Every fall, as the air grows crisp and the leaves turn to gold and red, our family makes the annual pilgrimage to Spring Hill Sugar House in Richmond, Rhode Island. This farm has become our personal favorite for pumpkin picking, a tradition that we have been nurturing for years.
Last year, we arrived with a lively crew—our two-year-old grandson, running ahead with boundless energy, his eyes wide at the sight of the sprawling pumpkin patch. His mom and dad followed behind, along with his 12-year-old brother, one of our adult sons, and of course, my wife and me, who were eager to share in this family tradition once more.
The farm has a certain simplicity that makes it all the more inviting. Fields of pumpkins stretched out before us, bright orange balls scattered across the vine-covered ground. Our grandson darted down the rows, his tiny legs carrying him from pumpkin to pumpkin, his laughter filling the crisp fall air.
Crouching down to inspect one nearly half his size, he wrapped his arms around it, trying to lift it, but giggled as he realized he needed a bit more muscle to tackle that one.
As we strolled through the patch, his 12-year-old brother offered sage advice, pointing out the best pumpkins for carving.
The adults in our pack debated over which one had the best “face,” while their mom and dad laughed at the enthusiasm of their children. It was a familiar scene—just like past trips when we had different combinations of family and friends along, each visit to Spring Hill offering something new but always with the same sense of joy and connection.
Spring Hill’s pumpkin patch isn’t the biggest in Rhode Island, but it’s ideal for us. The pumpkins are spread out across the field where they grew, many still attached to the vines. It’s easy for kids—and adults—to wander through and find the perfect one, using wheelbarrows to collect and transport the “best” pumpkins back to the sugar shack for weighing.
Watching the kids dart from vine to vine, pausing to examine each pumpkin, has become a cherished ritual.
The farm also features a family-friendly corn maze, which is just challenging enough to keep everyone entertained without becoming overwhelming. It’s a place where generations can come together to enjoy the simple pleasures of autumn.
Pumpkin picking might be the main attraction, but the experience at Spring Hill is much more than that. The farm is known for its maple syrup
and apple cider. Speaking of cider, one of the highlights of any autumn visit is watching the apple-pressing demonstration.
The farm uses an old-fashioned press to turn their apples into fresh, unfiltered cider, which we eagerly sample after each visit. The sweetness and tartness of the cider, combined with the cool fall air, is the perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s not hard to imagine families from years past doing the same, creating their own autumn memories.
Spring Hill Sugar House is a charming 22-acre farm that has been a beloved destination for families since its founding in 1980 by Gibby Fountain. Known primarily for its delicious maple syrup, the farm transforms each fall into a pumpkin- picking haven, drawing visitors from all over the state to celebrate the season’s bounty.
The simplicity and authenticity of Spring Hill are what make it so inviting.
Spring Hill’s connection to the local community and its agricultural traditions is evident in every aspect of the farm. From the maple syrup produced in the spring to the pumpkins and cider in the fall, the farm embodies the rhythms of the seasons and the land. This deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition is what keeps families coming back year after year, creating lasting memories and celebrating the joys of each season in a place that feels like home.
Although Spring Hill is our go-to spot, Rhode Island is filled with other farms offering pumpkin picking and fall activities. Dame Farm in Johnston is another favorite, known for its scenic hayrides through the orchards and fields. Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate is perfect for both pumpkin and apple picking, and it also boasts an expansive view of the surrounding countryside. Each farm has its own unique character, but all share a deep connection to Rhode Island’s agricultural traditions.
Beyond the family-friendly fun of picking your own pumpkins, there’s something fascinating about the state’s obsession with growing enormous pumpkins.
Every year, Rhode Island farmers compete in contests to grow the largest pumpkins, some tipping the scales at over a thousand pounds. These behemoths are the pride of local growers, often winning national competitions. The Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers weigh-off is a highlight of the season, where these massive pumpkins are showcased and celebrated. It’s impressive to think that in the same state where we pick our perfectly
manageable pumpkins, these giants are cultivated with such care and determination.
Growing a giant pumpkin is no small feat. It starts with selecting the right seeds, often from a variety known as ‘Atlantic Giant.’ Farmers then prepare the soil meticulously, ensuring it is rich in nutrients and organic matter. The pumpkin plants require constant care, including regular watering, fertilizing, and protection from pests. To maximize growth, farmers often prune the vines to focus the plant’s energy on a single pumpkin. This dedication and attention to detail result in pumpkins that can grow several pounds a day during peak growing season.
Imagining what it would take to get one of these monster pumpkins home is both amusing and daunting. You’d likely need a forklift or a team of strong helpers to move it, and finding a spot to display it would be a challenge in itself. Carving such a gigantic jack-o’-lantern would be an epic task, requiring oversized tools and a lot of creativity. But the result would be a showstopper, a Halloween decoration that would surely be the talk of the neighborhood.
