A Visit to Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch

This weekend we decided to check out what is to our knowledge the only pumpkin patch on a working farm in Marin County (if you know of another please let us know): Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch (formerly known as the Lafranchi Pumpkin Patch). This certified organic pumpkin patch, located in the small west Marin village of Nicasio, is located just west of the Nicasio village square right on Nicasio Valley Road. Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch is open seven days a week through October 31 from 10 am to 6 pm, and it's definitely worth a visit this season.

Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch offers a wide variety of organic pumpkins spread out in an expansive meadow on the farm. Although in previous visits we noticed pumpkins being grown on-site, we didn't see any immediate evidence of pick-it-yourself pumpkins this year. Pumpkin varieties ranged from your standard Halloween jack-o-lantern types to white ones, green ones, and flat European "Cinderella" style squash. The farmstand also offer a variety of gourds, squash, apples, and other organic vegetables, as well as drinks, ice cream, and other snacks.

Like many Halloween pumpkin patches, they also have the obligatory jumpy house and inflatable slide (the Jurassic Park model, whee!), which cost $2 and $3, respectively, or $4 for both. They also offer hay rides through the fields at $2 a head. They're also partnering with an outfit called The Barnyardigans to offer pony rides ($4) and brushing ($2), and a petting zoo ($4). There were also some farm animals for children to visit, including calves, sheep, and pigs.

There are also a couple straw bale mazes for kids to get lost in (don't worry, they're not that difficult to figure out), and a kid's play area with more straw bales, kid-sized wheelbarrows, toy rakes, and a bunch of toy fruits and vegetables, as well as some real squash to tote around. Our children actually seemed to have a lot more fun here than in the Jurassic Park slide. Go figure. There's also a real effort this year to make your trip to the pumpkin patch a real educational experience. There are educational exhibits and activities, including informative placards held by scarecrows placed throughout the farm. Find all 12 scarecrows and get a special sticker at the farmstand!

The rural Nicasio setting is, as always, beautiful. There's an expansive seating area with picnic tables and umbrellas, so you can relax and take in the rural scenery and even eat lunch. If you arrive hungry, Frank's BBQ will be on hand on weekends to serve up chow. They also have bathrooms, in the form of port-a-potties as well as those outdoor hand-washing stations, available.

Marin's favorite children's musician and recording artist Tim Cain will perform at Nicasio Valley Farms several times this season. Look for him on October 4, 10, 18, and 25. Local 4-H-ers will show off their animals on Saturday, October 11. Sunday, October 18 is Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) Day, which will feature all sorts of food, children's games and contests, beer from Fairfax's Iron Springs Brewery, and educational booths where you and your family can learn about the role of agriculture in Marin County. 10% of all pumpkin sales that day will support MALT.

Pumpkin prices were on the high side; but this being the Bay Area and with the certified organic pedigree and all, it's not too surprising. The smallest pumpkins were $3, and prices ranged all the way up to $30 for the large ones. Most people, however, were happily shelling out $50 or $100 for a wheelbarrow full of large organic pumpkins.

Overall we had a great time at Nicasio Valley Farms. It's an unbeatable experience here in Marin, in a place that easily accessible from almost anywhere in the county. Check it out when you get a chance. For more information, call them at (415) 662-9100.

To get to Nicasio Valley Farms from northern Marin, take 101 to Lucas Valley Road. Head west on Lucas Valley Road until you get to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right onto Nicasio Valley Road and follow it through the village of Nicasio. Nicasio Valley Farms will be on your immediate right as you head out of the village. You can also take Novato Boulevard west to Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Turn left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road and follow it until you get to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn left onto Nicasio Valley Road and follow it to Nicasio; you'll see the pumpkin patch just past Nicasio School. From southern and central Marin, take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right onto Nicasio Valley Road (at San Geronimo Golf Course) and follow it until you get to Nicasio.