The days are growing shorter. The air is turning crisp. The fiery reds and golden hues of autumn have arrived. In short, fall is in the air!
And here in the Cape Fear region that means the pumpkin patches are about to open.
Folks down here are loyal to their pumpkin providers. They tend to visit the same patch year after year. They have a lifetime of pictures of their children taken in the midst of the big gourds. Of course it is more than just the pumpkins. Most patches also feature atreats, music, food trucks, corn hole competitions and face paintings.
Here are the details of some the more popular patches in the region.
The Pumpkin Patch at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church is commonly called the Pumpkin Church of Wilmington. The sale of pumpkins help finance many of the churches community outreach programs. This is the 33rd year that church has run a patch on its grounds.
Location: 1401 S. College Road at South College Road, Wilmington.
Hours of Operation: Sept. 30 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Barr Evergreens Halloween Pumpkin Patch
This long standing tradition has a new home. It used to be located at the intersection of Shipyard and Independence in Wilmington. It is now going to be located a few minutes away on Covil Road.
Location: 37 Covil Avenue in Wilmington,
Hours: Friday, Sept. 29. Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Hampstead United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
The Pumpkin Patch at Hampstead United Methodist is a youth fundraiser run completely by the church’s youth ministries. We buy the pumpkins from the Navajo Indians in order to help with the 42% unemployment rate on the Navajo Reservation. The youth then tithe to the church and a mission of their choosing.
Location: 15395 U.S. 17, Hampstead
Hours 10am – 7pm Monday – Saturday, 11am – 7pm Sunday through October 31.
Indigo Farms
Located in southern Brunswick County, Indigo Farms runs a Saturday only patch. This is a commercial adventure that is part of the farm’s large produce stand.
Location: 1542 Hickman Rd. NW, Calabash, NC 28467
Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch
This year the local family owned business will be selling 30,000 pounds of pumpkins.
Location: 2307 N College Rd Wilmington
Hours: 1-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Trask Family Farms
Trask Family Farms will have a pumpkin patch and also feature white pumpkins. Patch activities include a corn maze, sunflower and zinnia fields, hayrides, and ice cream treats.
Location: 3650 Blue Clay Road, Castle Hayne
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.
Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch
In addition to the pumpkins starting kids can paint the pumpkins for free on Sundays. On Friday evenings at the Patch you can enjoy Bonfires & S’mores featuring multiple firepits with seating areas. Dress in your 80s best when a live band rocks out at the 80’s October Bash Party Oct 13th or “Howl at the Moon” during their Full Moon Party Oct 28th.
Location: Carolina Beach Pier 1800 Carolina Beach Avenue N Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Sat-Sun:9:00 AM to 9:00 PM