Winner of the 2009 Pumpkin Patch Poll: Peter Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Farm

Announcing the winner of the 2009 Marin Mommies Pumpkin Patch Poll: Peter Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Farm! This is one of our favorite pumpkin patches and, judging by the fact that it won first place by a huge margin (41% of the total vote), is the favorite of a lot of other people as well. Second place goes to Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch (18%), and third place to the Tolay Fall Festival (13%). Congratulations to all three, and thanks to everyone who voted for in the poll.

Peter Pumpkin Patch is kind of out in the middle of nowhere (which is part of the fun) on a real working farm that normally produces the yummy Spring Hill Jersey cheese that you may have seen in farmers' markets or stores around town. The Peter Pumpkin Patch is a classic old-time pumpkin patch. We've been going there for the past six years, and it's definitely grown in size and scope to be a major autumn production.

In keeping with being a real pumpkin patch, the Peter Pumpkin Patch has plenty of pumpkins. You'll find pre-picked specimens in abundance, and a whole field of on-the-vine pick-it-yourself pumpkins, too. They also have white, green, and other less traditional varieties of pumpkin, as well as gourds, squash, and organic vegetables and fruit, much of it grown on-site. We usually pick up a few pounds of their heirloom German potatoes and maybe some onions and apples, too.

They also sell cold drinks; cheese; picnic baskets with cheese, salami, and crackers; and, best of all, homemade ice cream. Their ice cream is made from the same Jersey cow milk that goes into their cheese. The brown Jersey cows are smaller and produce less milk than your standard black-and-white Holsteins, but their milk is higher in fat content than Holstein milk, so their dairy products like the ice cream are richer and tastier. They usually offer vanilla, chocolate, and our favorite, pumpkin.

Activities and attractions here include baby farm animals for children to pet, the opportunity to milk a dairy cow (if you're so inclined), a hay maze, two hay pyramids to climb (one large one and one smaller one), tractor rides (in a wagon behind the tractor), and a dig-your-own potato field, which is messy fun. All the activities are free. You have to pay for the potatoes you dig up, of course. Pumpkin prices range from a 50¢ for mini "Munchkin" pumpkins to around $15 and up for medium-sized and large jack-o-lantern pumpkins.

As mentioned above, the Peter Pumpkin Patch has grown in size and popularity over the years. It's still a lot of fun, and it's well managed and well thought out. You'll also find plenty of free parking, and clean port-a-potties with hand washing stations (especially necessary after petting all those goats, sheep, cows, and pigs). When we were there there was also a pie sale and a guest appearance by Cotati's Pasta King, selling what they're famous for.

To get there, take Hwy 101 to Petaluma. Take the Washington Street exit and head west over the freeway. Follow Washington until it becomes Bodega Avenue. Follow Bodega Avenue to the Two Rock area west of Petaluma. Take a left on Spring Hill Road and follow it until you come to Spring Hill Farm and the Peter Pumpkin Patch on your right. It will be very difficult to miss. Visit them online at www.springhillcheese.com.