[zenjenn]

Anyone been to Tate Farms in Meridianville? We went yesterday for their "Cotton Pickin' Pumpkins" and had an absolutely fantastic time. If you have young kids, from toddler through elementary school, I highly recommend it.

Chalk it up to me being overly charmed as a newcomer to such things. In California the closest thing was a university's department of agriculture hosting such an affair, but in order to accommodate the six-bazillion people that show up, they pre-cut the pumpkins and tossed them on a field, put up an inflatable slide, and called it a day. Not that it wasn't fun, but if you have little ones, you are too busy keeping them close at hand so they don't get swept away by the throng.

At Tate Farms we had a bustling crowd, but not a suffocating one. I was very comfy letting my kiddos run around and enjoy what the event had to offer - swings, slides, a cotton jump, "corn crib", hay maze, visiting with the animals, etc. AND of course, actually *picking* our own pumpkin. The pumpkin patch and sunflower fields themselves looked wilty, from the drought I presume, but I don't think the kids noticed. I expected us to be IN and OUT in an hour with our pumpkins, instead we ended up staying for nearly 4 hours!

We also spent more money than I planned, but I think they earned it. We had as much fun as we would have at a morning at Disneyland.

[Reactionary]

One of the charming surprises of kid-friendly living in Alabama. Tate Farms is a treasure; MaryMac Farms at Dug Hill Road has blueberries and fun in mid-summer (fresh cobbler!); there are a couple of other u-pick farms (for food not fun). The State encourages innovative use of farmland (like corn mazes &c) - anything to make an agriculture buck - it must be working since you spent more $$$ than you planned ;-)

I carved pumpkins Saturday - bought at a roadside stand - $5 each for HUGE pumpkins.

[AnyDayNow]

That sounds like fun.

What is a cotton jump? I'm guessing maybe you jump into a huge pile of cotton, but maybe not?

[MDtoAL2007]

I'm so glad you had a great time at Tate Farms. I just found out about it today as I was doing an online search for what to do in or near New Market, AL. I also found something online last night about a farm where you can get fresh organic eggs but, my daughter needed me and I quickly turned away from the site and eventually lost it. Does anybody know of such a farm near New Market, AL? Homemade soaps and homespun wool...etc...??? I'll be moving to the area by the end of Nov. (next month!)

[zenjenn]

I'm still learning my local geography, but I do think Tate Farms is just as close to New Market as it is to Huntsville, if not closer? It took us maybe 30 minutes to get there.

And yes, a cotton jump is just that. A big trailer cage type thing filled with raw cotton. The kids love it. The corn crib is similar, a giant sandbox filled with dried corn kernels.

We also had a look at the cotton field. Pretty wonderous thing for your 5-yr-old to have the realization that cotton comes from a plant. I sent my parents and in-laws photos from out outing. My dad e-mailed back "Only two weeks in the South and you have them picking cotton."

[Keeper]

Not sure about new market but there are a lot of people who sell organic eggs. I buy from a guy who raises chickens and sells the eggs near me in Arab. There is also a shop where you can buy homemade soaps. Once you get to New Market, ask some locals, they will know where you can get these things.

[dbkeel1]

Tate Farms is an annual field trip for pre-K and K-aged kids from their various schools. They have a blast, especially with the animals.

[MsMuir]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Not sure about new market but there are a lot of people who sell organic eggs.

Just wondering if you know of any place in or near Decatur that sells organic eggs...would love the info!

[NicoleC]

Goose Pond Farm, which is about 7 miles south of Decatur, sells pasture-raised drug-free eggs, but they aren't certified "organic" by the legal definition. (Meaning the farmer hasn't gone through the certification process, as as far as I know, has no plans to do so.)

Goose Pond Farm, LLC - LocalHarvest

Good folks and a very high quality product, although the eggs now are not nearly as good as they are first thing in the spring, but that's normal. Eggs are available any time by driving up to the farm and leaving money in the fridge; you can call Charlie at the farm for more info.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by zenjenn

My dad e-mailed back "Only two weeks in the South and you have them picking cotton."

LOL!!! Best laugh of my day by far.....

A GEM.