Ferndale

Last October we had the opportunity to spend a blustery weekend up north on my In-Law's boat. It had been docked all summer in the cutest little private marina in Ferndale. A small town, just north of Bellingham, rich with farmland and a few other unexpected interests.

Along the Centennial Riverwalk Park, 

a newly paved trail through town.

 Saturday morning Farmer's Market. One vendor offers freshly prepared
breakfast sandwiches, while Barb's Pies and Pastries, the local bakery
serve the most adorable individual pastry pies.

 This historical museum park was such a treat to walk through, 

especially for us West Coasters who rarely get to see 

100 year old homesteads.

 For a unique small wedding, you can actually rent the church 

for your big day.  Click here for more details.

 Summer and School Tours offer children an opportunity to learn how 

to be a pioneer kid including: dipping candles, grinding grain, gathering 

eggs, visiting a one room schoolhouse and learning how mail was delivered.

We got coffee here on our way to Lynden, one of my favorite towns for 

another post.  Get that cozy feel of a rustic lodge for a 3 dollar coffee...

that's a pretty good deal.  Coffee itself is of typical franchise caliber, 

not Capitol Hill, but it gets the job done. 

Puyallup Fair

Since I was a young girl, the Puyallup Fair has been the coronation of the Autumn season.  We always went opening day before noon to get free admission. Even though it is pretty much the same year after year, it is the tradition I crave at summer's end as the air begins to crisp.  Everyone has their agenda for the fair, ours includes anything free: entertainment at the Coca-Cola Stage, and samples at the Vita Mix booth, Wilcox chocolate milk, and that delicious Caramel Corn from Eastern Washington. While I would be okay with packing a lunch to save a few bucks, Jeremy needs fair food, and I do enjoy those Fisher scones. We like to cast a vote for the People's Choice Award in Painting and Photography; I drool over the quilts and critique award winning baked goods to make myself feel better about the ribbons I haven't won. :) And with a little guy, looking at the animals are suddenly more fun.

Pygmy Goats at the Petting Zoo

 Rides, Rides, Rides...

 I've wanted to eat here since the very first time I went to the fair...

finally got my wish--it was awesome.

 Look at that sauce!

 We tried the deep fried Snicker bar, it was pretty incredible, 

I think we will try the deep fried OREOs next time.

For everything else you need to know including Parking tips and Discounts, click here.

Pumpkin Patches

It's been awhile since I last blogged, I've been busy growing bones, cartilage and other vital organs for baby #2 due spring 2012--Yay! I am loving the cooler weather blowing in, spiced candles and baking anything with cinnamon. We are already planning our October Saturdays...our favorite Saturdays of the year. One of which we plan to visit our local pumpkin patch: Spooner Farms in the small town of Orting, a great place to take a scenic drive or bike the Foothills Trail in the Fall. Each year they boast a creative Corn Maze, Pony Rides, Pumpkin Sling Shots, Face Painting, Farm Animals, the new Rope Maze, over 50 varieties of U-Pick Pumpkins, Squash and Gourds, Concessions and an adorable Gift Shop to browse. We loved going as adults, and enjoy it even more with a little one. Good luck finding a parking spot as this is a very happening place and wear your galoshes!

So many fun things for kids to see.

This was from the corn maze a couple years ago: 

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe".

Western Washington is full of great pumpkin patches. Other farms of note:

Remlinger Farms for North Sounders, and fun for the whole family: Train Rides, Kids Corn Maze, Carnival Rides, Gift Shop, Market and Cafe. One of the most scenic drives in Western WA: HWY 203/202 between Monroe and North Bend, if you have the time, you will not be disappointed!

Maris Farms' claim to fame: the Haunted Woods and Night Corn Maze, more suitable for tweens, teens and adults.

For a regional listing of Washington State Pumpkin Patches click here.