From Memories to New Traditions: A Family’s Return to Quinn Farm

Angie Day • March 8, 2026

At La Ferme Quinn (Quinn Farm), every season brings something fresh and exciting—apple picking in the fall, baby animals in the spring, pumpkins and hayrides that make memories last a lifetime. But sometimes, the most meaningful harvest is not found in a basket, but in the stories and traditions that families carry with them.


Recently, Phil and Stephanie Quinn received a heartfelt message from a family who has been visiting the farm for over a decade. Along with their note, they shared two photos—one taken 12 years ago, and one recreated this year in the very same spot.

“We really enjoyed visiting your farm, meeting your animals and picking apples. Thank you for all that you do! I’m from a rural area and grew up around farms, and really miss the farm life. So it was lovely to visit your farm again (we haven’t gone in over a decade as a family—our kids have gone with their elementary schools). Our 4 kids recreated a photo we took of them 12 years ago at your farm, I thought you might like to see! We can’t wait to come back and go pumpkin picking!”

The Power of Farm Experiences

This simple act—recreating a photo—reminds us why agritourism is so much more than a fun day out. Farms like Quinn’s provide a place where families can reconnect not only with each other, but also with the land, the animals, and traditions that anchor them.


When children return to a farm they visited years ago, they’re not just seeing fields of pumpkins or rows of apple trees. They’re stepping back into moments of laughter, learning, and togetherness. The familiar barn, the tractor rides, and even the scent of fresh apples create a bridge between past and present.


Memories that Grow with Us

As this family shared, visiting Quinn Farm wasn’t just about picking apples—it was about reliving a piece of their own story. For parents who grew up in rural areas, farms can feel like homecoming. For kids, it’s a chance to build their own library of memories, ones they’ll carry into adulthood.


And for Phil and Stephanie, these stories are the heart of their work. Every pumpkin picked, every animal petted, every photo snapped represents another thread woven into the fabric of family tradition.


Looking Ahead

As autumn arrives, Quinn Farm welcomes thousands of visitors eager to make memories of their own. For some, it will be their first taste of farm life. For others, it’s the continuation of a tradition that has spanned years—or even generations.

And for one family, the story continues this fall, as they return once more—this time to pick pumpkins, pose for photos, and keep building a tradition that is uniquely theirs.


At Quinn Farm, it’s not just about what you harvest in the fields—it’s about the memories that last long after the season ends.

RECENT ARTICLES

Telling a Story That Blooms Beyond the Field

By angie • April 3, 2026
An Interview with Vanessa of Tulip Valley Farms

More Than a Discount: How NAFDMA’s Partners Help You Build a Better Farm

By Angie Day • March 26, 2026
Every agritourism operation relies on partners. From the tools you use to run your business, to the products you sell, to the experiences you create for your guests—behind every decision is a vendor, a supplier, or a service provider. But finding the right partners? That’s not always easy. That’s why NAFDMA has built something incredibly valuable for its members: a curated network of trusted partners —paired with exclusive savings. A Network You Can Trust Not all vendors understand agritourism. And that matters. NAFDMA partners are not random listings—they’re businesses that have chosen to invest in this industry and support farms like yours. Many are already working with agritourism operations, which means they understand: Seasonal demands and peak traffic Guest experience expectations Operational challenges unique to farms The importance of safety, durability, and efficiency Instead of starting from zero, you’re starting with vendors who already understand your world. Savings That Go Beyond the Surface Yes—there are discounts. But this benefit is about more than just a lower price. Through NAFDMA’s partner network and savings programs, members can access reduced pricing on a wide range of business needs—and even personal expenses. It can include things like: Business supplies and equipment Marketing tools and services Travel and lodging Fuel and everyday operational costs In fact, collective buying programs connected to NAFDMA have helped members save significantly on everyday purchases—sometimes averaging notable cost reductions across multiple vendors. It’s not just a perk—it’s a strategy for running a more efficient business. Better Decisions, Less Guesswork Choosing a vendor can feel like trial and error. Will they deliver on time? Will their product hold up? Will it actually work for your farm? With NAFDMA partners, you’re not making those decisions alone. You’re backed by: A network of members who have worked with these vendors Industry familiarity that reduces miscommunication Proven solutions already being used on farms It turns vendor selection from a gamble into a more confident, informed decision. Built-In Opportunities You Might Not Expect Some of the biggest value comes from opportunities for which you might not even be looking. Through NAFDMA partnerships, members can access things like: Special deals tied to industry markets and events Cost-saving opportunities when attending wholesale shows Connections to new product lines that increase retail revenue For example, NAFDMA has coordinated benefits like reduced travel costs and perks at wholesale markets—helping farms discover new products while lowering the cost of attending. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about unlocking new revenue opportunities. A Smarter Way to Grow At the end of the day, every dollar you save—and every smart partnership you make—has an impact on your farm. NAFDMA’s partner network helps you: Spend more strategically Find vendors faster Reduce risk in your decisions Discover new ideas and products Because growth isn’t just about what you add. It’s about how wisely you choose what supports your business. Ready to connect with partners who understand your farm—and help you run it more efficiently? Explore NAFDMA membership and start taking advantage of exclusive partner benefits . Visit NAFDMA.com to learn more.

Keep Customers Coming Back with Flavor, Variety, and Innovation

By angie • March 21, 2026
At Gardner Pie , we know that great pie programs start with the classics—but real growth comes from keeping things fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist. A strong daily lineup should always include customer favorites like Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Rhubarb. These tried-and-true flavors build consistency and trust with your customers. As the seasons change, so should your offerings. Adding fall favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan, and Sweet Potato creates timely excitement and taps into seasonal cravings that drive sales. But if you really want to boost repeat visits and increase impulse purchases, consider introducing a Pie of the Week or Month . This strategy gives your customers a reason to return again and again—eager to see what’s new. At Gardner Pie, we’re known for our commitment to Quality, Variety, and Innovation , and our unique flavor combinations help set retailers apart. Specialty options like: Churro Apple Dark Chocolate Cherry Blueberry Lemon Buckle Pineapple Upside Down Very Berry …add a sense of discovery to your display and turn everyday shoppers into loyal fans. Rotating these specialty pies keeps your bakery case dynamic and engaging—encouraging customers to try something new each visit. Built on Tradition, Crafted for Today Gardner Pie is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality fruit pies with a true homemade feel. We use only whole fruit and fresh apples, combined with tapioca starch, sugar, and carefully selected spices. Our signature crust is made in small batches to ensure the perfect flaky texture and rich, homemade flavor. From classic lattice to unique top crust designs, every pie is crafted to look just as good as it tastes. Ready to Refresh Your Pie Program? Bring more variety, excitement, and repeat traffic to your store with Gardner Pie. Visit: www.gardnerpie.com to learn more.