With Fall comes beautiful weather in our sunny St. Augustine and getting out doors is all the rage. To make your weekend planning easy, we compiled an fun roundup of outdoor events happening at local farms in nearby Elkton. The following festive activities gives guests the opportunity to experience seasonal food and fun at gorgeous outdoor locations. You might even need to bring a sweater or jacket to keep warm.
RYPE & READI FARM EVENTS
The following events incorporate every element of the season: mouthwatering dishes, rustic scenery and spooky haunted houses.
October Farm Feast & Galley Wars Culinary Competition — Saturday, October 17
Virginia College, First Coast Technical College and the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale culinary art programs are put to the test in this Galley Wars culinary competition. Each school enters five to six chefs to compete in making delicious plates using only surprise ingredients in a rustic outdoor kitchen location. Everyone in the audience gets to sample the culinary creations being prepared and participate in the judging of the dishes. A pig roast farm feast is also offered to guests while they watch the competition unfold. Complimentary seasonal pumpkin beer, hard cider and wine with be served with the meals. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 17.
Not So Scary Haunted Mansion — Friday, October 23
This family-friendly evening is perfect for those who don’t enjoy being too scared. Bring your kids to this happening, and come check out the Burning Man scarecrows (which will be burned the following night). Event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on October 23.
Bite and Fright: Burning Man Scarecrow and Spooks — Saturday, October 24
Enjoy Rype & Readi’s Oktoberfest spooktacular at the farm’s haunted mansion. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on October 24. Burning of the Scarecrows is a special feature of this event. The event is open to children ages 9 and up. Those 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Farm Feast — Saturday, November 14
This farm feast serves up patagonian asado and fuegon dishes, native plates of Argentinian and Chilean cuisine. All proceeds go to benefit the Slow Foods First Coast organization. Event is from 7 to 10 p.m. on November 14.
Tour De Farm: Slow Foods First Coast — Sunday, November 15
Come join Slow Foods First Coast for a first look at this year’s Fall harvest and for an opportunity to find out more about the local food system. Guests get to see where their food comes from and meet the farmers who produce it. Event is from 12 to 5 p.m. on November 15.
Rype & Readi is located at 5780 County Road 305. For more information, call 904-429-3070 or visit rypeandreadi.com.
SYKES AND COOPER FARMS
Get lost in a corn maze, enjoy live music, and hang out with farm animals with these exciting fall activities taking place at Sykes and Cooper Farms.
Corn Maze — Now through October 25
Now through October 25, experience the award-winning 9-acre corn maze at Sykes and Cooper Farms, filled with confusing twists and turns. Other attractions included with admission are hayrides, playgrounds for kids, and access to farm animals. Tickets are $9 for adults, and $7 for military persons and senior citizens. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Croctober Fest — Saturday, October 17
Guests get the opportunity to take photos with animals like alligators and snakes, plus view a live animal show in the afternoon. This event is co-hosted by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Proceeds go to several international crocodilian conservation projects. Event is on October 17.
Performance by Matt Buckles — Saturday, October 17
After a day at the corn maze, come listen to live music performed by Matt Buckles at the Sykes and Cooper Farms. Event goes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on October 17.
Sykes and Cooper Farms is located at 5995 Brough Rd. in Elkton. For more information, call 904-692-1370 or visit www.sycofarms.com.
PICK OUT YOUR PUMPKIN
In addition to all the farm happenings, throughout the month of October, both locations have a bountiful supply of pumpkins on hand for the carving, or cooking.
