Annie Baggett, NCDA&CS
Agritourism farms across the state are ready to open their doors to Fall visitors. There are more than 700 agritourism farms across North Carolina, and many are hosting fall activities ranging from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to harvest festivals and grape stomps.
Following is a list of some of the special fall events:
Western North Carolina
- Ashe County Farmers Market in West Jefferson will hold its Fall Harvest Festival September 30, 2017, 8am-1pm. The event includes a corn-shucking contest, fall recipes, an apple press demonstration, antique farm equipment and more.
- Red Wolf Farm in Maiden is celebrating the opening of its new location at Hwy 321, exit 33. The farm will host its Pumpkin Patch and Adventure Maze Saturdays and Sundays in October, with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, horseback rides, farm animals and more.
Triad
- Howard Family Farm in Harmony will host its annual corn maze and pumpkin patch. The farm opens to the public Saturdays and Sundays through October 29, 2017. Other dates are available for school groups, birthday parties, corporate events and large groups.
- Kersey Valley Attractions in Archdale will have a Maize Adventure corn maze on Saturdays and Sundays through November 4, 2017.
- Miss Angels Farm in Mount Airy will offer pumpkin and apple picking Fridays through Sundays September 30 to October 31, 2017. In addition, the farm will offer haunted attractions 8-11pm on Saturdays and Sundays from September 30 to October 31, 2017.
- Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King will host a Fall Open House September 30, 2017, 7:30am-4pm, with more than 1,600 mums, 100,000 pansies and violas, as well as perennials, fall vegetables and more.
- Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla will offer various educational tours for school groups and weekday afternoon hayrides October 2-31, 2017.
- Ridenour Ranch in Thurmond will have a “Pickin’ in the Pumpkin Patch” event October 7, 2017, 11am-4pm. Activities include pick-your-own pumpkins, hay rides, llama walks and more.
Triangle
- 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill will host a series of fall workshops for all ages throughout October, and offer haunted hay rides October 26-30, 2017.
- Lazy O Farm in Smithfield will have a Trick or Treating in the Maze event October 28, 2017, 12-5pm. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and visit the farm for a family friendly event featuring farm animals, hayrides, mazes and pumpkin picking.
- Smith’s Family Fun Farm in Hillsborough will open its seasonal pumpkin patch September 29-October 31, 2017. In addition, the farm will have a sunflower maze, play area and tractor rides. All activities are included with purchase of a pumpkin.
- William Lyon’s Blueberry and Pumpkin Farm in Creedmoor features more than eight acres of fun with pumpkin picking, hayrides and corn mazes. The farm is open to the public on weekends in October, 10am-6pm. Field trips are also welcomed during the week.
Agritourism farms are found in nearly every county of the state. Consumers looking for a farm experience can go to www.visitncfarms.com for a full directory.