ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fall is in full swing, and nothing says autumn quite like a vibrant, freshly picked pumpkin. Whether you’re looking to carve the perfect jack-o’-lantern, decorate your home or whip up some homemade pumpkin pie, the Asheville area offers plenty of spots to find that ideal pumpkin. Here are our favorite places in the area to buy pumpkins this fall.
Asheville/Hendersonville area
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard plants 15 varieties of pumpkin throughout the season, ensuring a bounty of mature crop ready for picking from late September to October. Choose from classic orange pumpkins in all sizes, perfect for jack-o’-lanterns or creating a festive autumn display. They also have a variety of conversation-starting specialty pumpkins, including warty goblins, moonshine pumpkins and blue and porcelain dolls.
Jeter Mountain Farm, 1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville
Pumpkins are sold by the pound at this farm that features a tractor-pulled wagon that takes you to the orchard where you want to pick.
Eliada Corn Maze, 49 Compton Drive, Asheville
If you’re in the mood for some extra fun on your pumpkin-picking adventure, Elida’s Annual Corn Maze features a pumpkin patch and many other fall activities for the family to enjoy.
WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road, Asheville
The market features pumpkins and pumpkin products from a variety of vendors.
Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Ave., Asheville
The Great Pumpkin Sale at Abernethy United Methodist Church is an annual event that draws people from across the area.
Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville
Grace Episcopal Church’s annual pumpkin sale on Merrimon Avenue is hard to miss. Throughout October, the front lawn of the church will be filled with pumpkins.
Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville
The church’s pumpkin patch has pumpkins of all shapes and sizes sourced from Bryson City.
Grandad’s Pumpkin Patch, 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville
Grandad’s pumpkin patch has pumpkins and jack-o’lanterns in every size and shape.
Packa’s Place, 4210 Brevard Road, Horse Shoe
The farm’s Fall Market and Pumpkin Patch will feature seasonal pumpkins and gourds, farm-fresh flowers and home-grown vegetables.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview
Hickory Nut Gap Farm is celebrating fall with hayrides, pumpkins and fresh-pressed apple cider. Locally grown jack-o-lantern pumpkins as well as both edible and decorative squash are available.
Coston Farm and Apple House, 3748 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville
Visit Coston Farm and Apple House in the autumn for pre-picked fresh apples, plus everything you need to decorate for the fall season, including pumpkins, gourds, corn shocks, hay, and Indian corn.
Elsewhere in WNC
The Pumpkin Patch, 3726 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville
This farm stand offers U-pick pumpkins and winter squashes, as well as a wide variety of local produce, meats and dairy, handcrafted gift items, coffee, baked goods and more.
Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Road, Bryson City
Darnell Farms — an active, second-generation family farm — produces 100 acres of strawberries, pole beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, a variety of tomatoes and much more.