Pick Pumpkins and Drink Wine at This Spectacular Connecticut Farm

Autumn in New England is nothing short of magical. For the most spectacular day trip, you have to pay a visit to Jone Family Farms in Connecticut. This beautiful pumpkin patch allows you to pick your own, crunch into fresh apples, and gaze at vibrant fall flowers in the rolling fields. Even better: You can sip on a refreshing glass of wine, too.

Among all the pick-your-own farms in Connecticut, Jones Family Farms is simply one of the best. When you spend a day at this Shelton destination, you'll feel cool breezes flow through the trees, see crisp leaves covering the ground, and watch people wander through the pumpkin patch for the perfect pick. Ready to visit this lovely farm? Here's what to know before visiting during the fall.

Why Locals Love Jones Family Farms

Jones Family Farm has been a beloved Shelton establishment since the 1850s, when Philip James Jones bought land in town and established a farmstead with sheep, cows, and apples. Since then, the farm has evolved to several acres of fresh crops, including strawberries and blueberries in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter.

Locals love this family-friendly farm in Connecticut for its sustainability practices and the way it cares for its crops and community. They even house rescue dogs and train them to become farm dogs for the property!

Beyond growing delicious berries, vibrant pumpkins, and other seasonal offerings, Jones Farm also hosts educational field trips for kids, volunteer, and internship programs. That way, visitors get an inside look at local farming practices. It's certainly a welcoming place, and if you come around mid-September, it transforms into an autumn wonderland.

When you visit, check out the impressive fall harvest. In fact, Jones Family Farms grows more than 50 different types of pumpkins, gourds, and squash. You'll have a ball meandering through this colorful autumn landscape.

Check out the farm's Facebook page for more frequent crop updates and specials. You'll quickly see why it's one of the best places to celebrate fall in Connecticut.

The Best Seasons to Visit This Connecticut Farm

While summer offers berries (June-July) and winter offers U-pick Christmas trees (December), fall is undoubtedly an amazing time to visit Jones Family Farm. In September and October, Pumpkinseed Hill Farm opens for business, allowing visitors to stroll through the rows of vibrant gourds and pile up their wagons with treasures to decorate their homes.

Pick pumpkins from the patch, or if you're short on time, grab mini pumpkins and other fall decor at the grab-and-go tent. After making your purchases, smell the fresh haybales and weave through the tall corn stalks in the corn maze. You can even learn how to cook squash while you're there!

The fall experience at Jones easily makes it one of the best orchards in Connecticut. I mean, can you think of a better celebration of fall in New England?

Other Fall Activities at Jones Family Farm

Something extra special at this Connecticut farm is its proximity to the award-winning Jones Winery. It's part of the Jones family's farming ventures, and was officially established in 1999 with just one acre of luscious grapevines.

Now, the winery boasts rows of grapes, a variety of delicious speciality wines, and a beautiful wooden pavilion and seating for visitors to enjoy tastings. Choose from a refreshing glass of white or red, or opt for some fresh apple cider from the farm, while overlooking the fields.

One of our favorite drinks has to be the sparkling white wine. But if you prefer a full-bodied glass of red wine, check out their classic Merlot. It's no wonder Jones Winery is frequently listed on Connecticut wine trails!

Jones Winery is open Friday through Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. So, if you're visiting the farm in the morning, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before heading to the winery portion of the property.

What to Know Before You Visit

There are a few things to keep in mind while planning your visit to this beautiful Shelton, Connecticut farm. While there is no admission fee during pumpkin season, be sure to have cash or a credit card on you to pay for your treasures. You'll also want a wagon to tote pumpkins around, or a special place to stow them in your car to bring them home safely.

While Jones Farm is a family-friendly place, dogs are not allowed on the property during the fall season—only during Christmas tree season. Outside food and drink are also not allowed during this time, but cookies and cider are served if you find yourself peckish.

And if you want to know the state of the crops before visiting, no matter the time of year, call the farm's crop hotline at (203) 929-8425. This will help you get a better idea of the best days and times to visit. For directions to the Pumpkinseed Hill Farm, visit the farm's website—it has directions from the Hartford, Waterbury, and New Haven areas.

Have you enjoyed a fun fall day at Jones Family Farm yet? If not, start planning your trip today, and tack on some places to go apple picking in Connecticut, like Woodstock Orchards in Woodstock, or Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry—another beautiful Connecticut Orchard.