For those curious to see these giants up close, the weigh-off events are a must-visit. They offer a unique glimpse into the world of competitive pumpkin growing and a chance to marvel at the incredible size and weight of these pumpkins. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of the growers, and a fun way to celebrate the agricultural heritage of Rhode Island.
Some of these behemoths end up displayed at the Roger Williams Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, ,sometimes carved, sometimes not, bot impressive either way.
One of my favorite parts of our pumpkin-picking and carving tradition is salvaging the seeds for roasting later. As we carve our pumpkins, I eagerly scoop out the seeds, envisioning the delicious snack they will become.
The process is simple yet satisfying: after cleaning the seeds to remove any pulp, I toss them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and a dash of paprika before spreading them out on a baking sheet to toast in the oven until they’re golden and crispy. The aroma of roasting seeds fills the kitchen, adding another layer of warmth and comfort to our autumn celebrations.
As we wander through the pumpkin patch, I make sure to add a small pie pumpkin to our wheelbarrow, envisioning its journey from decoration to dessert. For Halloween, I’ll temporarily transform it into a charming jack-o’-lantern using black duct tape to create a playful face.
After the spooky season, it will serve as a festive Thanksgiving centerpiece, adding a touch of autumnal charm to our table. Finally, when its time as a decoration comes to an end, this versatile pumpkin will meet its ultimate fate in the kitchen, where it will be lovingly baked into a delicious pie, bringing our seasonal tradition full conclusion.
After a morning of pumpkin picking at Spring Hill Sugar House, a late breakfast at the Middle of Nowhere Diner in Exeter is the perfect way to continue the day.
This cozy, family-owned diner is a local favorite, known for its friendly atmosphere and generous portions. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of locals enjoying their morning meals. The menu is filled with classic diner fare, but the standout is undoubtedly the pumpkin pancakes, a sweet and satisfying treat that has become a must-try for visitors.
Whether you’re in the mood for a stack of pancakes, a hearty omelet, or a simple plate of eggs and bacon, the Middle of Nowhere Diner ensures you leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.
Richmond and its surrounding towns are home to a variety of family-friendly activities, from scenic hayrides at nearby farms to educational visits at the Biomes Marine Biology Center. Whether you’re looking to continue your outdoor adventures or simply enjoy a leisurely day with loved ones, the region provides a wealth of opportunities to create lasting memories.
Our annual trips to Spring Hill always remind me how integral these simple, seasonal traditions are to the rhythm of life in New England. Whether it’s pumpkins, apples, or even blueberries in the summer, pick-your-own farms offer more than just produce. They provide a chance to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with family, and with a way of life that values the land and its bounty. Spring Hill might not have the flashiest attractions, but it offers something deeper: an authentic connection to the season and the joy of sharing that with loved ones.
As our visits come to an end, the car is inevitably filled with pumpkins of all sizes—some for carving, some for decoration, and maybe a smaller one for the littlest member of the family to carry proudly to the front porch. The apples, too, will be brought home, destined for pies, crisps,
and perhaps even a homemade batch of cider. But the real treasure is the time spent together, creating memories in the cool autumn air, surrounded by the colors and smells of fall.
Year after year, the tradition continues, and with each new visit, it feels like we’re adding another layer to the story of our family, written in the soil of Rhode Island’s farms.
For more information
- facebook.com/ SpringHillSugarHouse
Rhode Island Pumpkin Patches Salisbury Farm – Known for New England’s first 5-acre corn maze – salisburyfarm.com Confreda Greenhouses & Farms – Offers a “Scary Acres” haunted hayride and corn maze – confredas.com Sweet Berry Farm – Features a post-and-beam farm market and café on 100 acres of conserved farmland – sweetberryfarmri.com Pezza Farm – Provides hayrides where you can feed cows from the hay wagon – pezzafarm.com Clark Farms – Home to a gemstone, fossil, and seashell mining area – clarkfarms.com Jaswell’s Farm – The oldest operating apple orchard in Smithfield, RI – jaswellsfarm.com Spring Hill Sugar House – Offers maple syrup demonstrations in March – springhillsugarhouse.com Phantom Farms – Features a cozy café, bakery, and country store with freshly brewed coffee and caramelized apples – phantomfarms.com |
Paul not only writes many of the articles in the pages of this magazine, he is also the publisher and editor of all of the magazines in the Amygis Publishing’s family of travel magazines. He loves exploring, traveling the back roads, experiencing the world, and finding what is unique and memorable about the places he visits.
And he loves writing – poetry, short stories, essays, non-fiction, news, and. of course, travel writing.
For over 20 years, he has shared his explorations with readers in a wide variety of outlets, from groundbreaking forays into the first stirrings of the dot-com boom to travel guides, local newspapers, and television, including Runner’s World, Travel Lady, Providence Journal, and Northstar Travel Media. He currently publishes and writes for Amygis Publishing’s magazines Jaunting, Northeast Traveler, and Rhode Island Roads.