I dont typically write reviews unless my experience is really good...or really bad. Unfortunately, this review is due to a terrible experience at the pasadena pumpkin patch. Oh, where to start.
First, the good. Plenty of parking in the CVS parking lot, which is where this "patch" is located. The pumpkins are in a shaded area, so you don't have to worry about your baby being burnt by the sun (we went with my 3 month old). That's pretty much it for the good.
Now the bad:
1. We went in with the intention of picking up a pumpkin after trying at the Cal Poly pumpkin fest (had to leave early due to the heat and a fussy baby). We also wanted to memorialize the experience with some photos. Well, anyone with a baby knows that when baby is happy, it's time to take some photos. The owner had different plans, however. He hovered around indicating numerous times that there was a minimum purchase of $10. AKA make your purchase now and then leave since your baby will be a monster and unwilling to cooperate for photos. There are a couple of issues with this. Number 1, NOTHING IS STATED AT THE ENTRANCE SAYING $10 PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. I don't go to a grocery store under the expectation that I need to buy at least $x.xx of produce, I sure as hell don't need to do that for a parking lot pumpkin patch. Second, don't go chasing people down in the parking lot who left without making a purchase and demand that they buy a $10 pumpkin. Yes, you heard that right. People left his Tent of BS and were in the parking lot walking back to the car when he literally ran after them to tell them they needed to make a $10 purchase. Wtf are you smoking and where can I get some? Just don't charge me $10 for that info.
2. Price. This pumpkin patch charges $10 for a medium size pumpkin, which you can pick up at Walmart for less than $5. I saw an older review talk about $8 pumpkins. I guess this place thinks that the market value of pumpkins have increased 25% since last year. The pumpkin business must be doing great! Or maybe cost of living in California has increased by 25% since last year. It probably did increase but not enough to justify a 25% increase in prices. Whatever the reason, it's overpriced. On top of that, $7 for a pony ride and $5 petting zoo. I wish I had taken a picture of the sad ponies. They are attached to a pole and walk in a 6 foot diameter circle in the back where there is little light. If the owner is so desperate for a sale, I'll pay his $10 to unhook those poor ponies, chain him up and then watch him walk in circles for a few minutes. I'll even throw in an extra $10 to sweeten the deal.
3. Selection is limited, but this is to be expected with the small space, so I wouldn't ding them too much for this. It is in a parking lot after all.
I'd avoid this place until the owner decides to run his business ethically. Post a sign out front stating a minimum purchase is required, or just avoid being an all around sleazy salesman. I know they won't post a sign as no one would enter the Sad Pasadena Tent of Overpriced Pumpkins and Abused Animals. If you do go, watch the owner walk around and offer to take pictures for families. Nice gesture, right? Well, he does this right before putting on his bullying salesman hat and telling them that a $10 purchase is required. Great job, you just made a sale! I can see straight through your false hospitality.
Also, a review from someone saying that they drove down from San Francisco for this pumpkin patch??? What a load of sad pony shit!!! Nothing like writing fake reviews for yourself. Such a classy business owner!! read more