My daughter had a dance event to attend in Worcester, Massachusetts, on a mid-October day, so it was the perfect opportunity to drive a few exits north on Interstate 290 for a visit to this family-owned agricultural attraction. The parking lot was packed: This may be one of the busiest farms in New England on peak fall weekends.
I have to be honest with you: The farm's apple prices are terribly inflated, and their policy of charging admission for anyone in a picking party larger than three is a real disincentive for families to visit. And we've had better pumpking picking experiences at two other Massachusetts farms: Red Apple Farm in Phillipston and Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock.
However, when we visited Tougas Family Farm in 2011, we stumbled upon a sight so remarkable, I'd say it's worth the drive. I'm pretty sure this vibrant tree is the only one of its kind in New England. It may be the only pumpkin tree on Earth! You know you want a photo of you with the pumpkin tree for your Facebook profile, so don't forget to bring your camera... and your sense of humor.
If you're going...Tougas Family Farm is located at 246 Ball Street in Northboro, MA, not far off I-290 at Exit 24. Call ahead to check picking conditions and to verify hours of operation, as well as to check whether the pumpkin tree "blossoms" in future years: 508-393-6406.
