October has arrived and, consequently, pumpkin has taken center stage as the fruit du jour.
From seasonal lattes to savory soups, it's all pumpkin, all the time.
And, let's not forget that pinnacle of Halloween decor, the Jack O'Lantern.
Patch is here to tend to your pumpkin picking needs. Pay a visit to the following local farms to find yourself a great gourd.
24936 S. 80th Ave., Monee
Learn about historic farm life at the Butterprint Prairie Museum, make some new four legged friends at the petting zoo, take a hayride on a vintage tractor, and, of course, pick a pumpkin, at this piece of the past located 10 miles southeast of Frankfort. Butterprint Farm is open only to registered groups and is closed during the weekend.
17250 S. Weber Rd., Crest Hill
Find your perfect pumpkin right on the vine. And after you've harvested your future Jack O'Lantern, explore the farm's corn maze, visit the baby chick nursery and meet the Pumpkin Princess.
4853 Hwy 52, Minooka
Located 20 miles west of Joliet, Heap's 30 acre pumpkin patch includes 90 different types of pumpkins, gourds and squash. The farm also grows giant pumpkins, which weigh an average of about 150 pounds.
13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
From pig races to a haunted barn, Bengtson's has it all. A particular highlight of this pumpkin purveyor is that you can opt to see your gourd skybound with the farm's very own "Pumpkin Chucker" — just be sure not to get hit.
12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park
Admission is free at this regional nonprofit's pumpkin patch. For an added fee, families can also visit "Pumpkin Playland" during the weekend. The fall-themed event offers a petting farm, a giant corn box and a spooky wood shed.
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