By: Diana Lambdin Meyer

It may be that the children are back in school or that gentler temperatures greet us in the morning hours, but something in our natural chemistry syncs with Mother Earth this time of year, and we are driven to forage for food. Not unlike a squirrel stockpiling acorns for the winter, humans, too, feel the need to prepare for the cold days ahead with the bounties of autumn.

The Kansas City area has multitude of pleasant destinations to fill the pantry with the Midwest’s bounties before winter sets in. Along the way, we also have the opportunity to replenish our spirits with the unique beauty autumn brings to the Heartland.

Local Favorites

The Weston Red Barn Farm in Platte County. The goats, turkeys, cows and pigs on the farm contribute to the authentic experience as you pick your own apples and pumpkins, or take a hayride. Earlier in the year, others picked fruits and vegetables that are now canned and preserved in the gift shop, ready for you to take home to your own pantry.

The Louisburg Cider Mill in Louisburg, Kan., south of the metro. Known for the cider donuts and Lost Trail Root Beer, the cider mill has hundreds of pumpkins to choose from, along with many other treats during their fall festival the last weekend in September and first weekend in October.

Stephenson’s Apple Orchard in Independence. For more than 60 years, the Stephenson’s have been making autumn tastier with 40 acres of apples, and a huge cider mill and market.

KC Pumpkin Patch in Gardner, Kan. Oh, so much more than pumpkins with a hay bale maze, a petting zoo and a whole barnyard of activities on this family farm from Sept. 27 to Halloween, and it’s only 35 minutes south of downtown.

Other Bountiful Spots

Carolyn’s Country Cousin Pumpkin Patch near Liberty, Mo. The corn maze and miniature train ride is as much fun as the pumpkin patch.

The Vaughn Orchard and Country Store  in Platte County. Ride a wagon through the orchards until you find a tree filled with ripe, ready to pick apples. Or forego the mess in your own kitchen by filling your basket with cider and apple butter available in the store.

Alldredge Orchards near Platte City. In addition to picking your own peaches, apples and pumpkins, you can enjoy a slice of fresh baked pie with a scoop of ice cream.

Pome on the Range in Williamsburg, Kan. The fall festival October 13-14 offers hay rides, clowns and pumpkin carving contests, in addition to pick your own.

Grape Harvest

The Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery, six miles west of the Kansas Speedway, is known for its fun harvest picking parties each Sunday in September. Come get your hands on some of the region’s best grapes.

If Sunday afternoons are not good for you to pick grapes, Greg and Charlee Shipe at the Davenport Orchards and Winery in Eudora invite you to come early on a Saturday morning in September to help the pick their 17 acres of grapes. Drop them an e-mail through their Web site to let them know you’re coming and they’ll provide lunch.

With all of these many choices and goodies, there’s no reason our pantries won’t be as full as a squirrels cheeks this winter.