Wolves are amazing creatures, although for most of us, it's not exactly easy to see them in person. But thanks to one beloved wildlife sanctuary located right here in Washington, you can have an immersive two hour wolf encounter you'll never forget.
Predators of the Heart is a 10-acre wildlife sanctuary located in Anacortes.
The facility is insured and licensed by the USDA, and most of the animals come here as the result of divorce, foreclosure, financial hardship, or people who were unprepared for the care exotic animals require.
You can book your wolf encounter through Airbnb Experiences. The fee also includes time to check out the other animals at the sanctuary.
The leaves are changing color and that means fall is here! Since I watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" as a kid, I've searched for the best pumpkin patch in Washington. Linus explains the criteria best: "Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere." So, when considering the best pumpkin patches in Washington, my taste favors places where pumpkins remain the stars of the show. Carnival themes are out. The nostalgic pleasures of hay bale rides, making friends with farm animals, and appreciating swaying fields of corn are in. For patches where sentiment is valued over spectacle, check out these seven farms that would be Linus-approved. Here are some of the best pumpkin patches in Washington.
Family-owned since 1898, Thompson's Farm has made a name for itself as one of the best pumpkin patches near Yakima. This working farm sells its wares year-round from a quaint stand abutting Old Naches Highway. Every weekend in October, Thompson's permits the public to explore its fields and select their very own pumpkins.
2. The Pomeroy Living History Farm - Yacolt, Washington
The only entry on this list to be included on the National Register of Historic Places, The Pomeroy Farm is a local landmark and must-visit for history buffs and pumpkin enthusiasts alike. The story of the Pomeroys, who moved to the land in July of 1910, is one of perseverance. Nowadays, in addition to being open every weekend of October for pumpkin picking, the farm hosts workshops on food preservation and woodworking.
I have a soft spot for Schilter's. This charming family farm was my childhood pumpkin patch and I can't recommend it highly enough to families. Autumn revelers of all ages can tempt themselves with house-made fudge at the farmstand, make the acquaintance of farm animals, wander through a challenging corn maze, and more! The time to show up is between September 25 and October 31, 2024. It is closed on Tuesdays.
It's Wilderbee Farms' simplicity that makes it one of my favorite patches to visit every year. Under ten minutes from the gorgeous Fort Worden State Park, this pared-back gem specializes in organic pumpkins. Though you won't find a food stand or pumpkin cannon here, Wilderbee offers diverting nature trails and the opportunity to feed its resident flock of sheep. When the farm opens the first week of October, adult guests can sip mead made from scratch from 12 to 5 o'clock each weekend.
For many patches on this list, agro-tourism is a fairly recent enterprise. Fall City Farms is unique in that its sole mission has always been to connect local families with their food and help them make memories in the great outdoors. The farm's owners might've started off selling corn and pumpkins from a garage in 1991, but Fall City Farm is now located off the beautiful State Route 203. You'll love its picturesque, rural landscape. Explore the fields on weekends from September 30 to October 29, 2024.
The Krause family, who've owned Swans Trail Farms since 1984, were destined to steward one of the most popular pumpkin patches near Seattle. In 1997, after being named Snohomish County's Dairy Family of the Year, the family celebrated with an open house and invited the public to their idyllic land for a corn maze, live music, and ice cream. Over 4,000 people attended the festivities, and the rest, as they say, is history. Starting September 21 and going until October 31, 2024, wander the 50 acres of pumpkins, indulge in mouth-wateringly fresh apple cider donuts, and make friends with adorable barnyard critters.
Any dedicated pumpkin patch peruser knows that farms get busy leading up to Halloween. For visitors who'd prefer to avoid the crowds, check out Creek House. This stunning farm raises over 20 varieties of organic, heirloom pumpkins and winter squash. Best of all, because the farm is only open by appointment, your experience will be intimate and peaceful. (Editor's Note: This farm is taking a break from fall festivities this year. Check in next year as it may resume.)
If you love wholesome pumpkin patches in Washington that Charlie Brown's Linus would approve of, check out one of these seven farms. What are your favorites? Tell us in the comments what you like about them. Can't choose? Pack up the car and embark on an autumn-themed road trip:
Fall and cider go together like pumpkins and spice. And since we're already noticing hints of autumn in the air, it's safe to say it's time to get excited to welcome another beautiful fall season here in Washington. Spend an afternoon at one of these local cider mills and you'll be ready for harvest moons and changing leaves in no time. Looking for the best cider mills in Washington State to visit? Look no further. There's nothing like sipping on fresh cider to put you in the mood for fall, right? And while you're at it, check out one of the best pumpkin patches in Washington!
Since 1976, this farm and cider mill has continued to grow fresh produce, make delicious cider, and sell freshly baked goods. They're open every day but Sunday, and fall is the perfect time to go.
Tieton Cider Works uses only Washington fruit to make their ciders, much of it with fruit from their family farm and cider orchard, Harmony Orchards. They're open every Friday through Sunday for cider-sipping, and they often host events with live music and games.
Located on the beautiful Vashon Island, Dragon's Head Cider's tasting room is open on weekends. Their ciders are made completely traditionally, meaning apple juice concentrate is never used.
Alpenfire is an organic orchard and cider mill located just outside the beautiful Port Townsend. The orchard is also a wildlife sanctuary, so they ask that you leave pets at home when you visit. The tasting room is open on weekends or during the week by appointment.
For "apple cider near me" on the Olympic Peninsula 12 miles south of Port Townsend, this peaceful farm is perfect for visiting on a fall day. Their cider is made in their barn, and the tasting room is open 7 days a week. They offer non-alcoholic options as well as hard cider.
So there you have it — the best cider mills in Washington State! Which ones are your favorites? Which ones do you plan to visit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Are you planning on doing any hiking this fall? If so, make sure you download the AllTrails+ app before you hit the trails!
