Pumpkin Picking Locations in Howard County 2013

It's that time of year again when leaves fall, temperatures cool and pumpkins are picked. 

If you're looking for a chance to take the family out to find that perfect pumpkin for Halloween, there are plenty of places to go locally.

Just remember, an un-carved pumpkin can last eight to 12 weeks before starting to rot, while a jack-o-lantern only lasts five to 10 days, according to NPR. So you might want to wait for the weekend before Halloween to carve it.

Here's where you can go pumpkin-picking in Howard County:

Clark’s Elioak Farm – The farm is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to handle your pumpkin picking needs. In addition, you can enjoy the petting farm and the Enchanted Forest attractions while you’re at it. (On the weekends they also have face-painting and C.J.’s Pit Beef) – Located at 10500 Route 108, Ellicott City – 410-730-4049

Larriland Farm – Pick your own pumpkins and apples, as well as go on a hayride or try to figure out the straw maze. They offer special hayrides on Saturdays and Sundays in October that last 20 minutes and travel over the farm, through a stream, and through woods decorated for Halloween. The straw maze, which is made of more than 1,000 bales of straw, is open daily in October. Open Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday. Located at 2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine – 301-854-6110

Triadelphia Lake View (TLV) Farm – TLV Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during October. Features include a large pumpkin patch, a children’s corn maze and a hayride. This year TLV is hosting events each weekend—Teddy bear day on Oct. 13, Cowgirl/ Cowboy day on Oct. 20, and Halloween costume day on Oct. 27. Located at 15155 Triadelphia Mill Road, Glenelg – 410-489-4460.

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm – Sharp’s offers a free hayride to its pumpkin patch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekdays. Pumpkins cost 59 cents per pound. In addition, the farm offers weekday tours ($7) that allow children and adults to learn about farmers, farm animals and agriculture. The ten-plus acre corn maze will be open for guests to attempt to navigate, cost is $5.50 for ages 6 and over, $3 for children 2 – 5. Located at 4003 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville – 410-489-2572.