Potomac-area families will find plenty of pumpkins at nearby farms this fall, even as an April freeze wiped out much of Maryland's apple crop.

Lewis Orchards in Dickerson is stocked with carving pumpkins, edible pumpkins and specialty varieties including fairytale and Cinderella. Robert and Linda Lewis are the fourth generation to run the farm at the intersection of Route 28 and Peach Tree Road. The family has owned the operation since 1888.

The market also carries fall apples, including Honeycrisp, Fuji and Gala, along with fresh-baked pies available Thursday through Sunday. Pumpkin pies start in October. Lewis Orchards is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with no reservations required. The market runs through Thanksgiving Eve.

An April freeze that sent overnight temperatures to 24 degrees devastated apple crops across Maryland this year. Apple-picking options are limited at many area farms, but pumpkin season is underway, Maryland Matters reported.

"Us farmers are working hard, but we can't put apples back on the tree," Tyler Butler, general manager of Butler's Orchard in Germantown, said in September, as Maryland Matters reported.

Butler's Orchard is running its 46th annual Pumpkin Festival through Sunday, Nov. 1, open Wednesday through Sunday until 6 p.m. The festival features hayrides, corn mazes, giant slides and live music. Pony rides and face painting are available on weekends, MyMCMedia reported.

Closer to Potomac, Homestead Farm on Sugarland Road in Poolesville opened its pumpkin-picking season in late September. The Allnutt family farm offers hayrides, farm animals and fresh produce alongside the pumpkin fields. Homestead Farm is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. A ticket is required. The farm's apple crop was nearly wiped out by the spring freeze, so families looking to pick apples should call ahead at (301) 977-3761.

Montgomery Parks hosts its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. Admission is $20 per car, cash only. The festival includes hayrides, historic crafts and live entertainment.

Upcoming fall dates

  • Saturday, Oct. 3: Montgomery Parks Harvest Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood. $20 per car, cash only.
  • Through Nov. 1: Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Festival, Wednesday through Sunday until 6 p.m., Germantown.
  • Through Thanksgiving Eve: Lewis Orchards Farm Market, open daily, Dickerson. (301) 349-4101.
  • Through Oct. 31: Homestead Farm pumpkin season, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Poolesville. (301) 977-3761.