Digging Into the Spirit of Agriculture in Half Moon Bay, CA
The San Mateo Coast in autumn is blanketed by fields of bright orange pumpkins spread across the land in striking contrast to the brown hills, fir forests, and open ocean. There are a few farms that offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, and face painting, but Farmer John’s Pumpkins offers something more. A philosophical sort, Farmer John wants visitors to get their hands dirty and get in touch with the land that feeds them, by providing an educational and enlightening look at California agriculture. Kids and adults alike adore the farm, riding the tractor into the fields and receiving a history lesson in the Sioux tipi. It’s a unique experience that bridges the gap between that pumpkin pie and the hands that grew it.
If you want a place that oozes Autumn, look no further than Farmer John's Pumpkins in Half Moon Bay. Farmer John himself greets you at the entrance with the downhome cadence of a man who is a real live farmer, and who has lived in the area all of his life. The farm was established in 1947, and the sun-kissed field where pumpkins with whimsical names like "sugar pie" and "funny face" grow, definitely has that deep-rooted feeling. The pumpkins get the greatest amount of attention here, particularly the "atlantic giants," which can grow to 500 pounds. But, come prepared to spend some time being amazed by the smaller, more complex member of the family Cucurbitaceae...the gourd. There are many varieties of gourds to peruse, from the "speckled" to the "native american" in this veritable outdoor gourd museum. Each gourd, rich with detail and layered with varying shades of green and yellow seems to tell a unique story. Some look like graceful, exotic birds, while others look like elegant dragons. There are even ones topped with what could be the curving, delicate wings of some folkloric Harvest Fairy. To make the experience even more lovely, you can also buy heirloom seeds from Italy and cut your own hearty sunflowers from a field awash in velvety purples and honeybee golds. But, whatever you do, as you check out, be sure to ask Farmer John for some of his charming gourd stories. He will be happy to oblige with a mischievous, well-lived smile that will complete the Autumn experience.
The San Mateo Coast in autumn is blanketed by fields of bright orange pumpkins spread across the land in striking contrast to the brown hills, fir forests, and open ocean. There are a few farms that offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, and face painting, but Farmer John’s Pumpkins offers something more. A philosophical sort, Farmer John wants visitors to get their hands dirty and get in touch with the land that feeds them, by providing an educational and enlightening look at California agriculture. Kids and adults alike adore the farm, riding the tractor into the fields and receiving a history lesson in the Sioux tipi. It’s a unique experience that bridges the gap between that pumpkin pie and the hands that grew it.
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