Not Just for Kids

Pumpkin Hunting
'Tis the season to be carving
by Lori L. Sikorski

Fall is my family's favorite season. We love crunching colorful leaves under our feet and breathing in crisp air that's visible when we exhale. It's the time of year when all five us agree on how to spend our weekends: we want to take the long leisurely drives down unfamiliar roads in search of the perfect pumpkin.

We often don't have a planned destination. It's more fun stumbling upon a roadside stand or pumpkin patch. The best are tucked away on back roads. Usually a stray mum with a sign attached will lead the way.

Southern Maryland farmers take pride in their fall harvest. You will find beautiful displays of straw, cornstalks and baskets brimming with apples and leaning beside old barns. Pumpkins and gourds are scattered in their patches with just enough walking space to help make your selection.

Cherry Hill Farm: Take Rt 4 to Woodyard Rd to Piscataway Rd; go straight through the light at BK Millers. Drive past the airport for about 2 12 miles to Gallahan Rd. Turn right. The farm will be on both your right and left at 12300 Gallahan Rd, Clinton · 301/292-1928

Wander from straw maze to apple orchard to pumpkin patch, stopping for a snack, cider and homemade ice cream and doughnuts. Next comes a hayride through the cornfields invaded by mannequins dressed as scary ghouls, Rugrats, Snow White and even George Bush and Bill Clinton. Cherry Hill is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery, so bring your camera.

Big E Nuff Pumpkin Farm: Follow Rt 214 into Davidsonville. Going west, it's on the left past Homestead Gardens.

This pumpkin patch is surrounded by sunflowers. Perhaps Peter, Peter and his wife live here in the pumpkin house.

Sue's Garden: Take Rt 231 west toward the Benedict Bridge. The farm is 1.5 miles on the left at 2880 Hallowing Point Rd in Prince Frederick · 410/535-2988

A trip to Sue's Garden is a must this time of year. There's everything from cornstalks and bales of hay to apples, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Inside, you can warm your hands by the inviting fire and browse. Delicious home-baked pies, cookies and jellies are abundant. Sue's Garden takes pride in selling only local produce and crafts.

 

Looking for MORE great maryland fall destinations?

Call your local County Extension Office, State Tourism Center at 410/535-3662 or write to: 15513 Hanover Pike, Upperco, MD 21155. attn: Fall Farms.

Pumpkin Seeds

If you thought that Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater was the only one to enjoy pumpkins, think again.

This is the time of year when pumpkins hold their own. You will find them in yards or on porches, all decked out with scary eyes and toothless grins.

Un-carved, they can stay around until turkey day. There are even white ones that can be easily carried into December and turned into snowmen.

You would be out of your gourd not to love pumpkins.

And to think, you usually toss the scooped out pumpkin innards.

Now you can put them to good use.

Ingredients:

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave in a bowl. Add seeds and salt. Transfer to a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

For something different, try replacing the salt with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar.

Kids' Calendar

Explore the Body Oct. 16 & 17 (2pm)-Join your friends on a Magic School Bus weekend. Take a ride thru the human body and see what it holds. Surprises are around every corner. Ages 6+. Zany Brainy, Ann. Harbour Ctr: 410/266-1447.

Picnic in the Park Sun. Oct. 17 (noon-3pm)-Kids, bring your parents and a picnic to the park. A guide will help you find the perfect spot for lunch. Join in some old-fashioned songs. Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown: 410/535-5327.

Enjoy Holiday Camp Oct. 21 & 22 (7am-6pm)-What to do? You have two days free from school. Wanna have some fun? Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks invites you to their Holiday Camp. Each day is full of exciting activities. Bring your own lunch but snacks served. South County Recreation Center. $15 per day; rsvp: 410/222-7313.

Ride on the Mystery Tour Fri. Oct. 22-School is closed and you're bummed. Reserve a spot on a Magical Mystery Tour courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks. Roller skate, swim, ice skate, scavenger hunt and even take in a movie. For middle-school kids. Trips depart at 8am from Severna Park Middle School and return at 4:30pm; at 8:30am from the Arundel Swim Center and return at 5pm. $40; rsvp: 410/222-7300.

Spooky events

Make a Scarecrow Sat. Oct. 16 (10am-noon)-Kids, is your yard begging for a scarecrow? Get out & make one. Come to the Family Scarecrow Workshop sponsored by the AA Co. Rec. & Parks. Bring old clothes and one pair of panty hose for your scarecrow. Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. $4: 410/222-7313.

Catch the Creatures Fri. Oct. 22 (6:30pm)-Do you know what creatures are lurking about at night? Head to the park to find out! Bring a flashlight. Get last minute ideas for Halloween costumes at the Creatures of the Night program. Kinder Farm Park, Millersville. rsvp: 410/222-6115.

| Issue 41 |

Volume VII Number 41
October 14-20, 1999
New Bay Times

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