Marin’s premier pumpkin patch, Nicasio Valley Farms, is found in the beautiful little burg of Nicasio, on Nicasio Valley Road in the heart of West Marin.  The farm is adjacent to Nicasio Valley Cheese Company’s tasting room, nine miles west of Highway 101 via Lucas Valley Road. It’s very popular and bustles with activity every day from September 26th to November 2nd, from 10AM to 6PM on weekends and 10AM to 4PM Monday through Friday.

Grab a wheelbarrow and wander a large pumpkin patch to pick out your own certified organic pumpkins and enjoy attractions such as hayrides, farm animals (cute little pigs, sheep and young cows), pony rides, mechanical bulls, a bounce house with an inflatable slide, and a farm stand. Pumpkin varieties range from the standard-issue Halloween orange to white, green Italian and Australian varieties. Warty French pumpkins and European "Cinderella" style squash offer alternatives to traditional “jack-o-lantern” gourds. The farmstand also offers squash, small gourds, decorative corn stalks, and apples.

Especially fun are two straw bale mazes for kids to get lost in (temporarily, of course), and there are shaded areas with picnic tables, straw bales and umbrellas. On weekends, Big Jim's award-winning BBQ (pulled pork, chicken, tri-tip, sausages, and hot dogs) and Silver Shaved Ice are for sale. Steve the Sandman's sand art craft is showcased along with kids' games, farm animals, food trucks, Hanks Pizza Oven, locally-produced Marin beer and wine, and educational exhibits.