Autumn is arguably the best time to be a New Mexican. The hot air balloons, the roasted chile, the changing leaves by the Bosque and of course, you can’t think of fall without thinking of pumpkins.

Big Jim Farms is one of many aesthetically pleasing local pumpkin patches in New Mexico. Located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, this family-owned business is sure to make you feel like you’re out of the city and into your own perfect fall farm. It is free to enter and take post-worthy pictures, with many intentional photo-ops scattered on the land. 

From August to mid-October, Big Jim Farms has a pumpkin patch with plenty of “gourd”-geous options to buy for your carving pleasure. Pumpkins are not the only orange items to fawn over, there are rows of stunning marigold flowers decorating the farm. These are perfect for your Dia de los Muertos ofrendas and can be picked and purchased right at Big Jim Farms–with a Mason jar of water included! Not done picking? Walk right over to the fields of green chile where you can purchase by the pound or head up to their produce booth to get a jar of chile, ready to go. 

The produce booth does not lack in color or variety, with all sorts of fruits, veggies, and delicious jarred salsa and honey. Your tastebuds will be sure to thank you for stopping by. And yes, you can taste the difference when you shop local. 

While you explore the patches and fields, don’t forget to stop by and say hi to the resident goats and sheep (but don’t get offended if they stick their tongue out at you)!

As if there wasn’t already so much to see and do, Big Jim Farms also hosts workshops on select days. In these festive classes, you can make ristras, tamales, wreathes, flower crowns and more! Even into the winter holiday season, Big Jim Farms continues to host events for the community, so make sure to keep an eye out for those.

Fall in New Mexico: Big Jim Farms