With the need to continue to be distant during the world’s pandemic, we are lucky that the season is offering another outdoor activity. An event for all ages to allow restless folks to get out and have some fun.
This is my first time visiting Taves Farms, and I have been recommending them ever since. They are so much more than just a pick your own pumpkin patch. Their property also includes you pick apple orchards, stone fruit trees for plucking, a corn maze, shopping at their farmer’s market, tastings at their cidery, and a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. Details on the above, below.
The property is expansive, come early to avoid the lines and ensure your parking spot. A few attractions do open a little later, so you can easily itinerarize your visit. We were right there when they opened at 9am for the day, and the farm soon filled with patrons shortly after.
They have a few muddy pumpkin patches to traipse through. Pick your own here, from a collection of more traditional orange gourds. Or grab one that is cleaned and ready to take home from their stand set up.
The photo op here, is definitely Cinderella’s carriage, in the middle of the field. It is surrounded by the pumpkins that this fairy tale carriage was magically crafted from.
During my early season visit they were in the midst of setting up some gourd art. Pumpkins and squashes arranged like a mosaic. It is worth posting the photo of it then, to encourage you to visit and get a gander at the completed work.
At the apple orchard you can pick your own bag of apples to take home, by the pound. There is a collection of varieties available by season. Alkmene, honey crisp, and fuji were up from grabs during my visit; and would bring home a couple of each.
At the petting barn you can purchase a bag of feed to attract the attention of barnyard goats and pigs. You are able to enter the pen of the latter, so can enjoy the experience of them eating out of your hand.
Younger kids can release some of their energy at the FarmVille attractions with a play ground, jumping pillow, pedal carts, and outdoor animals to run around and explore. And for the older kids they have a
corn maze, tractor rides, and zip lines.
If looking for lunch or a meal, Taves doesn’t offer much in terms of snacks. At the market you can purchase honey, fruit pies, preserves and pickles, butters and spreads, and sweets. But you are out of luck if you want something more substantial and savoury.
Although we did enjoy a cider slush from the market. This wasn’t too sweet, but more comforting in the warm sun (which was out during our visit). But if you are looking for a hot beverage, you can visit their cafe hut; which has everything flavoured with pumpkin for the season.
For snacks, I am glad that we did not miss out on their roasted corn, self dressed with butter and seasonings this was immensely juicy and so sweet. You can also get a baked potato instead, and top it with bacon Cajun spice and bacon bits.
The Cider Mill opens at 11am. There, you can try before your buy with flavoured cider tastings. Sip and sample from the traditional apple cider and move on to more wilder fruit flavours like goji berry, gooseberry, and black current. You can also order their cider by the glass or as a flight to enjoy on their backyard patio.
For all the attractions (including the ones I did not experience), visit their website to not miss out like I did.
Taves Farms
333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8A7
(604) 853-3108
tavesestatecidery.com
