With fall in full swing, Whitworth students are once again taking advantage of pumpkin patch season by making the short 15-minute drive north to stop by their favorite Green Bluff farm.
Whether you’re in the mood for a pumpkin donut, want to visit some farm animals or are looking for an Instagram-worthy pumpkin patch, Green Bluff offers something for everyone. The 12 square mile area features approximately 30 different independently run farms that put on year-round activities open to the public.
Planning a day trip to Green Bluff on a sunny fall afternoon is a key part of Whitworth culture. It’s equivalent to catching a pinecone before graduation or holding the door for someone no matter how awkwardly far away they happen to be.
Whitworth seniors Sophie Dilly and Emma Shelton both first heard about Green Bluff their freshman year. Emma has gone with her boyfriend to Sunset Orchard the last 3 years, enjoying the fall drinks and pumpkin donuts.
“What makes Green Bluff special for me is the tradition,” said Shelton. “You can plan on going each fall and having a nice morning or afternoon with your friends and family.”
The various farms offer corn mazes, food and craft vendors, gift shops, bouncy houses, and more family-friendly activities. Dilly and her friends have gone to Green Bluff every fall since their freshman year at Whitworth and recently visited High Country Orchard.
“They had farm animals, and we got to pet them so that was fun,” said Dilly. “Goats and pigs and chickens, they had cats running around, and they had live music.”
They also stopped by Big Barn Brewing for food and drinks, a popular venue for those 21 and older. It’s important to keep price in mind when planning a trip to Green Bluff. Farms like High Country Orchard and Sunset Orchard offer free admission, while Beck’s Harvest House and other venues require purchasing a parking pass.
With winter weather fast approaching, plan your trip to Green Bluff sooner rather than later. If pumpkins and caramel apples aren’t your thing, there are plenty of winter activities beginning in November. Bring your friends or family and take in the holiday season at Green Bluff supporting the family owned farms by browsing Christmas trees while enjoying hot chocolate and the displays of Christmas lights.
