Ideal Bite

Pumpkin Patch

Cabbage Patch Kid

10.19.2009

Submitted by dsimmons on Sun, 10/18/2009 - 11:00pm.

Chicago
Food

The Bite:

Looking for a chubby Halloween pumpkin? They're up for adoption - along with other fall foods - at Susie's Pumpkin Patch. Stroll 80+ acres of organically grown pumpkins, squash, and corn, all labeled in neat rows for you to wander down and pick - just BYO reusable bag or basket. After finding the perfect carving canvas, lap up fresh cider and donuts made from local apples and, while you're at it, doll up for Facebook-bound pics on a giant, hay-stuffed jack-o'-lantern.

Why Care?:

Though IL produces more pumpkins than any other U.S. state, many are still shipped in from places like China and the Dominican Republic - picking from Susie's means you're getting a pesticide-free pumpkin and helping to reduce fuel emissions.

After our patch visit, we headed a half hour west to Brio Wine Bar in Rockford for a glass of biodynamic Van Duzer Pinot Gris and veg-head Mushroom Bread Pudding made with brioche.

Wanna Try:

Susie's Garden Patch, 10258 U.S. Hwy. 20, Garden Prairie (815-597-3011). Any pumpkin, $6.

Map It

Cocktail Fact

In 1992, Cabbage Patch Kids were named the first official mascot of the U.S. Olympic Team.

Small Changes Add Up

If 10,000 Chicago Biters buy a locally grown pumpkin instead of one shipped from afar, we'll save enough gas to fill one and a half Olympic-size pools.

0 comments

Email This

Post new comment

target='_blank'>

border='0' alt='' />

Cabbage Patch Kid

Cocktail Fact

Small Changes Add Up

Post new comment

Sign Up