Not to be a broken record, but this fall in Seattle has been one for the ages. The fact that the sun has stuck around for this long makes me actually EXCITED for darker days, because they are starting much later than usual this year. A shorter winter? Sure, I’ll take it! Now if we can just get this smoke to fizzle (and the fires too), the recipe for perfect PNW vibes would be downright spot on.
While we still have these final couple of weeks to enjoy October before the holiday season kicks into high gear (if you’ve been to Costco since, well, August, you know it’s well on its way) here is a one-stop-shop for some weekend activities to make full use of these prime days.
Favorite Pumpkin Patches
Craven Farm
Snohomish
Proudly Snohomish’s original pumpkin patch since 1983, it’s now in its 40th year of operation! Lots of photo ops for you and your pooch, put-put golf, some very creative corn mazes for the kiddos, and dare I say kittens? KITTENS!
Swans Trail Farms
Snohomish
https://swanstrailfarms.com/events.aspx?nv=1&item=1&name=Fall+Festival
Featuring a corn maze shaped like Washington state, this is one of the more mellow patches I’ve been to, and I’ve welcomed that pace. Throw in a petting farm and some gem mining, your afternoon here won’t leave you feeling too wiped out.
Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm
Snohomish
https://www.bobscorn.com/Activities
Three pumpkin patches for the price of admission! Yes, you read that correctly - THREE. Spanning 40 acres and 60 varieties of pumpkins, this far-from-average spot features a kids maze, cow train, and apple shack. Someone must report back to me about the Corn Crib next to the Fudge Shop - what goes on in there?
Seattle Met has a great full list of farms if you’re looking for even more: https://www.seattlemet.com/travel-and-outdoors/best-pumpkin-patch-near-seattle
Haunted Houses
Stalker Farms Haunted Attractions
If you like a good corn maze, but find it too vanilla in the light of the day, why not try it as a haunted corn trail. Sure, why not? With actors, costumes, and all of the gore, you can immerse yourself in a move-like production.
Tacoma Haunts
Per the website, this place will make you shriek and lose bladder control. If you’re into that sort of thing, Tacoma is waiting! You’re invited to the dark underground where spirits walk, lights fade, and hopes dwindle. Yikes.
Georgetown Morgue
I mean, the name alone is pretty freaky. So is 5 minutes on their website - something moved or came out of nowhere and I was spooked. Maybe that’s enough for me, but if you’re excited about goblins and guts jumping out at you from all angles, head down to Georgetown!
Fall Foliage Color Drives
Whidbey Island Scenic Isle Way
The north end of Whidbey Island is home to Deception State Pass Park, and the bridge at sunset over Fidalgo Island is breathtaking. Add in some orange leaves and you will need to work hard to keep those eyes on the road. At just 54 miles, this route is do-able and you’re on an island, a true win-win.
Chuckanut Drive
Known plainly as Highway 11, this 21-mile drive will take you through Larrabee State Park (the oldest park in Washington), and also the coast, where you can spy the San Juan Islands. Plus, you’ll end up in Fairhaven and ultimately Bellingham, which are beautiful year-round.
North Cascades Highway
This route has so many stunning spots with plenty of places to pull over and stare into the abyss. And lucky for us, the abyss is currently a technicolor rainbow of fall color. Check out Diablo Lake Overlook that boasts deposits from surrounding glaciers that give the water an incredible turquoise glow.
Reach out anytime with house questions, recommendations, or just to talk about how gorgeous Seattle is right now. I’m at the ready!