2024 Charlotte area of North Carolina Pumpkin U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pumpkin U-Pick Orchards in Charlotte area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for pumpkins that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have pumpkins farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Catawba County

• Ira Cline Farm - strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins.
  4444 Lee Cline Road, Conover, NC 28613. Phone: 828-464-5942. Email: mary.houston@ncfb.com. Open: UPDATE for 2020, Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, See comments below, Strawberries are usually ready around May 10th, Blueberries are ready around June the 20th through August; Pumpkins are ready around late September through October. Directions: Take I-40 west to Exit 131, then take N.C. 16 north. Turn left on C&B Farm Road and left on Lee Cline Road. Farm is on the left. A visitor writes on June 12, 2020: "I think the Ira Cline Farm may be closed since he died last year and I found an article about the farm closing for berries in 2009.. . Click here for a map and directions. Price not set. Containers provided. Ready-picked availablehttps://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/longtime-farmer-saying-bye-bye-to-berries/article_c07730cb-ea54-5b8d-a8d3-91a01fbfbcc3.html Thanks for starting/keeping up such an awesome website! You're so appreciated!!
  Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2008: "They are such nice people and always take the time to talk to everyone that comes there. I love the pumpkins in the fall season, they are everywhere and great for picture taking. The kids get to play on a bouncy castle apple while the parents are busy looking for Fall goodies. The kids ask to go every year, and we do."
  Comments from a visitor on May 27, 2008: "We picked strawberries at the Cline Farm last week. They are definitely in business! Blueberries are expected the last week in June."
  Comments from a visitor on April 2, 2008: "I live a few miles from the farm and click on this site to get the phone number when I need it. As long as we don't get a killing frost between now and mid-May, the blueberries should be fine. Rainfall amounts will determine how the fall crops will turn out. We are still in Mandatory Stage 3 water restrictions around here. Folks just need to call before they make the drive.

Gaston County

• Linebergers - Blackberries, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Greens, Muscadine, scuppernongs, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Hay Rides, Tours
  906 Dallas-Stanley Highway #275, Dallas, NC 28034. Phone: 704-922-8688. Email: linebergersfarm@gmail.com. Directions: Located on Hwy 275 one mile east of Dallas and 5 miles west of Stanley. From I-85, take the New Hope Road Exit 20 in Gastonia, go north on New Hope Road 4 miles to Dallas, turn right on the Dallas-Stanley Hwy #275. The farm is a little over one mile on the right. Crop availability: Strawberries - May-early June Blackberries & Raspberries - June-July Pumpkins, Gourds, Muscadine & Greens - September to October Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Sweet corn & Melons pre-picked only in June& - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Linebergers Facebook page. or Phone: 704-748-1488. May/June hours: 8 am to 7 pm Monday- Saturday,from 1 pm to 6 pm Sunday. Call for hours in other seasons. the farm produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, blackberries, peaches, vegetables, and pumpkins. Our customers enjoy buying fresh produce, picking their own berries, picnicking and letting the kids play. We sell produce at our on-farm stores and the Gastonia, Denver, and Atherton Mill Farmers' MarketsFormerly called Maple Springs Farm. (UPDATED: July 19, 2019, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2009: "Nice people! Very well run operation. Produce is fresh & market is clean. They have hayrides & farm-oriented play area. Lots of schools & daycares go there in the fall for the pumpkins & hayrides. "

Iredell County

• Carrigan Farms, LLC - apples, sunflowers, asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries,
  1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway Intersection of Highway 150 & 152, Mooresville, NC 28115. Phone: 704-664-1450. Email: doug@carriganfarms.com. Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am until 7 pm, Sunday 11:30 am until 5:30 pm. Directions: Located in Mooresville, NC on Highway 150 at the intersection with Highway 152. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 2021 Price is U-pick strawberries: $15 per gallon-sized container and $5 per quart-sized container, Pre-picked strawberries, when they are available, are $17 per gallon-sized container and $5per quart-sized container. Strawberries: late April to late May; Pumpkins: October 1st to October 31st, 9am to 5pm, seven days per week Restroom, cold drinks, take-home containers available. And see these pages for more information about School tours and Night hayrides. A 5th generation family-owned farm, Carrigan Farms specializes in growing quality fruits and vegetables, educational school tours and field trips, weddings, swim parties, and other special events.The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is the perfect setting for your company picnic, wedding or wedding reception, convention gathering, corporate party or other special event. The natural beauty of the blue water and sky, gray granite cliffs and white sugar sand beach create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Pictures and words attempt, but fall short, of capturing the magical beauty of The Quarry which will amaze both you and your guests. The Quarry is an outdoor facility, much like a private park, equipped to host events from March thorough November. Catering is also available. An online brochure is available to assist you in planning your event. If you are interested in hosting your next company picnic or other corporate function at The Quarry, please feel free to use the online brochure or call us for additional information. SUNFLOWERSSunflowers will open July 29th for photoshoots. Click here to find more information.Strawberry season starts in late April and lasts a few weeks.Asparagus season starts in April and lasts a few weeks.Apple picking will begin around September 8, 2020 and last through September 30, 2020.Our authentic pumpkin patch, pick your pumpkin from the vine begins October 1. (UPDATED: April 20, 2021 JBS)
• Howards Family Farm - Pumpkins, Strawberries
  250 Crater Road, Harmony, NC 28634. Phone: 704-539-4994. Open: 7 am to 8 p. Directions: 15 miles north of Statesville. Take I-77 north to Exit 65 \(Harmony-Union Grove\). Turn right. Follow signs. One mile off I-77. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Howards Family Farm Facebook page. 15 miles north of Statesville. Take I-77 north to Exit 65 (Harmony-Union Grove). Turn right. Follow signs. One mile off I-77m. Mondays-Saturdays; Early May opening for Strawberries (May to early June), Sweet Corn (July), Pumpkins (late September to October). Eight acres. CSA. Bring your own containers for pick your own. Restroom, water, cold drinks available

