RALEIGH — From corn mazes and pick-your-own pumpkin patches to harvest festivals and farm-to-table dinners, agritourism farms across the state are gearing up for family-friendly activities this fall.
“Agritourism is a great way for families to learn more about agriculture, the state’s top industry, in a very interactive way,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With about 600 agritourism farms across the state, there are a variety of options for families this fall.”
Raised in a Barn Farm in Chocowinity offers three corn mazes for children of all ages. The farm will also offer a kid-friendly Lil Barn of Boos Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 16-31. On Halloween night, the farm will have trick-or-treating included within the Lil Barn of Boos as well as additional vendors on the farm.
Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur opens its farm to school children throughout the year for an educational Fruity Picking Storytime. Children can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables and learn about growing crops. October’s Fruity Picking Storytime will be held Mondays at 11 a.m., and will focus on pumpkins.
Harvey Hills Farm in Oxford is hosting its Fall Harvest Days each Saturday through Oct. 31. The farm offers a pumpkin patch for picking, a hay bale maze for children and fall agricultural products for decorating, including mums, pansies, corn stalks and handmade wreaths.
High Rock Farm in Gibsonville will host its annual Chestnut Festival on Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. Guests can tour the orchards and learn how chestnuts are grown and harvested. The event also includes food trucks, live music, raffles, vendors, hay rides, s’mores and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Cost is $8.
Many agritourism farms are extending their fall seasons due to the recent weather conditions. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to check operating hours. A complete list of agritourism farms is available at www.VisitNCFarms.com. The online directory provides contact information, and allows visitors to search by areas of interest and location.