Stoltzfus Pumpkin Farm: A Fall Tradition Worth Keeping

Updated: August 12, 2025

The first Saturday of September had me itching to start decorating the front porch for fall. Since most farmer’s markets hadn’t yet stocked up on pumpkins, Mom and I took a scenic drive to Manheim—just 10 miles from Lancaster, PA—to visit Stoltzfus Pumpkins.

The 30-minute drive through winding country roads was a breath of fresh air in today’s low-travel world. It gave us a fun, outdoor escape for the afternoon. (Tip: The pumpkin patch is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Labor Day through Thanksgiving.)

Exploring Stoltzfus Pumpkin Farm

The farm’s website promises an “amazing selection of pumpkins”—and they’re not kidding. Their offerings go far beyond your typical orange variety. From quirky gourds to striped squash, Indian corn, mums, hay bales, corn wreaths, and other charming fall decorations, it’s a full-on autumn paradise.

If you’re like me, distinguishing between funky-shaped pumpkins and squash isn’t always easy, so I use the terms interchangeably.

A Cornucopia of Choices

We kicked off our visit in the gourd house—a rustic barn brimming with dried gourds in every shape and size. I grabbed a few large bottle gourds for Halloween projects I have in mind.

Lately, I’ve taken to color-coordinating my fall porch decor. Some years I lean into warm autumnal hues; other years, I opt for the unexpected. With so many choices at Stoltzfus, I battled a bout of “decision indecision” before settling on a plan.

Fall Decor Finds

This season, I thought I’d go with the classics: red mums and orange pumpkins. But many of the pumpkins I loved were too wide to fit safely on our porch steps—and I’m famously clumsy, so tripping hazards are a real concern.

Instead, I chose a collection of peach and green squash. Their muted tones pair beautifully with the jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins I’ll grab later. A few mini gourds and pumpkins added the perfect finishing touch. Meanwhile, Mom—ever patient with my annual decorating ritual—picked out a few beauties for her own autumn setup.

Local Charm and Seasonal Joy

We’re lucky to live so close to so many wonderful farm stands and agricultural markets. Especially this year, it feels good to support local farmers while enjoying seasonal traditions.

We had such a great time, and I’m already excited to discover a new pumpkin farm next year. So skip the big-box store—find a nearby patch and let the adventure (and the decorating) begin.