Hard to believe it's already October 1.  Fall is officially back in The Berkshires, so we might as well embrace it! Personally I think it's the most gorgeous time of year where we live, as the leaves to start to change and the nights get cooler. Not to mention the fact there are tons of places to pick apples, go on hay rides, and of course pick pumpkins!

Between Whitney's, Bartlett's, Jaeske's, Taft Farms and all the other great farms and stands, we are at no shortage of places to get all of our fall necessitates.  One of my favorites, Ioka Valley Farm, has made the list of the Top Ten Charming Pumpkin Patches In Massachusetts Are Picture Perfect For A Fall Day.  How amazing is that? All of the choices the great state of Massachusetts has to offer, Ioka Valley Farm is putting The Berkshires on the map.

Just minutes from Jiminy Peak and a short drive from the Albany area, Ioka Valley Farm attracts locals and tourists alike.  The farm was established in 1936 when Robert and Dorothy Leab drove cattle over Brodie Mountain from Lanesboro and settled them onto the property.  The couple named the farm Ioka from an Indian word meaning “beautiful”. In 1996 the dairy heard was sold, and the Leab family began putting all their energy into being a diversified farm.  The farm has been growing and selling pumpkins since 1989, as well as producing Christmas trees, strawberries, and maple syrup.

 

Open weekends during the fall, the farm offers lots to do when you come to pick out your pumpkin and best part, most of it is free!  The tractor wagon hay ride to the pumpkin patch, a mini-corn maze is free, dress-me scarecrows, giant pumpkin house, hay tunnel, and visits with the farm animals, all at no cost. If you pick a pumpkin from the patch you pay by the pound or you can choose a pumpkin from the gift area they are all pre-priced.

It's charm and beauty make it a great stop for the entire family, not just in the fall but year round.  With it's idealistic setting and gorgeous views, it's easy to see why Ioka Valley Farm made the list.

Where will you get your pumpkins this year?

 

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