As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, Crooked Pines Farm springs to life with a vibrant calendar of seasonal celebrations and family-friendly events. From the first blooms of spring to the twinkling lights of winter, our 70-acre farmstead offers something special for every member of the household throughout the year.
The Annual Farm Calendar
Spring Celebrations
While the rest of the world is still shaking off the winter chill, our farm bursts forth with the renewed energy of the spring season. In late March, we welcome visitors to our Spring Fling – a joyous festival filled with hands-on activities for kids, like planting seedlings in our greenhouse, tending to the baby animals in the barnyard, and embarking on themed nature scavenger hunts through our trails. Local artisans showcase their handmade crafts, while our chef prepares a delectable farm-to-table brunch featuring the season’s first fresh produce.
As April showers bring May flowers, we shift our focus to educational programming for school groups and homeschool families. Our Farm Sprouts series invites young explorers to discover the wonders of pollination, learn about composting, and get their hands dirty planting vegetable seeds in our community garden plots. Through these immersive, hands-on lessons, children develop a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from and how to cultivate it themselves.
Summer Festivals
When the summer sun is at its peak, Crooked Pines transforms into a vibrant hub of seasonal festivities. Our annual Barnyard Bash in June celebrates the farm’s animal residents with a petting zoo, livestock demonstrations, and even a “cow costume” contest. Families can cool off with homemade popsicles and ice cream as they cheer on the playful antics of our barnyard critters.
As July arrives, we eagerly anticipate our Firefly Frolic – a magical evening event where twinkling lights dance among the trees and guests can engage in s’mores making, nature-inspired crafts, and even an after-dark guided trail walk to spot elusive fireflies. The highlight of the evening is our community-led lantern release, where attendees write their wishes on handcrafted paper lanterns before sending them aloft into the starry sky.
Autumn Traditions
When the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, Crooked Pines celebrates the bounty of the fall harvest. Our annual Pumpkin Patch Festival in October transforms our fields into a vibrant orange wonderland, complete with a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch teeming with heirloom varieties for kids to choose from. Families can cozy up by the outdoor fire pits, sip on warm apple cider, and delight in live music performances while browsing the wares of local artisan vendors.
As autumn transitions into winter, we shift our focus to DIY crafting and seasonal recipes. Our Cider & Carols event in November brings the community together for an afternoon of festive music, holiday wreath-making workshops, and the sharing of cherished family recipes. Guests can warm up with our signature mulled cider and indulge in homemade apple pies, pumpkin bread, and other seasonal treats.
Winter Gatherings
As the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, Crooked Pines ushers in the holiday season with a series of cozy, intimate events. Our Twinkling Trails experience in early December invites visitors to stroll our illuminated nature paths, sipping on hot cocoa and admiring the twinkling lights that adorn the trees. Children can visit with our resident farm animals and even catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf himself, as Santa makes special appearances throughout the month.
In the days leading up to Christmas, we host our annual Festive Farm Stand, where guests can peruse an array of handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and other seasonal decorations, as well as stock up on locally-sourced produce, baked goods, and specialty preserves to share with their loved ones. As the year draws to a close, we gather the community for our New Year’s Eve Celebration, complete with live music, a midnight champagne toast, and the chance to experience our enchanting light displays one last time before the calendar flips.
Seasonal Produce and Crafts
Spring Harvests
As the ground thaws and the days grow longer, our farm bursts to life with an abundance of springtime produce. In the early months, our greenhouse and hoop houses yield an array of salad greens, radishes, carrots, and herbs that we proudly feature in our on-site farm stand and use in our seasonal recipes. Guests can even pre-order seedling trays to take home and start their own backyard gardens.
Beyond the bountiful harvests, spring is also a prime time for DIY crafting at Crooked Pines. Our Spring Craft Fair in May showcases the talents of local artisans, who offer hands-on workshops in flower crown weaving, pressed flower art, and pottery painting. Visitors can browse the handmade wares, sip on floral-infused lemonades, and create their own one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home.
Summer Bounty
As the temperatures rise, our fields and orchards are teeming with a vibrant array of summertime treasures. From juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to fragrant basil and plump berries, our farm stand overflows with the season’s finest produce. Guests can explore our U-pick patches, gathering their own blueberries, blackberries, and peaches to enjoy at home or incorporate into our signature farm-to-table recipes.
In addition to the bountiful harvests, summer is also a prime time for nature exploration and outdoor recreation at Crooked Pines. Families can pack a picnic and spend the day meandering through our nature trails, spotting butterflies and birds along the way, or cool off in the on-site swimming pond. For a more adventurous experience, our guided trail hikes offer the chance to delve deeper into the farm’s diverse ecosystems and learn about the importance of biodiversity.
Autumn Yields
As the summer heat gives way to the cool, crisp air of autumn, our farm transforms into a vibrant tapestry of harvest hues. Guests can immerse themselves in the season’s bounty by exploring our pumpkin patch, selecting from an array of heirloom varieties to take home and carve or cook. Beyond the iconic pumpkins, our fields also yield an abundance of winter squash, gourds, and ornamental corn that we feature in our fall-themed crafts and seasonal farm-to-table offerings.
As the leaves begin to fall, we shift our focus to preserving the harvest. Our canning workshops teach visitors the art of water bath and pressure canning, empowering them to create their own jams, pickles, and vegetable relishes to enjoy all year round. Guests can also explore our on-site herb garden and learn about the benefits of drying and storing herbs for use in winter cooking.
