The days are beginning to grow in length and your tan lines are starting to fade. That scarf you paired with your jean jacket is out of necessity and not fashion, but there are still plenty of reasons to smile. A new local treasure awaits you in the crisp dew-kissed mornings of this new season. When the leaves turn bright red and a satisfying crunch follows every step, it means one thing. Time to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte and hit up your local farmers for some seasonal goodies and some old fashioned farm fun! Trust us when we say that in Surrey, there’s enough local produce growers to keep you busy until all your Halloween candy has disappeared.
The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch at Gabriel Farms opens its gates on September 26th. There’s much more to offer at Hazelmere Pumpkin patch than your seasonal fix of ALL THINGS PUMPKIN. There are hayrides, a petting zoo, a mini corn maze, face painting, and even a concession.
Your finest pair of wellies will be in hot demand at the Bose Family Corn Maze. Open from August 22nd to October 12th, this year’s corn maze is a tribute to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and from the looks of it, it’s a doozy! Thankfully there are questions and clues to help guide you through. The maze is even open at night time for you thrill seekers out there. Arm yourself with your friends, a flashlight, (and maybe some S’mores ingredients) and you’ll find a fire pit to congratulate you at the end.
While the Zaklan Heritage Farm will be taking a hiatus in 2022, we’re hopeful; for a return in 2023 because it’s one of our favourite farm experiences! Four generations have tended to thebut this is the first generation to open the farm to the public on Saturdays. Say hello to their llama, Reverend, and pick up your seasonal veggies on the weekend. You can also visit with the happy hens who are pasture-raised and produce the free-range eggs available for purchase on the farm. The Zaklan Farm team is full of valuable information, and pride themselves on their best growing practices, inviting Surrey residents and visitors alike to sample what produce should really taste like.
For a comprehensive bounty from all over the Metro Vancouver Area, hit up the Surrey Urban Farmers Market. Apart from local fruit and veggies, you’ll also find local products like raw honey from the Honeybee Centre, spirits from Dragon Mist Distillery, and fresh guilt-free baking.The Surrey Urban Farmers Market’s final date is October 12th, so don’t miss it.
Local, no-spray veggies are for sale at Mary’s Garden. This family-run business is one you can feel good about supporting. Mary has since retired, but three of her sons have continued on and kept the market and farm going strong. Open everyday except Sunday, Mary’s Garden is a great place to visit when you feel the urge to stock your crisper.
So, go on. Grab some reusable bags, breath in that cool fresh air, and embrace the new season and everything it offers.