This may be a controversial topic for some, but I’m a firm believer that Autumn is the best season for produce. Don’t get me wrong, I love my strawberries and watermelons, but nothing can beat fall flavors. Fresh apple cider, warm cinnamon buns, and the grand-daddy of them all: pumpkin. Pumpkin everything. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pecan butter—and I’d be remiss not to mention pumpkin spice lattes. The point is, as soon as September hits, if it ain’t got pumpkin, I ain’t eatin’ it. Beyond that, I rarely had more fun as a kid than I did trucking out to the farm, picking out a big, fat pumpkin and carving it into a jack-o’-lantern. Whether you’re the kind of person who buys a PSL on September 1st, or the kind who denies the end of summer until your short-shorts give you frostbite, there’s no denying that one of life’s simplest and greatest joys is that of a pumpkin. To make sure you don’t miss out on the season’s greatest tradition, we’re here to introduce you to 5 of the Best Pumpkin Patches around Lake Norman.

Established in 1990, Josh’s Farmers Market has been selling fresh produce at its Mooresville location since its founder, Josh, was just ten years old. What began as a wheelbarrow full of melons has since grown into a community pillar and a prime destination for local produce, seafood, and dairy. Around the holidays, the stands at Josh’s carry everything from seasonal flowers and fresh pickin’s to festive decor: which of course, includes pumpkins of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a standard orange or a specialty heirloom, you’re sure to find one to call your own at Josh’s. 

Pricing: $6-$25 per pumpkin.

Availability: September 1 – October 31.Open 9 am – 6:30 pm on weekdays. Reduced hours Fri, Sat, & Sun.

Location: 170 Joe Knox Avenue, Mooresville, NC 28117

Though Triple Diamond Farm primarily operates as an equestrian facility (and an impressive one, at that), the 200 acre farm also puts its scenic fields to use during the autumn months to bring a little fall spirit to the residents of Mooresville. Every weekend in October, the Triple Diamond Pumpkin Patch will offer hayrides, Pony Train rides, a BB range, access to the PONYLAND play area, and pumpkin picking to guests. Proceeds from the event are used to care for rescued animals, who will also be featured in a petting zoo at the patch. Word on the street is that Triple Diamond has a big surprise to unveil this year, too—we’re willing to bet you don’t want to miss out! 

Pricing: $12 general admission fee. Tickets include all attractions listed in the above description.  $20 tickets include general admission + your choice of pumpkin from the patch. Pricing for extra attractions begins at $10. 

Availability: October 2 – October 31.Open 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Weekends only.

Location: 2260 London Road Mooresville, NC 28115

Ryan Moser is a farmhand, husband, and self-proclaimed lover of the fall season. “[Selling pumpkins] is fun, and people are happy,” he says—so fun and happy, in fact, that not even a relocation could stop him from selling his beloved gourds. After moving to Concord for his wife’s job, the pair knew they wanted to bring a piece of their Ashe County farm with them. In October of 2020, Mountain Man Farms packed up its pumpkins and set up shop on Poplar Tent, where it will be returning this year for the same gig. At the time of writing this article, Ryan and Emily will be receiving their Mums today and hope to open up shop tomorrow! Stop by to meet the lovely couple, little helper Thomas, and his many pumpkin siblings. 

Pricing: Varies per pumpkin. 

Availability: Mid-September – Late October. Open 

Location: 6600 Poplar Tent Road Concord, NC 28027

Just under a decade ago, the Bradford family set out to accomplish their dream of creating a sustainable community farm in their hometown of Lincolnton, NC. With only a mother cow, her calf, and a little bit of faith, the family grew their farm into a prosperous beacon of produce and positivity in the years that followed. The farm is now open to the public and hosts many events, including field trips, parties, bonfires, and an annual pumpkin patch. Patch attendees will have the opportunity to experience a variety of B&B’s facilities, including wagon rides, playground access, and a farm animal meet-and-greet! Each guest will also receive a complimentary souvenir pumpkin in addition to the larger pumpkins available for purchase. 

Pricing: $10 admission fee for all patrons over the age of 2. Ticket includes all amenities and a free mini pumpkin. Larger pumpkins also available for purchase. 

Availability: October 1 – October 31. Open Sat. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sun. 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Location: 981 Hill Road, Lincolnton NC

Nobody knows a good, old-fashioned time quite like Charlotte’s longest-running family farm: the Hodges Family Farm. After losing out on the season in 2020, the farm is pleased to announce that it’s pumpkin patch will be back in operation as of late September 2021! Guests will get to meet the barnyard animals, climb the hay mountain, and take home a pumpkin of their very own. Hodges also peddles farmstand treats like kettle corn and funnel cakes to fuel your fun-filled day, as well as a number of themed photo opportunities. Don’t forget to bring your cash and cameras! 

Availability: September 25 – October 31. Open 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily and 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturdays. 

Location: 3900 Rocky River Road East, Charlotte, NC 28215

Whether you plan to carve your pumpkins, bake them into pies, or simply plop them on your porch, we’d love to see you having fun and supporting our local farmers! Tag us in your pumpkin posts @the_best_of_lkn on Instagram, or post on The Best of LKN Facebook page.