It's harvest season, and the farms around Denver are exploding at the seams with fresh produce ripe for the picking. Here are six places where you can fill your bag with vine-ripened goodies and maybe even indulge a little while you're there.
Anderson Farms: You'll find the great pumpkin -- or any number of gourds -- with your name on it in the 30-acre pumpkin patch at Anderson Farms. Take the wagon ride out to the field, stopping by Animal Acres to see Miles the Buffalo on the way. Wagon rides are part of admission to the farms' ongoing fall fest, but produce will be additional, based on size.6728 County Road 3 1/4, Erie; 303-828-5210
Ya Ya Farm & Orchard: Offering heirloom apples, this 100-plus-year-old farm is open to the public through late October for fresh cider, apple cider donuts and a pick-it-yourself harvest. Join Octoberfest on the 16th for hayrides, pressing, barbecue and live music. 6914 Ute Hwy., Longmont; 303-485-5585
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield: Even if you didn't make last weekend's Pumpkin Festival, you can still stop by the culturally rich Chatfield Garden to pick up a pumpkin from the 10-acre patch. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton; 303-973-3705
May Farms: Pack the fam in the car and head east of Denver to this working farm, where October is filled with fall fest activities including a maze, barnyard and pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkins and gourds, with varying prices based on size. 64001 US Hwy. 36, Byers; 303-822-5800
Hoot 'n' Howl Farm LLC: The harvest season isn't just about pumpkins and apples … berry season is still hanging around. Check out this working farm and fill a flat with red and gold raspberries along with other seasonal goods. 6033 Jay Road, Boulder; 303-530-9504
Cottonwood Farms: This family farm outside of Boulder stays open through the end of the month and offers more than fall produce - mazes, animals and, on the weekends, hay rides and a glimpse of an authentic working steam engine. As for pumpkins, you can choose from the produce stand or pick your own from the patch.1535 N. 75th St., Boulder; 720-890-4766
Flickr photo via sikeri