By Dana Neuts
Founder, ILoveKent.net

Tucked into the Kent Valley is a seasonal attraction that brings back memories of my childhood in Indiana, when life felt less complicated. Though I have lived in Kent since 2005, I have never visited the 20-acre Carpinito Brothers farm, instead buying my cider, apples and pumpkins at a grocery store while my daughter picked pumpkins with friends. After this trip, though, I will be coming back. I don’t know what I was waiting for!

To celebrate the birthday of my friend Kirstin, an Ohio native, we made the short drive to the Carpinito Brothers pumpkin patch on West Valley Highway. We were two Midwest girls determined to make the most of the fall morning. Though Mount Rainier was hiding in the fog, the weather was otherwise perfect and reminiscent of home. The whole scene felt perfect for our fall adventure.

Kirstin and I were amazed at the wonderful fall memories that resurfaced as we surveyed the scene – the corn maze to our left, pumpkin patch in front, and the Great Pumpkin weigh station to the right. In the surprisingly well-groomed pumpkin patch, people of all ages were there to find the perfect pumpkin and to enjoy a beautiful fall morning in the Pacific Northwest. For the longest time, we just took in the scene, watching other pumpkin-patch-goers. There was so much happiness, especially with costumed kids and girls with hot pink Wellies racing around to show Mom or Dad their top pumpkin pick.

There was an astounding range of colors and sizes, perfect for the front porch, an indoor centerpiece or decorative carving. After nearly two hours of pumpkin gazing, we toured the pumpkin patch, making our selections and heading to the weigh station. Next, we stepped into a larger gathering space where we smelled fresh-roasted corn, piping hot kettle corn, cocoa, cider and more, reminding me of a Midwest county fair or school carnival. At checkout, pumpkin carving supplies, apple cider, seasonal vegetables, mums and other finds could be purchased.

Before we left, we considered the corn maze, but I was a bit intimidated. There were two routes: one was simpler, while the other was more intricate and designed to celebrate America250. Since navigation is not my thing, I decided to sit this one out, but I might go back if I am in the mood for a challenge. On our way across the street to the main farm operation, we saw farm animals that were part of the Farm Fun Yard featuring a hay maze, goat walk and other family-friendly activities.

One of the funniest moments was when we wheeled our treasures to the trunk of my car. Returning the wheelbarrow was like taking your cart back to the store. We set it down between pylons at the end of an aisle of vehicles, and a truck drove through to pick up all the abandoned carts. It was a funny ending to a perfect excursion. When life gets busy and I’m feeling nostalgic, I will look back on that day and be transported back to the fall setting, sights and smells that brought me so much joy.

Photos

With Mount Rainier in the background on a clear day, the Carpinito Brothers pumpkin patch, which sits on the family-owned farm, has been rated among the top pumpkin patches in the country, according to various sources. Click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow: