RALEIGH — The start of fall is just a week away, and agritourism farms across the state are ready to open their doors to visitors. There are more than 700 agritourism farms across the state, 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 Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 from Sept. 23 through Oct. 29. 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 from Sept. 17 through Nov. 4.
• Miss Angels Farm in Mount Airy will offer pumpkin and apple picking Fridays through Sundays starting Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. In addition, the farm will offer haunted attractions from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31.
• Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King will host a Fall Open House Sept. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 kick off its Fall Fun on the Farm weekend events Sept. 23. The farm also will offer various educational tours for school groups and weekday afternoon hayrides from Oct. 2-31.                               
• Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin will host its National Alpaca Farm Day event Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can tour the working alpaca farm, learn about the animals and visit the farm store. Admission is free.
• Ridenour Ranch in Thurmond will have a “Pickin’ in the Pumpkin Patch” event Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 Oct. 26-30.
• Adams Vineyards in Willow Spring will host its 10th annual Grape Stomp Sept. 16 from 1-3 p.m.The event includes a stomping contest, an “I Love Lucy” lookalike competition, grape picking and more.
• Lazy O Farm in Smithfield will have a Trick or Treating in the Maze event Oct. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. 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 Sept. 29-Oct. 31. 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 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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.

— North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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