This fall, take a relaxed drive along the “Red Rooster Route” a series of country roads on State Highways 9, 530 and 532 in Snohomish County, Washington State.
You’ll find a concentration of family-owned farms offering plenty of seasonal enjoyment and festivals – corn and hay mazes, u-pick pumpkin patches, pony and wagon rides, fresh baked apple pies, just-picked corn and veggies, and plenty of activities for the kids.
Make the Cider Festival at Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm your first stop to savor the sweet crisp flavor of fresh cider and discover how cider is made during the apple and pear presses. Saturday, October 16 & 23, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm, 3328 State Highway 530, Arlington, 360-435-9272. Free admission.
As you travel down the road a bit, watch out for flying pumpkins! At Foster's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze, join the crowd of folks using the Pumpkin Sling Shot to launch the orange orbs high into the air and over the corn fields. Then try finding your way through the hay maze or searching for your jack-o-lantern in the pumpkin patch. Nosh on buttered popcorn, sweet roasted corn, apple pie, hot dogs, and more. Don't forget the hot cocoa or espresso! Free admission and parking; small fee on some activities, including $5.50 per person for the corn maze. October 1 - 31, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Foster's Produce & Corn Maze, 5818 SR 530 NE, Arlington, 360-435-6516.
On the way to Ninety Farms, you'll pass Biringer Farm's Arlington site where delectable summer strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries were recently harvested. But be sure to stop in Biringer Farm's Pumpkin Country & Corn Maze Adventure at their Everett site. Tots and youngsters will giggle and howl with delight as they ride the Creepy Crawley Trolley, slide down the five-slide Mt. Eeerie, crawl through the tractor tire tunnel, brave the Dark Tumbling Tunnel, and take part in more family-oriented activities. Free admission; small fee for some activities. October 2 - 31, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Biringer Farm, 4625 40th Place NE, Everett, 425-259-0255.
As you drive onto Ninety Farms for their Fall Farm Festival, the Katahdin hair lambs will “baaa” in greeting. The festival showcases the importance of the Katahdin hair sheep as a no-shearing hardy breed and lean food source. Learn how this family-owned farm uses natural growing methods to raise and sell USDA grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, lamb and ethically raised veal. At the petting farm, your kids can meet the lambs and other baby animals in a clean and safe environment. It’s a real look at a working farm. Tours: $5 per person. Saturdays & Sundays in October, 10am – 5pm. Ninety Farms 360-435-9304.
On the south end of Red Rooster Route at Lavender Hills Farm owners Mike and Carol McCrorie are noiw preparing for their upcoming Winter Holiday Festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 19 to December 19, from 10am to 4pm. Lavender lotions, oils, sachets, dried flowers and other items including local arts and crafts and collectibles will be on sale. Enjoy the hot apple-lavender cider and lavender shortbread. Free festival admission. Lavender Hills Farm 360-651-2086.
For more information about top events in Washington state take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington.
For more information on RedRooster Route and Snohomish County visit http://www.snohomish.org/index.php?page_id=408