Fall is a magical, fleeting and at once invigorating and melancholic time of year.
It’s an ending, obviously, a sort of radiantly attired dress rehearsal for New Year’s Eve, the biggest ending of them all. But it’s also comforting, cozy and the fervently espoused favorite time of year for many of us.
It was such a season for Ray Bradbury, America’s primo chronicler of all things autumnal. He crafted prose celebrating his favorite season in several of his most beloved works, including “The October Country,” “The Halloween Tree” and “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” perhaps the most fall-centric novel ever written (put those books on your fall reading list).
October, he wrote, is a “rare month” — especially for children.
There are many ways to celebrate this most special season. Whether you’re into picking pumpkins, got your sights set on squash, or you enjoy looking at the color of fall leaves, there’s something family friendly in Kitsap County to help you get fully into fall.
Pumpkin patches
Kitsap offers a plethora of patches from which to pick pumpkins, that most recognizable of autumn’s icons.
In Port Orchard, swing by Creek House Farm (6060 East Collins Road), a family farm located in the Manchester area. They cultivate organic, heirloom pumpkins, and open the farm to the public every fall for “U-pick” pumpkins.
There are also farm animals to visit, autumn crafts to complete, a hay ride to enjoy, a pumpkin play area, and many great spots for photos.
Hours are Fridays, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturdays,10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. — until the pumpkins sell out.
Visit www.creekhousefarm.com to learn more.
In Bremerton, visit Minder Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (1000 NE Gluds Pond St.). There are plenty of pumpkins to be picked and a corn maze to be explored.
Visit www.mazeplay.com for hours and admission information.
In Silverdale, fall fun is waiting for you at Pheasant Fields Farm (13274 Clear Creek Road NW.)
Experience the excitement of watching a working farm in action. Explore a 2-acre maze; some paths will be decorated with pumpkins, and there will be activities for all ages within the maze. There is also a bumper crop of farm activities to enjoy, including seeing all the farm animals, seeing where vegetables grow, and exploring the greenhouse.
Children can take home a creative project from the greenhouse, as well as chip in around the farm and help feed the animals.
Visit www.pheasantfields.com to learn more.
For pumpkin picking on Bainbridge Island, visit Suyematsu Farm (9227 Day Road). Explore the grounds, pick a pumpkin and enjoy the scenery at this truly historic island agricultural institution, a beloved yearly pilgrimage for many.
Foliage excursions
If you’re looking to see the sights, enjoy the seasonal colors, and hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the county has several choice spots to offer.
Bainbridge Island’s Bloedel Reserve (7571 NE Dolphin Drive) is certainly a must-see stop for any serious fall lover.
The annual Super Squash Scavenger Hunt is going on now, a beloved bonus beyond the already awesome atmosphere of the reserve. Peruse the pumpkins and squash, and enjoy the wide variety of colors, shapes and textures of this Bloedel harvest.
Children are given a special map to help them find all the hidden squash around the grounds. The hunt goes on all month long across the grounds, and participation is included with the price of regular admission.
“Our plant propagation specialist Philip Bloomquist has grown more than about a dozen types of cucurbits — squash, pumpkins, and gourds — with more than 500 specimens used in colorful displays throughout the grounds,” reserve spokeswoman Claire Donahue said.
“A scavenger hunt map, designed for kids and adults alike, will take you on tour of the grounds and provide fun facts about the interesting shapes, colors, and origin, of the plants.
“You’ll find specimens tucked away in unusual places and grouped together in large colorful displays. Everyone who turns in a map at the gatehouse receives a special prize.”
Check out www.bloedelreserve.org to learn about hours and admission.
In Silverdale, pack a picnic and enjoy the crisp outdoors — and a wonderful combo of waterfront views and seasonal hues — at Waterfront Park (3337 NW Bryon St.).
The park has saltwater beach access and shoreline walking areas, a playground, restrooms, gazebos, a picnic shelter, picnic area and free parking.
Fall paints trees in breathtaking ways, regardless of their size.
Consider taking a trek round the grounds at Elandan Gardens (3050 W. State Highway 16, in Bremerton) to see the world-class bonsai tree collection and museum, and the landscape artistry of Dan Robinson cast in autumn’s garb. The outdoor exhibition is set among ponds, waterfalls, sculptures and lush gardens on the shores of Puget Sound.
Elandan Gardens is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Halloween. Call 360-373-8260, email elan dangardensbonsai@gmail.com or visit www.elandangardens.com for directions, more information about the art of bonsai and lots of photos.
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— Luciano Marano is a reporter for Kitaap News Group. Contact him at lmarano@soundpublishing.com
