C'mon, get a pumpkin. Here's where to do it nearby.
1. Arata's Pumpkin Farm185 Verde Dr., Half Moon Bay, (650) 726-7548
If you've ever ridden past the Arata's sprawling field in Half Moon Bay, you've probably wondered what the heck you were looking at. Believe it, that's a giant iron gorilla and a massive hay maze. Get out and experience their haunted barn and two-acre Minotaur's Labyrinth. This is clearly where Bowie would carve pumpkins.
Oh, and they have gladiator matches, which is totally normal.
2. Bob's Pumpkin Farm, (650) 712-7740
Nab a wheelbarrow and start picking: Massive (and tiny) pumpkins are for the taking on the vine at this old-fashioned pumpkin patch and vegetable farm by the sea. There are no gimmicks or tourists here - it's free of bouncy houses and kiddie rides.
Take the kids to pet baby pigs and goats and pick out the most affordable perfect pumpkins to carve, cook and decorate the house with in the area.
3. Tolay Fall FestivalLakeville Highway @ Cannon Lane, Petaluma, (707) 565-2041
Spread over two weekends (Oct. 14-17 and 21-24), this Petaluma fest is great for an adventure up north. Go wild on hay rides, a giant straw pyramid and nature hikes. They even have a world record-setting pumpkin seed spitting contest, which might be worth the trip in itself. The festival benefits multiple causes, from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the Bird Rescue Center, and Wildlife Fawn Rescue.
4. Peterson's Farm 636 Gossage Ave., Petaluma. (707) 765-4582
This Petaluma farm raises free-range livestock, glorious pumpkins and vegetables and also makes honey. Grab some cheap pumpkins, bring a picnic and learn about what it takes to run a successful farm like this one.
5. Peter Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Cheese Farm771 Western Ave., Petaluma, (707) 762-3446
Pumpkins on a cheese farm? We smell a winning combo. Famous for their cheeses and ice cream (lavender, blueberry and honey flavors), Spring Hill Cheese Farm has an array of colorful pumpkins and on the rolling hills of Petaluma, is quite the fall countryside experience.
6. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch550 Stony Point Rd.,Petaluma, (707) 763-3132
Oh hey, Children of the Corn. You can run through this farm's 4-acre corn maze at night (!) For the fainter of heart, there are pony rides and face painting.
7. Lemo's Farm12320 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, (650) 726-2342
This place is sort of like Halloween Disneyland. Pony rides, ghost trains, haunted houses and petting zoos will whip the little ones into a Halloween frenzy. And if all that isn't exciting enough for you, there's always laser tag.
Where are you pumpkin-patchin' it?