Tulley’s Farm fall program has three very different modes. During the day, 'Pumpkin Fest' is all about pumpkins as far as the eye can see - 1.5 million of them- with many wonderful, colourful arrangements and displays. Thousands of guests wander the grounds, enjoying a wide variety of food and drink, music, selfies, and hundreds of wheelbarrows filled with prized, handpicked pumpkins to take home. In the evening, during 'Pumpkin Nights', the magical displays are beautifully lit, with additional decorative lighting and displays along a forested path. Just down the road is Tulleys second gate called 'Shocktoberfest', which opens each evening. This park has a totally different vibe, much edgier, bolder and much louder. Thousands of mainly adult guests come for this experience. Both farms operate flawlessly, with professional, caring, and friendly staff. Behind the scenes, out of sight of the partying guests, hundreds of skilled staff make it all work seamlessly. Over the last three days, I have been privileged to get a rare look at all aspects of the amazing business, both front and back of house. In the process, I have learned much more about the fascinating business of operating an agro-tourism farm. I head back to Canada tomorrow, but our exciting adventure with this wonderful British farm has just begun. Stay tuned…
Tulley's extravaganza
I’ve heard of Tulley’s Farm here in England for quite some time, knowing it is a pumpkin patch quite unlike any other. The words delightful extravaganza best describe it. I came with big expectations, which have been exceeded by far. It was a delight to spend time with the owners and senior management to learn about all aspects of the farm. I have also spent a good part of my time over the past two days quietly observing guests as they discovered the farm and the many delightful features. Tomorrow will be more meetings and discussions about how our skilled team might work with them to create even more magic. This i a grand adventure. Stay tuned…
Never ending adventure
Yesterday, I was up at five in the morning to catch a plane to Toronto, with an eight-hour layover before we flew on to London. With only a few short naps along the way, we arrived at Gatwick Airport at 9:00 am this morning. The weather was perfect. The narrow roads to the farm wound through beautiful rolling hills, lined with tall hedges and ancient homes dating back hundreds of years, just as I had imagined historic England. We arrived at the world-famous Tulley’s farm a short time later and spent the day on and off stage talking with the owners and key staff members. The farm was exquisite from top to bottom, and despite it being a midweek day, the picturesque farm was being enjoyed by many thousands of happy guests. The owners were extremely generous and took time from their busy schedules to welcome us and personally tour us onstage and behind the scenes. It was a truly amazing operation from top to bottom. It was a long, delightful day, and it was 10:00 pm before we were back at our hotel to get some badly needed sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll be up bright and early and ready to do it all over again. Our first day was an unbelievably spectacular adventure! Stay tuned…
