That delightful chill in the air is just around the corner, so we’re celebrating the arrival of fall by highlighting a few of our favorite pumpkin patches. These spots are great outings for families or to explore with friends, so get ready for a fun day of pumpkin picking and apple cider drinking!
Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin patches to get you in the mood for the fall season:
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church (1401 S. College Road)
This pumpkin patch may be one of Wilmington’s most enduring! Started in 1990, many Wilmington families say October just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. The patch is open seven days a week from now until October 31, or until supplies run out! You can visit their Facebook Page for more information and daily hours.
Carolina Beach Pier (1800 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach)
Picking pumpkins with an ocean view? Count us in! This annual patch is a Carolina Beach favorite, open now until October 30. Our fall can look a little different on the coast—but that’s all part of the charm. Pick pumpkins in the sand, and get into the festive spirit the ILM way. Pro tip: stick around and soak up all the oceanside vibes that the Carolina Beach Pier has to offer.
Trask Family Farms (3650 Blue Clay Road)
If you are looking for a local corn maze, Trask Family Farms has a large field in the Castle Hayne area, with pumpkins and some seasonal produce. The corn maze is family-friendly for all ages and features more than 4 miles of trails. Check out hours and maze admission prices on their site!
Barr Evergreens (2715 Shipyard Blvd.)
This Western North Carolina family farm brings pumpkins and Christmas trees to Wilmington each year at the corner of Shipyard and Independence. Find one of the biggest selections in the area here, and with plenty of space for the family to roam around! We recommend you take photos as you choose your favorite pumpkins and gourds.
Biggers Market (6250 Market St.)
Head to Biggers Market to shop a huge variety of pumpkins and get this week’s groceries. The market has expanded to include all sorts of offerings in the last few years, including a bar, live music, and a kitchen with made-to-order goodies.
Open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (6 PM on Sundays).
Mike’s Farm (1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville)
While this farm is beyond the greater Wilmington area, it is one of the most authentic pumpkin-picking experiences around. After you visit with the farm animals and check out the massive gift shops and bakery, take a hay ride to this patch’s massive pumpkin field. Once in the field, you can pick your pumpkin off the vine and tote it home. Stick around for dinner at Mike’s Farm, which serves up all-you-can-eat Southern supper—fried chicken, pork loin and gravy, country ham biscuits, mashed potatoes, and more. You can visit their website for hayride schedules or to make a dinner reservation.
Hampstead United Methodist Church (15395 Highway 17, Hampstead)
A pumpkin patch nestled under the live oak trees, this Hampstead church’s longtime fundraiser has been the location for family memories and photos for more than a decade. The pumpkins come from a Navajo reservation, and a portion of the proceeds helps combat the high unemployment rate. The church’s youth group works at the patch to help raise funds for local organizations, outreach projects, and missions. Jump in each Saturday for the “pumpkin toss,” where dozens of volunteers form an assembly line and unload thousands of pumpkins onto the church lawn.
