Double down on seasonal adventures at local farms

Double+down+on+seasonal+adventures+at+local+farms

Are you looking to get in the Halloween spirit?  

Maybe you want to carve a pumpkin or go through a corn maze with your friends.  

If those sound fun to you, you should go check out Double R Farms.  

Located in Puyallup, just an eight-minute drive away from PHS and you can find a variety of different fall themed activities.  

Owner Geri Ruiz said that the farm has been passed down for many generations in her family and is what inspired her to take over.  

“We’ve been doing this for 20 years, but I grew up here,” Ruiz said. “My grandparents bought this farm back in 1937 when they were both immigrants from different countries. My grandpa came here from Switzerland and grandma came from Holland; they had a dairy farm back in the 30’s… It’s been in my family for about 85 years.” 

Ruiz says that the connection to his family through these years will continue with his daughter. 

“[It’s] kind of neat that it’s been in my family for a long time and now our daughter helps us so she’s the fourth generation on this farm,” Ruiz said.  

  At Double R Farms visitors can find activities including corn mazes, a pumpkin sling shot, tractor hayrides, pumpkin painting as well as a pumpkin patch where they can pick out their own pumpkins.  

Ruiz said that owning the farm has been very unpredictable at times. 

“Every single year it’s different; there have never been two years that have been the same,” Ruiz said. “[We are] just be ready for anything.”  

Ruiz said that although the farm is big on its tradition and its rich history. COVID-19 has changed a few things and has been a bit of a challenge.   

Ruiz says the farm implemented some sanitation and social distancing to help prevent illness. 

“We changed our corn maze so that people weren’t touching the same things over and over again. We changed [the farm] so that it’s more sanitary for people to go through here and they don’t have to worry about germs,” Ruiz said.  

Double R Farm is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.  

Ruiz said that one of her favorite parts about owning the farm is getting to be in charge and also the interactions she is able to have with different people.  

“It’s a lot of work but you get to be your own boss… That’s probably my favorite thing [about working here],” Ruiz said. “Also, during October, once everything is set up, you get to meet all kinds of people… We have lots and lots of memories [here]… it’s just fun to be with other people, it’s hard to work but talking with people makes it more fun.” 

Ruiz said that she is extremely thankful for all the support the farm has received. 

“There’s a lot of people over the years that come back year after year, which to me is amazing. I am very humbled that people chose our farm to come to. I am very grateful and thankful,” Ruiz said.