It’s nice to hold on to a few traditions. So now that fall is here, consider a visit to the pumpkin patch as a great way to enjoy a treasured American custom — and that just happens to be well suited for social distancing concerns, too.
“Pumpkin patches have become such an integral fall tradition for families, and we are honored to be a part of so many memories,” says Still Family Farm president Leslie Still Oubre, whose nine-generation family-owned farm welcomes guests once again for the 2020 fall pumpkin season. “Parents and kids can run and play together, pick out the perfect pumpkin (or two), and continue connecting at home over pumpkin carving and seed toasting.”
And this year in the midst of COVID-19, pumpkin patches like Oubre’s Still Family Farm are opening their gates for the fall season with added safety measures in mind. So for families who’ve been largely cooped up since the spring, these pumpkin patches and corn mazes may be the ultimate motivation to get outdoors.
“The farm is where you don’t need your devices or screens, except to snap that perfect Instagram-worthy picture,” Oubre adds.
Whether you’re enticed by the nostalgia of fall fun, the chance to scoop some farm-fresh goods or you just want to support local agritourism, here are some great pumpkin patches, corn mazes and seasonal venues to check out around the city.
Still Family Farm
In addition to the pumpkins, the Still Family Farm’s rubber duckie water pump races are a big hit among younger visitors. Admission also includes access to the playground, zinnia maze and a 25-minute hayride, which meanders through the 120-acre property. To heighten safety measures during the pandemic, hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the property; the farm will issue time slots for the hayrides to limit the number of passengers, and the narrated family farm history, which dates back to 1837, will be told at their story circle instead of on the ride.
10 a.m. to dusk. Saturdays and Sundays. $15 per person; children under 4 are free. Still Family Farm. 5682 Macland Road, Powder Springs. 678-283-6951, stillfamilyfarm.com
Credit: Stephanie Davis
Credit: Stephanie Davis
Southern Belle Farm
Known for their strawberries and peaches, the 330-acre family farm is a popular year-round destination for pick-your-own produce. For the fall season, Southern Belle Farm’s activity admission includes access to their 4-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, cow train ride, slides, jumping pillow and more. Plus, stop by their bakery and market for seasonal treats and farm-made goods like their apple cider doughnuts and fried pies. To encourage social distancing, guests will be admitted in limited-capacity time slots and stations will be sanitized throughout the day.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays; 1-7 p.m. Sundays (Contact for hours during Sept. 21-25 fall break hours.) $15.95 per person; children under 3 are free. Southern Belle Farm. 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough. 770-288-2582, southernbellefarm.com
Credit: Meghan Threadgill
Credit: Meghan Threadgill
Sleepy Hollow Farm/Escape Woods
If you’re not afraid of a fright, then you can enjoy the haunted cabin escape room at this pumpkin patch. The farm offers several escape room-esque adventures, such as their Hopper’s Cabin escape a la “Stranger Things” and their apocalyptic Bunker escape. But there is also a lot of non-scary family fun here. Farm admission includes access to their corn maze, tractor ride, playground, farm animal zone, and of course, the pumpkin patch. For added safety measures during the pandemic, the farm limits guests using time slots and strongly encourages buying your tickets in advance.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday (and Tuesdays Oct. 20 and Oct. 27). $12 per person; children under 2 are free. 628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs. 770-880-8846, sleepyhollowtrees.com
Pettit Creek Farms
Capture a full day of memories at this Cartersville family farm. General admission to the farm’s pumpkin fest includes unlimited access to their corn maze, petting zoo, hay rides and games. For an additional fee, the farm also offers pony rides, a zip line course and more.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (2-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays in October). $12 per child, $15 per adult. Pettit Creek Farms. 337 Cassville Road, Cartersville. 770-386-8688, pettitcreekfarms.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
In its 19th year, Uncle Shuck’s 13-acre corn maze touts the title of the “longest-operating corn maze in the state.” Guests can peruse the pumpkin patch and enjoy festival bites. And with admission to the farm, families can partake in the corn mazes, jump pad, wagon rides, corn cannon and more. The farm is also implementing COVID-related safety precautions in accordance with the CDC.
October hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. (Check website for September and November schedules.) Starting at $15 per person; children under 4 are free. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. 125 Bannister Road, Dawsonville. 770-772-6223, uncleshucks.com
Berry Patch Farms
Go to purchase a pumpkin, and then stick around for more fall fun. The 40-acre farm experience includes hayrides, a baby animal farm, a playground and photo opportunities. With plenty of space to spread out, guests can enjoy a picnic on the property, in which they can also purchase fall treats like fried apple pies and cider from their concessions area. In addition to the fully outdoor experience, Berry Patch Farms states it is making additional strides to remain COVID-19 conscious.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October. (See website for weekday hours.) $4 parking. Berry Patch Farms. 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-926-0561, berrypatchfarms.net
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival Play by Day, Glow By Night
Though not a traditional pumpkin patch, this annual pumpkin festival returns to Stone Mountain for another fall season of fun. Festival admission includes live entertainment, family-friendly attractions, mini golf and a plethora of pumpkin décor. And at sundown, the scene transforms with glowing pumpkins and light displays, including their Dino glow experience. The park is limiting visitor capacity, requiring face masks for all visitors over age 3 and other health measures to protect the safety of guests and staff during the pandemic.
2-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Starting at $19.95. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
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