Charlotte, N.C.- It is officially pumpkin spice latte season. Stores are selling pumpkin muffins and cakes, and Charlotte residents have the opportunity to pick their own pumpkins this fall. Several family-owned farms in the area offer patches with more than just pumpkin delight.
Hodges Family Farm
This century-old family farm in East Charlotte originally grew corn, oats, barley, and cotton. Today, it sells local honey, vegetables, fruit, pork, beef and pasture-raised poultry.
The 2025 pumpkin patch season runs Sept. 27 through Oct. 31. Visitors can pick their pumpkins, play on hay bales, see barnyard animals, take photos, go on hayrides, visit the farm shop and enjoy the picnic area.
Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m daily. Parking on Saturdays and Sundays is $5 per car. Hayrides are $5 per person, with children 2 and under admitted free.
Hunter Farm
Located in Weddington, the Hunter family has operated this farm since 1868. Once focused on cash crops to dairy cattle, the farm is now a small-scale agritourism business.
The fall season runs Sept. 20 through Nov. 2. Visitors can select pumpkins ranging from decorative to carving-size, and interact with barnyard animals.
Each Friday features Farm Fridays, with local artists selling their work, exclusive farm merchandise, food trucks and live music.
Sweetwater Farms
Before owner Susan Lurz purchased the land in 2017, it was known as the Old Henderson Place. After World War II, the original owners struggled with erosion and poor soil until Oct. 14, 1948, when about 300 men and machines restored the land in what became known as “Miracle Day.”
Sweetwater Farms now covers 13 acres of that historic plot.
The pumpkin patch season runs Sept. 18 s through Nov. 2. Visitors can choose from mini, white, orange, and ghost pumpkins. Hand-made apple pies, ice lattes or pumpkin spice coffee are also available.
Admission is $6 per person online or $7 at the gate; children under 2 are free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