Rowan County

• Patterson Farm, Inc. - strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC 28125. Phone: 704-797-0013. Email: tours@visitpattersonfarm.com. Open: Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 10:00 to 6:00; Market hours vary with the season; Please call or see our website for hours. Directions: for a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 704-636-5009Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries - May Tomatoes - July 1 - October 30 Tours: Spring Pizza Tours - April Strawberry Patch Tours - May Tomato Patch Tours - July Dirt on Dirt Tours - September Pumpkin Patch Tours - October

Union County

• Hunter Farm - Strawberries, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees, Flowers, Restroom, picnic area, cold drinks available.
  13624 Providence Road, Weddington, NC . Phone: 704-846-7975. Open: 7 days a week, Weekdays: 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays: 9 am to 7 pm, Sundays: 12 noon - 7pm; Reservations are now required for strawberry picking. Directions: Take N.C. 16 \(Providence Road\) and go 5 miles past N.C. 51 to Weddington, 2 miles south of the I-485 interchange. \(From I-485, take Exit 57 and go south on N.C. 16.\) Watch for the sign with the strawberry on the right, across from the Winn-Dixie. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Hunter Farm Facebook page. Fax: We will open reservations on a weekly basis in order to asses the field, availability of ripe berries, and projected weather forecasts. CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR STRAWBERRY PICKING. The season depends on availability of strawberries. Always call before you come or follow us on The Facebook page for daily updates. Berries are sold by the pound, Containers are provided. Porta-Jon AvailableTake N.C. 16 (Providence Road) and go 5 miles past N.C. 51 to Weddington, 2 miles south of the I-485 interchange. (From I-485, take Exit 57 and go south on N.C. 16.) Watch for the sign with the strawberry on the right, across from the Winn-Dixie. Click here for a map to our farm. Roadside stand at Hemby and Providence roads, about one quarter mile before main entrance. Also prepicked Greenhouse Tomatoes, Twelve to 14 acres of berries on plastic. Crop availability: Strawberries - April-June Azaleas Greenhouse Tomatoes - May-June Azaleas - April-May Summer Produce - June-September Pumpkins - October-November Christmas Trees -November 25- December 24. Picking strawberries late April or early May, tomatoes and other vegetables by early June. Strawberry take-home container provided. (UPDATED: May 15, 2020, JBS) A visitor writes on May 15, 2020: "According to their Facebook post on April 27, 2020, decided not to plant strawberries this year (2020) in order to improve their soil."
• Wise Acres Organic Farm - Certified Organic, strawberries, pumpkins
  4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Phone: (704) 628-6232. Email: cathy@wiseacresorganic.com. Open: in 2021, due to covid see their website for reservations; September 19 open for fall season with reservations on line and ready for sign up. Click here for a map and directions.
  Wise Acres Organic Farm Facebook page. Wise Acres is a family-owned u-pick certified organic strawberry and pumpkin farm in Indian Trail, NC just outside of Charlotte. We are a USDA Certified Organic farm and grow the very best produce using only natural methods to ensure the healthiest and most delicious produce for family, friends, and the environmentTHE FALL YOU CAN:Pick your own USDA certified organic seasonal produceShare a family meal with a locally sourced, made-to-order delicious Wise Pie Wood Fired Oven PizzaTake a wagon ride through the woodsRide on our barrel train (for our younger farmers - 12 and under)Climb, swing, ride, or zip line in our recycled tire playground and wooded parkEnjoy slushies, concessions, and treats sold in the barnMeet & greet our goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbitsTake or leave a book from our Little Free Lending LibraryHost a birthday party or special event in our "Party Patch"Pick up local goods including honey, mums, elderberry syrup, kombucha, and moreWe are always trying new ways to engage and entertain you and your family. No electronics - just good food, fun, and fresh air. We are always striving to provide the healthiest (but still yummy kid-approved) treat options available(ADDED: October 10, 2020, JBS)

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Do you want it for a party, decoration or eating?

For a wedding or party:

See this page: Finding pumpkins for weddings

Decoration to paint or carve:

OK, Then you need only look for any pumpkin that is

• visually appealing, evenly a deep orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can either make that the make or use it as part of your design!
• free from cuts, soft spots, bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Infections can invade easily and cause rot
• Make sure the stem is attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

To make a pumpkin pie!

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating. They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter. The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium! Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them. Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot. See this page for easy, illustrated directions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin!

Varieties of Pumpkins

• Sugar - Excellent for baking
• Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving
• White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
• Mini - Great for decoration
• Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations

For a very complete, detailed list of many varieties of pumpkins and where to get the seeds, see this page!

Want to Grow Your Own Pumpkins?

Then see this page!

Pumpkin recipes

• How to prepare cooked pumpkin from a fresh pumpkin (for use in all the recipes)
• Illustrated instructions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin - the best pumpkin pie you will ever taste! (metric version for the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• How to home-can pumpkin (in a cooked, cubed form) and why you shouldn't home-can the pureed forms.
• Traditional Pumpkin Pie
• Chocolate pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Pumpkin muffins
• Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Butter!
• Pumpkin cheesecake - INCREDIBLE!!! You have to try this one!
• Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin soup - even if you normally aren't a soup lover; you will love this one.
• Butternut-Chestnut Panchetta-Bacon Soup - Pumpkin or Butternut squash combines with chestnuts and bacon, ham or panchetta in this great soup
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• No Sugar Pumpkin Pie
• Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe (with maple glaze or sugar glaze)

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers