Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Saturday- Monday in October

The Hundred Mile Loop encompasses rolling hills, steep cliffs, breathtaking drop-offs, multiple serpentine curves, and serene valley views along Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 which have made the Three Sisters a must-see destination for motoring and cycling enthusiasts. Ride Texas magazine voted Ranch Road 337 the “number one road to ride in Texas” and the Nueces Canyon area as the third most popular motorcycle ride in the state. For the same reasons, the Nueces Canyon is a favored area of bicycling enthusiasts, and is an official part of the Southern Tier 4 bicycle route. The Hill Country is known as the cycling capital of Texas, and its gorgeous scenery and challenging terrain provide for excellent cycling.

The area is steeped in a rich history of sheep and goat ranching. Local artisans still produce mohair textiles recognized internationally. Some of the best exotic and native species game hunting in the state can be found in the Nueces Canyon. Whitetail deer, angora, bobcat, red stag, fallow deer, puma, javelina, Russian boar, axis deer, black buck antelope, aoudad, and Rio Grande turkeys roam the canyon. Local grocers and merchants have some of the tastiest native and exotic jerky and cuts of meat you have ever basted, roasted, barbequed, or tasted.

Whether your Nueces Canyon destination is Barksdale, Camp Wood, Montell, or Vance, we are sure you will find the perfect Hill Country hideaway, adventure, restaurant delight, and a Texas-sized warm welcome.

FYI • For more information, visit www.NuecesChamber.org.

The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch

MEDINA H The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch is designed to both entertain and educate children, and has been consistently voted one of the top Pumpkin Patches in Texas. Love Creek Orchards — pioneers of the Texas Apple industry — hosts the event each October for 26 years. Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country in Medina on Highway 16 North, Love Creek is the perfect setting for a children’s festival.

The event includes hayrides, scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, pony rides, games and photo opportunities, plus a petting zoo, apple orchard tours, cider making and processing apples on the apple line and more. “We want children to experience a day on the farm and fun, says owner Bryan Hutzler. “But we want to make it a learning experience as well. What a great way to learn about agriculture and how apples are grown and harvested.”

It’s pure family fun, featuring pig races, storytelling and playing an instrument in the Great Hill Country Symphony. You can bring a picnic lunch or enjoy food from onsite vendors, offering hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, pumpkin pie, apple ice cream and of course, fresh squeezed apple cider. You’ll also find a huge largest variety of pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, corn stalks and squash available to purchase.

The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch opens on October 5 and is open every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in October from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is $7, and includes free hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin painting (you buy the pumpkin and paint is provided), tours and entertainment.

For more information, call 830-200-0302 or visit www.lovecreekorchards.com.