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In an era where autumn farm visits have been swept up by commercialization, Patchen Pumpkin Patch offers a refreshing return to history and nature. Every October, a familiar phenomenon takes over the Bay Area. Families pile into cars and brace themselves for traffic, packed parking lots, crowds, and ticketed amusement rides—all to bring home a gourd they easily could find at a local grocery store. It raises a compelling question about how we choose to celebrate fall. Is it at a chaotic amusement park, or through a genuine connection to the season?

Tucked quietly away on a historic mountain homestead, Patchen is the answer. There is a deep sense of time that anchors the soil here. By 1855, the California Stage Company operated a mail route through the area, turning the original town of Patchen into a bustling stagecoach stop where drivers like the famous Charlie Parkhurst swapped horses.

The original town post office operated until the 1920s. Soon thereafter, Patchen faded into a ghost town. Across the street from our farm is California Historical Site marker #448, commemorating the town of Patchen. An Oasis in the Redwoods. Visitors pull up to a tranquil, redwood-lined mountain refuge that preserves remnants of its nineteenth-century heritage, including the original town reservoir and sidewalk that led to the post office.

Grab a classic Radio Flyer wagon and wander along scenic trails through Christmas trees and a patch of sun-dappled gourds. Enjoy treats like fresh popcorn and lemonade, and take photos alongside Betty, the farm’s iconic vintage red truck.

The land where Patchen once stood was purchased in the late 1960s to protect it from development. By transforming the historic site first into a tree farm, and now a pumpkin patch, owner Jim Beck has spent 57 years cultivating a joyful experience for families and preserving local history.

The farm is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join us for Harvest Nights on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 4 p.m. Elevate your evening with live acoustic music by JuneBug, freshly fired pizzas from Pizzeria Vittoria, and fabulous wines from Burrell School Vineyards.

Ultimately, the farm reminds us of the best autumn traditions. Replace high-stress attractions with old-fashioned mountain peace and a whisper of pioneer history. Patchen Pumpkin Patch is a local gem providing space to slow down, breathe in the autumn air, and make authentic memories.

Patchen Pumpkin Patch is located at 22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway. More information is at patchencalifornia.com/ pumpkin/.

Soquel U-pick is our small, family-run farm. We share it with the community and love the joy and education it brings to all who visit. Running a family farm is hard work. When we see kids hauling their chosen pumpkins through the straw, or see a young family burst into laughter when they spot a pumpkin sharing their name, it is easily the best part of running a farm.

There’s “Spud,” a delightfully round pie pumpkin, “Goliath,” who is currently taking over the patch, “Freckles,” a bumpy warty thing that kids insist has the best personality, or “Sweet Casper,” shiny and white, ready to brighten smiles on Halloween night. The best part is that these pumpkins are edible and grown organically with lots of love. They will sweeten your Thanksgiving meals too!

Running the farm feels like home. We’re grateful to share a piece of it with visitors. The pumpkins might be the stars of the show in October, but autumn brings a full harvest to our farm. Enjoy orchard-fresh apples, peppers, and winter squash. They provide the best ingredients for Sunday night stews and cozy winter soups. The last of the summer corn stalks get bundled up for fall decorations. In November, we will have persimmons, both Hachiya and Fuyu.

Visit us on Facebook @Soquel U-Pick or on Instagram for more information. Our farm is located at 4835 Cherryvale Avenue in Soquel. We hope to see you on the farm! Heather Wingfield is a beloved and long-time teacher in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

She taught at Lakeside School for two decades, at Lexington School for one year, and now teaches at Daves Avenue.