With just about 50 shopping days left until Christmas, a holiday favorite has a decidedly autumn vibe this weekend.
"Pumpkin!" shouts 4-year-old Hayden Sullivan, from Sorrento.
In the hills of Lake County, Santa's Forest is known this time of year as "A Lot of Pumpkins." From the place where you can cut down your own Christmas tree, families can enjoy autumn activities and celebrate Halloween.
"It has a long stem and it's my favorite color,” said Hunter Sullivan, while holding a bright orange pumpkin the size of a 2-liter bottle of soda.
Hay rides across the farm are popular, as well as going for a ride in the barrel tram. Former drums are now carts that children ride in across the Christmas tree farm.
Near the entrance, you can smell the kettle corn. It's never fresher than when it pops fresh right in front of you.
"I want everyone to turn and smile," shouts an assistant in the large pumpkin patch. "Pretty smile there, young lady."
"The pumpkin patch was awesome," said Keri Miller, from Altamonte Springs.
Under the oak trees next to pallets full of gourds, young Hayden has a declaration.
"I am not 3 anymore. I am 4!" he said.
As for the pumpkin the size of a grapefruit that he's holding, he has his big plans.
"I am going to break him in half and eat him!" Hayden said.
Come hungry. Visitors can grab a stick and grill over a roaring fire. Marshmallows are on the menu.
Farmer Jodi Utsman is proud of the additions Santa's Forest has added over the past few years.
"Come out here and take a pony ride, do a zip line, bounce on the bounce pillow, get your exercise," Utsman said. "We let adults on, too. It's very exhausting."
A petting farm and giant maze round out the experience.
Note: The pumpkin patch at A Lot of Pumpkins is open through Sunday, Nov. 1.
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