EXPLORE 18 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014 The The leaves are turning, the weather is getting brisk, and pumpkin spice everything has hit the shelves, counters, and menus of every shop in the neighborhood. It is officially autumn, my favorite season, and specifically October, which naturally evokes images of harvest time, Halloween, and cozy get-togethers with friends and family. Growing up in the Midwest, fall traditions are strong, and as a child, my cousins, brothers and I would start the parent-pestering by mid-September. Can we build a bonfire? I want an apple cider slushie! When are we going to get pumpkins? Here’s a list of our favorite haunted houses! Will you drive us to the corn maze? Scary movie marathon! No joke. I think that October brought more stress than backto school preparations. Many, many years ago, when I first moved out east, my Autumn cravings were satiated by trips to the Poconos, farms in New Jersey, orchards in the Hudson Valley, or occasionally out to the island. That is until during a ‘nostalgic for a hay-ride’ chat, a friend looked at me sideways and said, “Girl, you live in Astoria. Why don’t you just go out to Queens County Farm?” A quick google search and tadah! Yep. A new tradition, close to home, even accessible by public transportation! Though the Queens County Farm Museum has year round programming, and is always a fun-filled visit, October starts a particularly busy and exciting time for the farm and its staff. Listed below are some of the fall highlights. I know that my friends and I will be there, lounging on a hayride, hot cider in hand. Don’t miss out! On Sunday, October 5th, the staff at Queens County Farm Museum is commemorating the beginning of autumn with their Annual Kick Off To Fall Celebration! Starting at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m., visitors to the farm will be enticed with a variety of treats for purchase—including Hudson Valley apples, fresh apple cider, fruit pies, and everyone’s favorite, donuts. On this day, there will be no gate admission. Come early to experience the festivities. Maybe you can’t imagine October without a proper Jack-o-lantern, or perhaps you are anxious to break out your recipe box? Well, October is Pumpkin month at the farm, and the Queens County Farm Pumpkin Patch is ripe with choices for your perfect gourd. Though pumpkin prices are based on size, there is no admission fee to explore the vines. The Patch is open Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October 26th. If you would like to purchase a pumpkin during the week, you can find a lovely selection at the Queens Country Farm Gift Shop. While you are at the farm, head on over to the always popular Amazing Maize Maze. Sponsored by ConEdison, this fall favorite will challenge your brain October at the Quens Co unty Farm Story By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER
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