Monday, October 6, 2008

an amazing autumn afternoon

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.~ Henry David Thoreau


Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm is an amazing place.

It is spotlessly clean, colorful, artfully produced place for Halloween FUN. . . !
As I said in the last post and will say it again, I had the most Halloween fun here that I have had since was a small child.
And I went there just intending to take a few autumn photos...

A haunted house, animatronics with cool voices, music, wierd sounds and smoke; a talking scarecrow and the wicked witch of the west; a great corn maze and hay rides to the vast pumpkin field; a petting zoo where you can feed carrots to gentle, exotic animals; hilarious pig races, rides on mild-mannered child-sized ponies, sweet baby animals and pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins of all types were just a few of the things that can be enjoyed here.

The animals here seem very contented, are so very well cared for, immaculately groomed and curried to a sheen. They make the children squeel with delight to pet their clean little heads.
And I have to admit, I loved petting the head of this darling baby alpaca who loved hay and carrots.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the food that is offered at the Texan-style barbeque stand here was top drawer. And since this is mostly a food blog, I want to talk a bit about the food that you can eat here.


What you can get is NOT fast food…but carefully prepared sandwiches with meats that are smoked with care right on the premises and served by people kindly attentive to your wants and needs.
The sliced pork sandwich I ate was huge by any standards and I ordered the small portion.
It was served steaming hot, tender, juicy, piled high served on a light brioche-like sweet bun.

I was able to add any or all of the available fresh condiments of jalapeños, home-made dill pickles, onions and a choice of four barbeques sauces. The meat had delicate smokey flavor and need no help from the barbeque sauce I choose as it was delicious all to itself.
At a price of $5.00 (tax included), I ate my fill and took the other half home for my dinner later that night. That is one of the best-kept secret values of this wonderful family attraction.

So many little expert touches make this destination a place that gives joy to anyone that visits, no matter what your age...

I am very persnickety and a bit skeptical about family orientated destinations that have huge seasonal draws. So many of them are care worn with sad little animals and chipping paint on the rides and attractions.

Not so at Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm...! ! !
This truly beautiful farm is fresh and clean with spicy Halloween flavor in a lively atmosphere with helpful people that seem happy to be there, and are even happier to help you have a great time.

This is a very special autumn destination...

If you are in the area, please take the time to see for yourself.
Take your children, take a loved one, take a friend or just venture there solo… but do visit if you can.
Walk, laugh, relax, look, be amazed, eat, buy a pumpkin or two and experience a day of golden autumn pleasure that will warm you all winter long.

4 comments:

Oreste said...

Beautiful, a salute from Rome. Ciao

feasting-on-pixels (terrie) said...

Salut Oreste
Grazie for your kind compliment and visit.
Ciao

Gail Peck said...

This looks so joyful--how far is it from Chicago? It sounds like something Jonathan and Allisa would love. As is always the case your photos are amazing as are your descriptions. I was particularly intrigued by the pile of pickles and onions served with the sandwich. I've not seen that in the South although some of us like to pile cole slaw on the meat.

feasting-on-pixels (terrie) said...

Merci beaucoup cher Gail for your great comment and visit.
I have sent you a mail.
Bonne journée...!