It's easy to grab a pumpkin or two while shopping for groceries, to choose convenience rather than travel to a farm for fall gourds. But there's something magical about pumpkin patches, something nostalgic and traditional that can only be experienced by dropping to your knees to examine the orange beauties before plucking your favorite from the fields.

It's about more than just finding the perfect pumpkin and calling it a day. There's adventure, mystery and surprises to be had, along with a sense of pride that comes with going to the pumpkin patch, regardless of whether you have kids. Plus there's the sense of giving back to the community – directly – by supporting local farmers. Many local pumpkin patches offer this and more. From corn mazes, to haunted houses and tractor rides, the Sacramento area is ripe with pumpkin patch mayhem. The following is a guide to local farms that offer such fall festivities, so plan your pumpkin pickings accordingly, it will be Halloween sooner than you think.

Gum Ranch Pumpkin Patch Where: 5415 Kenneth Avenue, Fair Oaks

When: Every day, 9 a.m. till dusk

More Info: (916) 765-7932

Fair Oaks Boulevard Nursery Where: 4681 Fair Oaks Blvd., between Arden and Eastern

When: Every day, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More Info: (916) 483-1830

Where: 3845 El Centro Road, Sacramento

When: Every day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More Info: (916) 925-2496