When autumn arrives in central North Carolina so does a shift in outdoor activities as the real stars of the season open for business! Changing leaves are beautiful and cooler temperatures are refreshing, but what do the locals most look forward to? Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple cider, and more! 

Whether a Triangle resident or visitor, this area has endless options that will be the highlight of fall memories. For those lucky enough to call a JSJ Builders’ custom property “home,” a fantastic fall day is just around every corner. From hayrides to petting zoos to haunts, it may be just as difficult to choose where to start as it will be to choose a prized pumpkin.

DJ’s Berry Patch

• Open now until October 31st
• 1223 Salem Church Road, Apex
• Whether picking your own pumpkin or stopping for a quick pre-picked pickup, DJ’s is committed to providing the finest options. Accessorize your garden with a few locally-grown mums and grab a bag of delicious apples or sweet potatoes. 

Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch

• Open daily
• 38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex
• Jean’s Neighborhood Market is home to Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch, named after Jean’s granddaughters. Pumpkins are picked fresh each morning leaving visitors time to enjoy sweet treats from the donut stand. 

Phillips Farms Corn Maze and Haunted Farm

• Open through October 29 (Thursday-Sunday)
• 6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary
• It is hard to believe that Phillips has been an area favorite for more than a century! Wagon rides, a gorgeous sunflower field, a petting zoo, and a huge corn maze all tell the tale of why this spot is a must-visit. Looking for something a little more spooky? Visit the Haunted Farm (recommended for ages 12+, open Friday/Saturday evenings)!

Naylor Family Farm and Corn Maze

• Open daily in October, then closing weekend November 4-5. 
• 6016 US-401, Fuquay-Varina
• Have you visited Naylor’s Pig Pavilion yet? It’s an overdose of cuteness! Take a hayride through the farm before working through a 7-acre corn maze. Enjoy caramel corn, funnel cakes, and apple cider slushies before picking your own pumpkin! 

Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

• Open September 23-November 5 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
• 3175 Benson Road, Garner
• North Carolina’s longest-running corn maze is back again ready to put visitors to the test as they navigate nearly three miles of twists and turns. Plan at least an hour to complete this maze! Additional activities include mini-golf, a giant pirate ship, concessions, and a produce center.

The Family Farm on Avent Ferry Pumpkin Patch

• Open daily
• 1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs
• This farm has been run by the same family for six generations but wasn’t opened to the public until 2012. Since then, farm traditions have been shared with all–including pumpkin picking! The farm is also a perfect place for pictures as the beautiful backdrop is breathtaking.

Gallberry Corn Maze

• Open September 22-October 29 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
• 5991 Braxton Road, Hope Mills
• Gallberry has so many attractions that it might take more than one visit to complete them all! Double Barrel Tube Slides tower over a jumping pillow, bouncy ball corral, corn hole, and Spookley the Square Pumpkin Barn. There is a hayride, giant corn shack, hay mountain, and super-sized sandbox. And of course, the corn mazes! Yes, Gallberry is host to six acres of mazes with age-appropriate options for all. 

Page Farms Pumpkins Patch & Corn Maze

• Open September 23-October 31 (excluding Mondays)
• Located at 6100 Mt. Herman Road, Raleigh
• This fourth-generation family farm is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Come fall, the pumpkin patches are opened for picking! A 5-acre corn maze will challenge some participants while others may enjoy visiting with farm animals. Don’t miss the hayride!

Tractor’s Corn Maze

• Open September 23-October 29 (Saturday/Sunday)
• 13912 Bold Run Hill Road, Wake Forest
• No matter your age, this family-run farm has something for you. Test your skills in the Corn Quest, an 8-acre maze available in both daylight and after dark. Browse two pumpkin patches for something traditional or unique as endless varieties are available. 

Crossroads Corn Maze

• Open October 6-October 29 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
• 5712 Watkins Road, Wendell
• A 5-acre maze awaits those ready to race friends through tall stalks or, for something slower, take a relaxing hayride around the farm. Pick out the perfect pumpkin and play giant Jenga before enjoying S’mores. For only the brave? Bring a flashlight and stay after dark!

Wendell Harvest Festival

• October 7
• Downtown Wendell
• This tradition is not to be missed as Little Miss and Mister Wendell welcome visitors to celebrate the fall season. Enjoy a live auction, bingo, a parade, and a beer garden.
• Schedule of Events: 
  • 9:00 am-9:00 pm: Vendors/Food Trucks
  • 10:00 am: Parade
  • 10:00 am-5:00 pm: Kids’ Village
  • 11:00 am: Welcome/National Anthem
  • 11:30 am-3:00 pm: Stage Performances
  • 6:00 pm-9:00 pm: Concert

Hill Ridge Farms

• Open September 27-October 29 (Wednesday-Saturday)
• Tarboro Road, Youngsville
• Explore Hill Ridge Farms’ 10-acre corn maze before enjoying the bonfire! Leave plenty of time to choose your pumpkin as the patch is filled with a myriad of shapes and sizes. There is also a mini train ride through the farm for little visitors!

Whether you lean towards pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or simply a reason to throw on your favorite cost sweater, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the Triangle area’s autumn offerings. JSJ Builders is building brand-new homes in Angier, Clayton, Erwin, Hope Mills, Smithfield, and Wendell–all neighborhoods convenient to this season’s favorite spots. 

Why not enjoy a splendid day on the farm and end it with a tour of one of these beautiful communities? Contact JSJ Builders today!