Harvest drive

STOP #4: Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch

Sweet onions
Hunkered along Ute Highway/State 66 in Longmont, a big chile roaster sits in front of the small storefront. As if to remind shoppers how briefly the harvest season lasts, a sign, shaped like a giant ear of corn, exclaims, "FRESH SWEET CORN FRESH PICKED DAILY!"

Besides corn and packages of fresh and roasted chiles, you'll find arugula, mesclun mix, baby spinach, sweet onions, potatoes, pumpkins, and Western Slope peaches and apples. INFO: 9-6 daily through Nov 1. 9059 Ute Hwy., Longmont; www.rockymtnpumpkinranch.com or 303/684-0087.

STOP #5: Haystack

Mountain Goat Dairy
Cheese
For the finishing touch to your salad, head southwest to Niwot and this small goat dairy. If you're lucky, you'll spot a few playful Saanen and Nubian kids climbing on the hay bales. "Goats like to get on top of things," explains owner Jim Schott. The dairy's semisoft Boulder Chèvre logs are delicious on salads.
INFO: Tours and sales 12-2 Tue and Sat. 5239 Niwot Rd., Niwot; www.haystackgoatcheese.com or 303/530-3777.