Interactive Pumpkin Patch Adventure
Autumn in Alabama
Our family trip to 4D Farms.
Floridians Embracing Fall
As Floridians, we had been anticipating the fall experience in Alabama since we made our way across the state border. We are living in one of the more mountainous regions of Birmingham and mother nature did not disappoint! We bundled up, used our fireplace constantly, fully delighted in the ever changing colors and to make it even more special, we were really seeking a quintessential outdoor fall experience.
In Florida, there are a few farms and pumpkin patches to choose from, but the normal photo op is in front of a church in a field full of pre-selected pumpkins. Birmingham was originally farm country and has a very active farm to table, farm to market, community that is easily considered a large part of this city’s identity. When researching our options, it really seemed like there was not a bad choice. 4D Farms came up on multiple articles and websites and it was an easy day drive. So, we packed up our car, charged our cameras, and headed out to experience our first autumn in Alabama!
4D Farms
We arrived right before the gates opened and already, the parking lot was packed and the lines to get in were accumulating. The weather was absolutely perfect with the rolling hills of Alabama countryside as our backdrop. When we first got inside the gate, we had to take it all in. In every direction we saw a new activity, ride, or experience.
There were massive slides, zip-lining, bounce pads, illusion houses, farm animals, obstacle courses, playgrounds, barns, gem mining, and several villages of food options. We did everything we could and some of them twice, before we even spotted the pumpkin patch. This pumpkin patch was no ordinary patch, it was an interactive one! Throughout the patch the farm had pages from a children’s book titled, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” that led you from the start to the end of Spookley's story. We loved following Azure as he excitedly announced the next page in the story and the patch was so full of pumpkins, there was no rush or pressure to pick one out right away.
Next to the interactive pumpkin patch there was a HUGE field of flowers at least six feet tall, stretching as far as we could see. The tall sunflowers and wildflowers were absolutely stunning to see and explore through. They were a very popular spot for the bees and people taking selfies. In fact, the whole farm had so many thoughtfully placed vignettes for families and groups who wanted to capture the memories of the day, and I really enjoyed this detail as it highlighted the celebratory energy of the fall season. Fall is easily my favorite time of year because it brings families and friends together, many times in matching attire, seeking experiences that embrace the changing season and celebrating the connection to one another.
We left after a full day of making memories, riding rides, exploring new roads and celebrating it all together. Alabama and the alluring natural beauty has embraced us as we are opening ourselves to new culture and experiences. Autumn in Alabama has been the perfect season to welcome us to our new home. 4D Farms was a beautiful opportunity for us as a family to really see what autumn is like here and we will cherish this day for years to come.
