Whether you're going to carve it, eat it or smash it, a pumpkin is the quintessential symbol of Halloween and traveling to a local farm to find that perfect pumpkin is a time-honored fall tradition. It involves family and the uniquely fall experience of yellowing fields dotted with bright orange pumpkins.
In Howard County, you don't have to go far to find a number of local farms that have created hayrides, corn mazes and activities around finding the perfect pumpkin.
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. 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 $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for children 6 – 16, and $3 for children 2 -6. Located at 4003 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville – 410-489-2572.
