Simple pleasures...enjoying a sunny day at the pumpkin patch

Papa and the children feeding the shorthorn cow

Getting a little donkey love

Photo op gone crazy

Getting brave feeding the animals

"Here Mr Goat...you'll eat it"

Smilin' pumpkin

The month of October is a 'shout out' to life's simple pleasures. The kids are in school, if not on a COVID-19 quarantine break. Many hard-working folks have taken their summer vacations (although a fall trip sounds much more appealing as we continue to battle coronavirus concerns). A family trip to one of the pumpkin patch farms puts life into perspective...It's the little things that matter.

If you live in Paducah, October is the month to visit places like Wurth Farms. There are several pumpkin patches in the area, but this particular weekend, it was a Lone Oak pumpkin patch adventure.

Over the years, Wurth Farms has expanded it's pumpkin patch fun. This season activities included the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, bales of hay maze, photo ops, food and drink, selections of painted pumpkins, flowers, and other fall items for sell.

The day we made the trek to the farm, it was sunny and hot. The place was super busy and Wurth Farms used their rear parking (which I didn't even know existed until last weekend). Most activities observed social distancing protocols. The petting zoo was the most fun. The children really loved it. There were shorthorn cows, rabbits, goats, donkeys, horses, and a camel. Yes, a camel...a bit odd and out of place but we went with it.

We arrived shortly after lunch and by this time, the majority of animals had their bellies' full. They either turned their noses up at our handfuls of food or just didn't bother to get up...all except the goats, they were quite eager to lick the corn out of our palms. Everyone was respectful and waited their turn to pet or feed the animals. Tip: If you go to the petting zoo, be prepared to spend $12 for a family of four.

There wasn't the traditional hayride to the pumpkin patch. I'm sure it would be difficult  to social distance on a crowded trailer.  Even if it was an option, it would take all day to pick out a pumpkin and make the ride back to the car.

This year, there was a field of pumpkins right around the back corner of the farm. Children were able to run through the rows of pumpkins to fetch their favorite shape, size, and color melon. 

All in all, it was a good way to spend an hour or so breathing some fresh air, being around other people, and enjoying the sunshine. I hope you make time to visit Wurth Farms or another pumpkin patch on your short list.

Here's a few listings for pumpkin patches in our area and across Kentucky. Links are highlighted for direct connection.

Kentucky Family Fun
The 10 Best Pumpkin Patches in Kentucky
Wurth Farms - Paducah
Huyck Farms - Paducah (Facebook Page)
Cayce's Pumpkin Patch - Princeton, KY
A-Maize-ing Farms - Mayfield, KY (Facebook Page)