3 • Vol. XII, Issue II, Fall 2019
Vol. XII, Issue ILLINOISouth.org II, Fall 2019 • 3
TOURISM
TIMES
n i k p m Pu n u f h c Pat Eckert’s, Belleville
When the leaves start turning in the fall, it’s time to check out the pumpkin crop and design this year’s jack-o-lantern. ILLINOISouth has many farmer’s markets and orchards selling pumpkins, but some go the extra mile with special events every weekend. Pack up the family and spend a day at a Pumpkin Fest! Eckert’s, Belleville
ite by Pat Wh
WESTERN
Braeutigam Orchard 2795 Turkey Hill Ln, Belleville; 618233-4059; braeutigamorchards.com, FB
This farm has been in the Braeutigam family since 1831, but the orchard wasn’t planted until 1935 by Rollin Braeutigam. A few years later, his son and daughter-in-law, Lester and Marie, helped him take the fruit to market in St. Louis. However, the market only wanted green fruit, not their beautiful ripe peaches. Fortunately, people here didn’t mind traveling the mile or so to the farm for the sweet, tree-ripened fruit. Today, Braeutigam Orchards is still family-owned and operated by the sixth and seventh generations with the eighth generation in training. And folks still drive down Turkey Hill Lane for fresh produce in season. Open thru October 31; Monday - Friday: 8am-6pm; Saturday: 8am-5pm; Sunday: 9am-5pm Pumpkin Festival October 10 & 11
Eckert’s Belleville Farm
951 S. Green Mount Rd., Belleville, 618-233-0513; eckerts.com; FB
The first fruit trees were planted by Henry Eckert in 1890 on what is now the Eckert Belleville Farm. The first retail farm stand was opened on the side of the road by Alvin O. Eckert in 1910. Today, the retail operation includes the Orchards, Country Store, Country Restaurant and Garden Center that are operated by the sixth and seventh generations of the family. Open all year, every season is highlighted by special events for families to enjoy. This fall, the Pumpkin Jamboree has live entertainment, delicious festival foods, children’s activities, pumpkins and much more. Plan to bring the whole family to the Jamboree. Hours: Saturdays & Sundays in October, 10am – 5pm No admission fee; tickets are sold for the rides
Eckert’s Fun Farm 2719 Eckert Orchard Ln., Millstadt; 618-476-3260; eckerts.com, FB
Not far from Belleville, the Eckert’s Fun Farm offers a wide variety of activities this fall. The corn maze (Friday - Sunday), Jack-O-Lobber pumpkin cannon, carnival rides, petting farm, Haunted Hayride, jumping pillow, 70-foot mineshaft underground slide, Fort Eckert playground, live shows and more are all included in the admission fee. Oh, yes, there are also pumpkins for sale!
Possum Patch Farms, Olney
Relleke Farms, Pontoon Beach
Admission: $13/person Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm; $6/person Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am – 1pm Haunted Hayrides – Friday & Saturday 7 – 10pm Additional Haunted Hayrides $5/ person and may be purchased at the ticket booth
Relleke Farm 473 Sand Prairie Ln, Pontoon Beach; 618-797-6858, rellekepumpkinpatch.com, FB
Relleke Farms was founded in the late 1800’s providing homegrown produce to local markets. More than a century later, they still supply produce in season to markets like Dierbergs as well as at their farm. Every weekend in October, Relleke Farms has a major Pumpkin Festival. Lots of food stands, arts and crafts, hayrides, petting zoo, face painting, camel and pony rides and live music are highlights of the event. The market, where you can buy pumpkins, is open during the week also and sells squash, straw, corn stalks and other fall decorations. School groups can make reservations for weekdays. Open: Weekends in October; Free admission and parking continued on page 2
