Pumpkin picking on Long Island

Compiled by Pat Brandt

October 2, 2008, 4:28 PM EDT

A bumper crop of pumpkins awaits eager pickers on Long Island farms - where hay rides, corn mazes and homemade delicacies add to the allure of the annual family pilgrimage.

If the weather cooperates, traffic gridlock is inevitable on rural roads such as the North Fork's Sound Avenue, lined with prime pumpkin patches. So allow plenty of time and pack enough games to stave off the "are we there yets?" in the backseat.

Chances are there is at least one small patch not far from your home (and many stands selling pre-picked pumpkins). But if you relish the thrill of the hunt, the most options are out east. Always call ahead to confirm, as hours may change in season.

WESTERN SUFFOLK

Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms: 6 Bagatelle Rd., Melville. Info at 631-549-1159, schmittsfamilyfarms.com. Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Colonial Springs Farm, 201 Main Ave., Wheatley Heights. Info at 631-643-4829. Open: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus day 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Elwood Pumpkin Farm, 1500 Jericho Tpke. (across from Warner Rd.), Huntington. Info at 631-368-8626. Open: Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

F & W Schmitt Farms, 26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville. Info at 631-423-5693. Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends and holidays.

White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Rd., Melville. Info at 631-351-9373; whitepostfarm.com. Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

EASTERN SUFFOLK

Greenland Family Farms, 17155 Country Rd. 48, Cutchogue. Info at 631-734-5791; greenlandfamilyfarms.com. Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Hanks Pumpkintown, 149 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill. Info at 631-726-4667; hankspumpkintown.com. Open: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Harbes Family Farm, Main Rd., Jamesport, and 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck. Info at 631-722-8546; harbesfamilyfarm.com. Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Harbes Middle Earth Farm, 137 Sound Ave., Riverhead. Info at 631-298-0800; harbesfamilyfarm.com. Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Kaufold's Country Florist Farm, 724 Middle Country Rd, Ridge. Info at 631-924-1265. Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends and holidays starting Oct. 4.

Krupski's Pumpkin Farm, Route 25, Peconic. Info at 631-734-6847. Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and holidays starting Oct. 4.

May's Farm Stand, 6361 Rte. 25A, Wading River. Info at 631-929-6654. Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily starting Oct. 4.

Milk Pail, 1346 Montauk Hwy., Watermill (store); 757 Mecox Rd., Watermill (farm). Info at 631-537-2565; milk-pail.com. Open: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday and holidays.

Rottkamp's Fox Hollow Farm, 2287 Sound Ave., Calverton. Info at 631-727-1786. Open: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays; 12:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday.

Stakey's Pumpkin Farm, 270 West Lane, Aquebogue. Info at 631-722-3467; stakeyspumpkinfarm.com. Open: Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.

Wickham's Fruit Stand, Route 25, Cutchogue. Info 631-734-6441. Open: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Monday (closed Sunday).

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