<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2j4vPV_0oORsO6W00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2j4vPV_0oORsO6W00" width="800" height="800" ></figure>Nestled below scenic mountains in Madison County, JDM Family Farm is the newest pumpkin farm to offer Fall family fun. Located in New Hope, this farm is convenient for Southeast Huntsville residents and easy to find (just two turns off of Highway 231). I drove from Madison to take my 9-year-old son and his friend for an afterschool excursion. The farm is not as big or busy as the other farms, but this provided a welcome experience for myself and the kiddos. I loved the relaxed atmosphere. My son and his friend enjoyed some quality, unhurried time with one another.<h2>Activities at JDM Family Farm</h2>All the basics for pumpkin farm fun are there: Jump pillow, pipe slides, petting zoo, pedal cars, play area, train, and a hayride to the pumpkin patch. The farm has a down-home vibe that matches JDM’s motto: Makin’ Memories on the Backroads. Being there actually brought back fond memories of time spent on my grandparent’s farm as a child. There was an old pecan tree near my grandparent’s house, and the grownups would sit under its shade talking and leisurely shelling pecans, peanuts, and peas while my cousins and I played. We climbed hay bales, zoomed around on our gocarts, and made our own playground equipment. Instead of a seesaw we had an old metal trailer bed that we ran back and forth on to make it go up and down. Instead of a swing set, we had a rope swing made from a fertilizer container covered with a burlap sack.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0wazR6_0oORsO6W00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0wazR6_0oORsO6W00" width="800" height="800" ><figcaption>Admission includes a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.</figcaption></figure>The JDM Family Farm experience is not quite as rustic as this, but you will get to sit on actual hay as you ride to the pumpkin patch, and the kiddos will get a jostley little ride around a pond on the wagon train. There isn’t much shade on the farm, but there is a pavilion with four picnic tables. Parents can relax in one spot since the playground features are close together. Two sandboxes are right next to the pavilion, and each one has four sand digger machines. There are swings, including tire swings, toddler swings, belt swings, and a large wooden swing. There are several cornhole games. There are good sightlines on the property between the other attractions too, and none of them are too far away, so you won’t have to scramble around much.My child and his friend enjoyed the big-kid pedal cars the most, but they also spent a good amount of time at a picnic table playing a large Connect Four game and chatting. They weren’t very interested in the petting zoo, but they did take a couple of minutes to pet the miniature donkeys. There were also small goats and a mini cow with shaggy fur. Riding to the pumpkin patch is practically obligatory, and one pumpkin each is included in the admission price.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3bxC5D_0oORsO6W00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3bxC5D_0oORsO6W00" width="800" height="800" ><figcaption>Guests can enjoy a ride on the farm’s pedal cars.</figcaption></figure><h2>Snacks at the Farm</h2>The food selection on the farm has a down-home vibe also. The highlight for us was the selection of baked goods. Decadent Southern favorites like Red Velvet Cake and coconut cake (actually a specific kind called Peter Paul Mound cake) and baked goods like banana nut bread and strawberry nut bread. Have you ever tried strawberry nut bread? This was the first time I’d ever heard of it, and it beats banana nut bread in my book. I’m not a coconut fan, but we did take home some Red Velvet cake and it was as good as my mother’s. Be advised there are nuts in the icing.If you are looking for a refreshing treat, there is shaved ice and Nanny’s Old Fashioned Lemonade truck is a regular on the farm. The farm serves chicken salad (complete with croissants) and two kinds of barbecue: spicy and sweet and sour. Sides are baked beans (these were delicious) and slaw or potato chips. You can have the barbecue on a bun or by itself. They also have hot dogs and chips with nacho cheese dip. Other food trucks may be in attendance. Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates. Teresita’s Tamales was at the farm’s grand opening.<h2>Other Offerings at JDM Family Farm</h2>The big red barn houses Sunset Stables Market. It features local artisans and retail decor. There are also some toys for the kids to shop such as pop-its. Parents, if you want a little excursion for yourself, $2 admission gives you access to shopping and food. I can picture myself driving out to do some holiday shopping and getting sweet tea and chicken salad and enjoying the countryside (then taking home dessert, of course).The barn also has a large entertaining space for rent. Contact the farm to find out more about this and also to schedule field trips.The farm is planning to hold a pumpkin demolition day and will reopen near the end of the year for festivities such as a New Year’s Eve event. The views from the farm would make an excellent backdrop for a family photo shoot.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4WWKXY_0oORsO6W00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4WWKXY_0oORsO6W00" width="800" height="800" ><figcaption>JDM Farms has a pavilion with games for families to enjoy.</figcaption></figure><h2>About JDM Family Farm</h2>Website | Facebook | Instagram Phone: 256-819-9390Address: 1614 Old Gurley Pike, New Hope (Map)Hours: Fridays – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturdays – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sundays – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.Admission: Ages 3 &amp; Up $15 | 2 &amp; Under FreeFrom the website: “The goal of JDM Family Farm is to offer our area a safe, family environment with unique experiences, and desire to help provide jobs, support, and entertainment to our local community and charitable organizations. We hope you come and join us on this adventure and fulfill our motto “Makin’ Memories on the Backroads”!”“JDM Family Farm was formed by John &amp; Deanna Manley with the vision of bringing families closer. The farm was purchased in 2020 with a dream of settling down in the community of Deanna’s childhood and also the community John’s father and extended family grew up in with hopes of one day creating a business with faith, family, friends, and community at the center. John is a graduate of Buckhorn High School, and he and Deanna married in 1998 after she graduated from New Hope High School. They love spending time with family and live on the property with their daughter”<h2>Plan Your Visit</h2>Bathrooms: The farm doesn’t have bathrooms, but there are plenty of portapotties.Nursery: There is a nursery complete with chairs, a rocker, changing table, air conditioner, and a mini fridge.Stroller Rating: The farm is stroller friendly. With little shade, I suggest bringing sunscreen or at least a hat.Parking: When you reach the farm, you will park in a grass lot. Head to the silo-turned-admissions building for entry.Admission: Tickets are available on location only. They take cash, credit, and debit ($1 extra is added for credit or debit). It is well-staffed and friendly, and the young adults working or volunteering on the farm will get right in there with your kids. I got to stand back while a very sweet young lady engaged with the kiddos while she pushed them around on the pedal cars.If you are seeking some relaxing Fall fun, JDM Family Farm is the place. Enjoy what feels more like a big, backyard country barbecue. Bring a lawn chair, sit back, sip sweet tea, and keep an eye on your kids while you take in the scenic views. The sunset on the farm is lovely.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Fall Fun Abounds at JDM Family Farm in New Hope

Nestled below scenic mountains in Madison County, JDM Family Farm is the newest pumpkin farm to offer Fall family fun. Located in New Hope, this farm is convenient for Southeast Huntsville residents and easy to find (just two turns off of Highway 231). I drove from Madison to take my 9-year-old son and his friend for an afterschool excursion. The farm is not as big or busy as the other farms, but this provided a welcome experience for myself and the kiddos. I loved the relaxed atmosphere. My son and his friend enjoyed some quality, unhurried time with one another.