Carve Out Some Time

Fall is the perfect time to pack up the family and visit a local farm. There is always work to be done, whether it’s for your livelihood, keeping up your household or yard, caring for family, friends and pets — the list goes on and on. Recently when a morning looked somewhat unclaimed, my friend Daniel and I set off for a photo shoot at a fall pumpkin patch at Crystal Bay Farm — and to simply appreciate and celebrate the beauty of our own very special central coast.

Crystal Bay Farm, a certified organic farm, is also home to a horse, a charming goat, and two friendly dogs. The Halloween vibe is artfully blended into the displays of heirloom pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Many, if not most of these beautiful vegetables, are of excellent eating quality, and Jeff or Lori (owners of the farm), can let you know which squash or pumpkins can double as a main meal or tasty pie.

Bees and butterflies were feeding on the sunflowers and zinnia, the finches were up in the sunflower heads which were chock full of seeds. Jeff told me that he had planted one little milkweed plant, which then reseeded, and now the farm has Monarchs floating softly throughout the rows.

Jeff and Lori welcome school groups and providing kids with a fun educational experience that teaches them about the importance of farming and taking care of the land and its creatures.

Carve out some time for yourself and your family, and visit this delightful farm. If you already have your Halloween pumpkin, they also carry loads of decorative gourds and edible squash for fall décor and winter feasts. The sun is warm and the air is sweet at Crystal Bay Farm!

The pumpkin patch is open from 10 am – 5 pm on weekends. Check their website for more upcoming fall events.

Crystal Bay Farm is located between two state park beaches overlooking the serene Monterey Bay, at 40 Zils Road, in Watsonville (map). Bring a picnic, relax and unwind. If your group is larger than ten please call (831) 724-4137 in advance for appointment.