From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, these four local destinations seek to make autumn awesome. 

Kernersville Pumpkins and Christmas Trees, 843 Old Winston Road

This family-owned business has operated on the lot behind J. Pepper’s Southern Grill for nearly 10 years. As the only pure pumpkin patch on this list, it offers the largest selection and is open seven days a week. 

Kernersville Pumpkins and Christmas Trees has its own farm in the mountains.

“We cut out the middle man so the pumpkins are fresher,” said co-owner Jessica Manning. 

Pumpkins are cut from the stem in the morning and immediately transported to the patch two to three times a week. 

For those looking ahead to next season, Christmas tree sales will begin the week before Thanksgiving. 

Click here for more information. 

Smith Hollow Farm, 5920 Smith Hollow Road 

Activities abound on this generational family farm offering fall events since 2012. 

“We had, like, 200 people our first opening day. … Now we average 1,000 to 3,000 a day,” said co-owner Theresa Smith. 

Fall on the Farm is open every Saturday and Sunday through November 2. See farm animals, traverse the three-acre corn maze, take a hayride, and launch apples on this 20-acre property equipped with a pumpkin patch and bakery.

The trails in between the main attractions are full of small activities like kid-friendly archery, jumping hay bales, and life-sized checkers. 

Reservations for birthday parties, field trips, and horseback riding lessons are available through the week.

Click here for pricing information. 

Zane’s Clodbuster Farms, 5500 Leonard Farm Road

Owner Zane Sells prides himself on the authenticity of his fall festivities that has kept him in business for almost 20 years. 

“We try to keep this one more as a farm atmosphere,” Sells said. “I want them to smell the diesel smoke and see the tractors. I want to keep it country.” 

Rustic children’s activities lay between a pumpkin patch and three bonfire pits perfect for the s’mores supplies sold at the concession stand. Goats are available for feeding alongside pigs, chickens, and horses. 

Take a 20-minute hayride trip around the 87-acre property or get lost in Sells’ six-acre masterpiece corn maze specially designed each year. The maze is open after dark for navigating by flashlight or just the light of the moon. 

Zane’s will host its Fall Craft & Vendor show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The farm is open seven days a week through November 10.

Click here for pricing information. 

Apple Family Farm, 1765 North Carolina Highway 66 South

One cannot miss the pumpkin house right off of Highway 66.

“We did that ourselves … took us about two weeks to build. It holds 123 pumpkins,” said staff member Destiny Flippin. 

Apple Family Farm upgraded its kids’ play area this season with a bouncy house, giant slide, musical wall, and climbing dome. 

They will host their third annual Fall Festival Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with various vendors, food trucks, live music, and hayrides.

Every Friday and Saturday in October they will offer pumpkin carving and painting, culminating in a pumpkin carving contest on Saturday, October 26. The winner will receive a $100 gift card.

Apple Family Farm is open seven days a week.

Click here for pricing information.