Fresh and firm pumpkins have the best longevity. While you can get them at grocery stores, local patches or farmers markets, picking the right one is rather like an artform. Here are some tips to ensure that you have a great pumpkin to carve that will last throughout the month.

1) Look at pumpkins that are firm and very fresh; bruised and cut pumpkins are no good. The size of the pumpkin is important too, since you’ll want enough space to carve your design.

2) Time to carve now? Aim the knife toward the stem as you cut. That way the lid won’t fall through the hole.

3) If you plan on using stencils for pumpkin design, tape the stencil to the pumpkin. Piercing tools can trace the design and leave slight perforations. This will enable smoother pumpkin carving.

4) Keeping the pumpkin hydrated is key. Wrapping it in plastic and refrigerating it nightly will slow the aging process.

5) Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon underneath the pumpkins when they’re lit. You’ll get a nice scent.

6) And lastly, to seal in moisture, petroleum jelly on the sliced edges and on the inside of the pumpkin will go a long way.

Have a great and safe pumpkin carving experience!

Who knew that legends of pumpkins have their beginnings as far back as Colonial times?

Naturally the settlers stole the idea of pumpkin eating from the Native Americans, who had made it a tradition in their culture for many years before Colonial arrival.

Yet you may be even more shocked to learn that pumpkins go back further than the Colonial era—much farther in fact. Try 2,000 years, when the Celts ruled Ireland. These folks celebrated what was then known as All Hallows Eve, when the dead were celebrated by carving out gourds and placing candles in the scooped out vegetables, in an effort to ward off the dead. They even celebrated it on October 31st.

The tradition changed, of course, when European settlers arrived on our shores and realized that pumpkins were simpler to carve out than the traditional gourd from their ancestors.

The legend of the jack o’ lantern begins in 1837. And while there are several versions of this legend, all of them involve an Irishman named Jack. This Irishman has a bit of a problem: he’s stuck somewhere between heaven and hell; we don’t know why he wasn’t allowed into Heaven but we know he also struck a deal with the devil, so as to keep his soul. Jack wandered the darkness until the devil tossed Jack an ember; Jack promptly placed this ember into a carved gourd.

Well, as you know Halloween is not just for teens, it can be a family event for all ages a great place for families in Michigan is the Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mills. They have numerous activities that can keep anyone entertained. These activities includes a petting farm, hay rides cider, pumpkin craving, and story telling, or you can visit their store which contains a variety of products such as jellies, jams, honey, spices, and other specialty food made in Michigan. There is also the possibility of purchasing homemade pies or cider to enjoy outdoor or in an indoor lounge. On specific days live music is played by local artists.

The hayrides are pretty entertaining for everyone including teens. The wagon is pulled through the beautiful orchards. The scenic route that is viewed on this ride leaves you relaxed and amazed. The sight of the gorgeous autumn colors is joyous to those nature lovers. The U- Pick Pumpkin is great for the younger kids. It allows them to ride the wagon to the personally grown pumpkin patch. So, they are able to choose the perfect pumpkin for them to crave. Pumpkins are available for sale if you enjoyed the carving and would like to do some more at home.

The true kid’s favorite is the petting farm. Located on the petting farm are several animals including pigs, horses, chickens, goats, calves, ducks and the beautifully colored peacocks. You can attend the petting farm free of charge. In general, the activities at the Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mills are wonderful for a family to spend quality time together while celebrating the occasion. The hours of operation are convenient so that even the busiest person could find an opening in there schedule for this lovely change of scenery.