Winter Crafts
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, Crooked Pines Farm transforms into a winter wonderland. While the fields may lie dormant, our indoor spaces come alive with a flurry of crafting activities and educational workshops. Visitors can join us for wreath-making classes, where they’ll learn the art of evergreen arrangement and bow-tying to create stunning holiday decorations. Our natural ornament workshops encourage guests to forage for materials like pine cones, dried citrus, and twigs to craft one-of-a-kind tree ornaments and garlands.
Beyond the DIY crafts, we also offer a range of seasonal cooking classes, empowering guests to make the most of our farm’s winter produce. From hearty root vegetable soups and savory pot pies to sweet apple crisps and pumpkin breads, our classes celebrate the comforting flavors of the season while teaching valuable culinary skills.
Outdoor Recreation and Nature Exploration
Spring Hikes and Birdwatching
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Crooked Pines Farm comes alive with an abundance of spring flora and fauna. Our network of well-marked trails offers the perfect opportunity for guests to explore the farm’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush wetlands teeming with migrating waterfowl to the wildflower-dotted meadows buzzing with pollinating insects.
Along the way, our resident naturalist is on hand to point out the telltale signs of the season, from the budding trees and emerging wildflowers to the songs of returning songbirds. Families can embark on themed scavenger hunts to spot specific plant and animal species, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
Summer Swimming and Picnics
As the summer sun shines brightly, Crooked Pines Farm offers a refreshing oasis for visitors seeking to beat the heat. Our on-site swimming pond, fed by a natural spring, invites guests to cool off with a refreshing dip or simply relax on the grassy banks. Nearby, our picnic areas provide the perfect setting for families to spread out and enjoy a farm-fresh al fresco meal, with produce and ingredients sourced directly from our fields and greenhouses.
For those seeking a more adventurous outdoor experience, our guided kayaking tours allow visitors to explore the farm’s wetland habitats from a unique vantage point, spotting herons, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife along the way. Back on land, our nature trails wind through lush meadows and shaded forest pathways, offering ample opportunities for bird-watching, butterfly-spotting, and simply connecting with the natural world.
Fall Foliage and Pumpkin Patches
As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, Crooked Pines Farm is transformed into a vibrant autumnal wonderland. Guests can immerse themselves in the stunning fall foliage by strolling our scenic nature trails, with opportunities to spot migrating raptors soaring overhead and squirrels busily collecting nuts for the winter.
Of course, no autumn visit to the farm is complete without a trip to our renowned pumpkin patch. Families can meander through the rows of heirloom pumpkins, selecting the perfect specimens for carving, cooking, or simply display. Along the way, they can challenge themselves in our corn maze, navigating the twists and turns while soaking in the quintessential fall atmosphere.
Winter Sledding and Snowshoeing
When the first snowflakes start to fall, Crooked Pines Farm takes on a magical, wintry charm. Visitors can bundle up and explore our groomed trails on snowshoes, taking in the serene beauty of the snow-blanketed landscape and keeping an eye out for animal tracks and other signs of wildlife activity.
For a bit of winter fun, our sledding hill offers plenty of thrills for both kids and kids-at-heart, with a gentle slope perfect for tubing and sledding. Afterwards, guests can warm up by the crackling fire pits, sipping on hot cocoa and indulging in freshly baked seasonal treats from our on-site bakery.
Community Engagement and Education
Spring Volunteer Days
As the farm bursts to life in the spring, we invite the local community to join us in giving back to the land. Our volunteer workdays offer the chance to lend a hand with tasks like planting seedlings, mulching garden beds, and building new raised beds for our community garden. Participants not only learn valuable gardening skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to cultivate a thriving farm ecosystem.
Beyond the hands-on work, our spring volunteer days also feature educational workshops and presentations on topics like sustainable farming practices, pollinator conservation, and regenerative agriculture. Guests leave with a newfound understanding of the crucial role that farms like ours play in supporting the health of our local environment and food system.
Summer Farm Camps
Throughout the summer months, Crooked Pines Farm opens its doors to curious young minds through our immersive farm camp programs. These week-long sessions invite children to explore the wonders of farm life, from meeting the animals and collecting eggs to harvesting fresh produce and crafting with natural materials.
Led by our experienced farm educators, the camps incorporate a blend of hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and outdoor adventures. Campers might find themselves planting seedlings in the greenhouse, tracking animal footprints on the trails, or baking homemade bread in our on-site commercial kitchen. By the end of the week, participants leave with a deep appreciation for the cycles of nature, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the joy of connecting with the land.
Autumn Workshops
As the harvest season arrives, Crooked Pines Farm shifts its focus to a series of informative workshops and skill-building classes. Our seasonal preserving workshops, for example, teach guests the art of water bath canning and pressure canning, empowering them to preserve the bounty of the fall harvest for enjoyment all year round.
Beyond the culinary arts, we also offer DIY crafting workshops that showcase the versatility of natural materials. Visitors can learn to weave beautiful wreaths from fresh foraged greens, craft intricate flower arrangements using blooms from our fields, or create one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments from dried botanicals and other found objects.
Winter Cooking Classes
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, Crooked Pines Farm turns its attention to the warmth and comfort of the winter season. Our seasonal cooking classes invite guests to explore the wealth of winter produce grown on our farm, from hearty root vegetables to crisp winter greens**.
Under the guidance of our skilled farm-to-table chefs, participants learn to craft nourishing soups and stews, savory pot pies, and decadent desserts that celebrate the flavors of the season. Beyond the hands-on cooking, these classes also delve into the nutritional benefits of eating locally and seasonally, as well as the environmental impact of sustainable food production.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure, a hands-on educational experience, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Crooked Pines Farm offers a year-round calendar of events and activities to suit every interest and age. We invite you to join us in celebrating the seasons and cultivating a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the land.
