Best Haverford-Area Pumpkin Patches 2020

HAVERFORD, PA — Not even pumpkin patches are escaping the coronavirus in 2020.

The ongoing pandemic has forced some of the region's most frequented pumpkin patches to adjust hours, regulations and offerings as they head into fall.

But, don't fear: There are still plenty of spots around the Haverford area where you can have some fall fun.

Below is a list of some of the area's top local pumpkin patches:

Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media

Probably the most famous place to take the family for pick-your-own pumpkins, apples, and more, Linvilla's "Pumpkinland" is open now and features Autumn Moon, Harvest and Witch's Hayrides in addition to pumpkins to take home. See details here.

Arasapha Farms, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills

Known for its various hayrides, Arasapha offers pumpkins at 75 cents per pound for large pumpkins, as well as small pumpkins and gourds. Get details here.

Indian Orchards Farm, 29 Copes Lane, Media

Indian Orchards Farm has many veggies and fruits available to pick, including pumpkins. In the fall, pumpkin hunters will find not only pumpkins, but also apples, cider, raspberries, pears and more at the orchard. More information is here.

Sugartown Strawberries, 650 Sugartown Road, Malvern

The pumpkin patch at Sugartown Strawberries in Malvern is open for families to peruse pumpkins for some to take home. In addition to pumpkin picking, Sugartown Strawberries also offers hayrides each weekend in October. See more details here.

Good Harvest Farms (Farm Stand), 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

This farm stand by Lancaster's Good Harvest Farms isn't a patch but still offers a selection of pumpkins. Located in the Lancaster County Farmer's Market in Wayne, families can shop for pumpkins right on the Main Line. Get more information here.

When picking your perfect pumpkin, here are a few tips to keep in mind, according to the folks at Kitchn.

• Know the difference between pumpkins best used for pies and those best for carving. Workers will sometimes label their pumpkins to help you identify which is better for eating and which is better for carving. But if they don't, remember smaller, thicker and rounder pumpkins are generally better for eating. They have more guts on the inside and are more difficult to saw.
• Tap on your pumpkin. By tapping on your prospective pumpkins, you'll be able to compare which feel sturdy and sound hollow. The sturdier, the better, and it should sound hollow.
• Flip it upside down and apply pressure. It might sound odd, but trust us, this is key. Turn your pumpkin upside down and press on it with both thumbs. If it's not sturdy, chances are it'll rot.
• Always carry it from the bottom. Do not carry your pumpkin by its stem, that's the easiest way to test whether your pumpkin can defy gravity. So far, gravity remains undefeated.
• Wait to carve your pumpkin. Ask anyone what happens if you carve too early and you'll hear one of two answers, neither of them good. Either the pumpkin rots before Halloween or it simply becomes dinner for a family of hungry animals.

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to list it in the comments section.