to get my fill of apple cider.
The Great Pumpkin (Farm)
This area has a few hidden gems that open seasonally, and one that is not too far out in the suburb of Clarence NY is The Great Pumpkin Farm (GPF). What has become for us a seasonal must-do kickoff of the fall holiday has been building for years now. This Fall Festival has grown to be, by far, the largest fall family event in the region.
Open daily from late September to the end of October, the GPF offers a nice assortment of activities for the entire family including
-
Hay rides
-
Corn Maze
-
Petting zoo
-
Magic show
-
Concession stands and Midway rides including my favorite, the Tilt-a-whirl (which I will be blogging about shortly)
-
A huge assortment of pumpkins on display and for sale
-
Fresh donuts, cider, pumpkin spice cookies and apple pie
The size of the farm is large enough to keep entertained but not too overwhelming, and it is very family friendly. We met our friends with 2 small children and they had a blast on the kids rides, petting the animals, riding the hayride, and playing in the pumpkins.
Admission is free except on for the 1st 5 weekends, admission is $5 (children under 3 free). These are the weekends of the special events. What events? Glad you asked!
More than pumpkins and hayrides
Nearly every weekend through Halloween the GPF has special events, and make a point to attend the “Oinktoberfest” international BBQ festival opening weekend.
Other events include the World Pumpkin Weigh Off, pie eating contest and pig races!
Halloween store
We are huge fans of Halloween, and look forward every year to shopping at the GPF Halloween store. In the main building they have a huge assortment of Halloween decorations and handmade crafts. From glittering pumpkins to hanging scarecrows, they have everything you need to decorate your home for fall, and we find it difficult to leave without adding something to our collection!
More information can be found on the GPF website and facebook page here:
http://www.greatpumpkinfarm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GreatPumpkinFarm
Shop Halloween Clothing
And what better way to celebrate the season than DRESSING kooky-spooky as well?! Cats Like Us has posted our Boo-tique page featuring the best in our Halloween and just-plain-fun clothing!
Shop the Cats Like Us Boo-tique Halloween Clothing here!
Happy fall everyone!
~Andrew