It’s October and that means it's pumpkin season in Iowa. And these days that means searching beyond the traditional big orange pumpkins I grew up carving. Today’s patches also grow miniature pumpkins, white pumpkins and even Cinderella pumpkins, which I just learned are shaped sort of like the carriage in the famous fairytale. Who knew?

Whatever your pumpkin preference, make sure to stop by an Iowa pumpkin patch this month and take the kids or grandkids. It’s ...