Despite my friends claiming it is the Christmas season, November is still an enjoyable month to view the fall leaves change colors and take precious photos while the autumn season still lasts. The weather has turned chilly, but it has yet to snow, meaning visiting pumpkin patches has been my favorite activity this season. Here are my recommendations for four popular pumpkin patches/cider mills in the Grand Rapids area.
#4: Orchard Hill Farm Market:
This cute market plainly didn’t have as many offerings as the other pumpkin patches. With few pumpkins, no fresh donuts or hot cider, there wasn’t too much to do after the corn maze, which was simply a loop. It wasn’t too busy, which was a nice upside that not many other locations can boast, yet the overall quality fell short. Clutter adorned the property, but with a few days of reorganization, Orchard Hill Farm Market can absolutely be renovated to create a more welcoming atmosphere. I ultimately wouldn’t return, but it served its purpose as a backdrop for autumn photos.
#3: Klein Cider Mill:
Klein Cider Mill fell short for me, and despite the cute, family-run atmosphere, the farm was small and didn’t offer as many activities as some of the other spots. However, the pumpkins that we picked here were long-lasting and there was a wide variety of options, with a field covered in the small orange staples for autumn. Their pear/apple cider was distinct but delicious. Overall, they didn’t offer much else, including freshly baked donuts, that would have paired perfectly with the apple cider. With no other activities except for pumpkin picking, Klein Cider Mill is a cute farm to stop by and peruse for pumpkins, but not spend too much time at.
#2: Schwallier’s Country Basket:
Schwalllier’s was one of my favorite pumpkin patches. Surrounded by bustling and vibrant energy around the small farm, Schwallier’s accommodated many activities slightly geared towards younger kids but was fun nonetheless. With a petting zoo, rotten apple “launcher,” and maze, this small farm/pumpkin patch was expansive and engaging, especially for toddlers. They offered you-pick and ready-to-go pumpkins and apples, and although we didn’t stop for long enough to view their apple orchard, the majority of people were milling around with bags full of glossy and ripe apples spoke measures. The only thing that fell short at Schwallier’s Country Basket was, for me, the donuts and other food options. Much of the food offered in their adorable pantry was pre-bought or canned and despite many loving their donuts, they felt too dense and sweet for me to enjoy. Despite this, Schwalllier’s is still a fantastic farmers market/pumpkin patch that I would highly recommend, especially for younger kids.
#1: Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery:
With Schwallier’s being a close second, I ultimately decided that my favorite pumpkin patch/apple orchard I went to was Robinette’s. The farm was so cute and not too overrun, even on the weekend. The perfectly-sized petting zoo was a massive success for my little cousins, and three ponies were offered up for small children to ride, their faces lighting up as they were kindly helped into the saddle. The donuts at Robinette’s were incredible: they were light and airy with dozens of options. Accompanied by a roaming you-pick apple orchard and bouncy platform for kids, Robinette’s was complete with everything that makes a pumpkin patch the perfect fall weekend activity. I would highly recommend stopping by Robinette’s Apple Haus to pick up apples and taste the delicious donuts.
Despite some farms being my favorites over others, the hard work and dedication poured into each pumpkin patch was apparent, and smiles greeted me at all four. Overall, any one of them would be perfect for a fall weekend before the weather turns too cold, and I truly loved visiting each one throughout the season.
