Apples, Pumpkins, and Fall, Oh My!

Button up that flannel. Shake out that scarf. Fall is here and there’s so much to love about this season in Durham! The weather cooling down allows for so many more community activities and also signals the start of spooky season. And there’s nothing more indicative of Fall than pumpkin patches and apple orchards!

Durham is home to several fabulous spots to pick up these Fall favorites. From a full-fledged U-pick apple orchard to pumpkins at the oldest produce market in Durham, check out these options for crisp weather crops.

Holder Hill Farm

4822 Holder Rd

Durham, NC 27703

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Cost: $15 (2 and older) includes U pick pumpkin

Only open to the public for the last 3 years, Holder Hill Farm allows guests to pick pumpkins directly from the vine in their 7-acre patch. You can also enjoy a hayride, check out the farm animals, or climb in the corn crib while you’re there. Don’t forget to weave your way out of the corn maze or nature trail before hitting up the barnyard animal bounce on your way out.

Perkins Orchard

5749 Barbee Rd

Durham, NC 27713

Cost: Whatever you purchase

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Perkins Orchard boasts the title of Durham’s oldest produce market at 52-years-old! This community staple is open 7 days a week from 8am-9pm and offers a range of fresh produce, including both pumpkins and apples. One way to turn a simple trip to Perkins into a challenging adventure is to purchase the $99 Pumpkin Deal. This includes as many pumpkins as you can fit in one of their wagon-sized carts, PLUS a popular $25 bag worth of any other produce, PLUS a free item (right now it’s a watermelon or mum), PLUS 1 glass jar of jam, cider, honey, or something else wonderful. There’s also the $10 Paint a Pumpkin Activity for adults or kids. And that doesn’t even get into the 45 varieties of apples, candy apples, and apple cider to quench your thirst for Fall.

Museum of Life & Science Pumpkin Patch Express

433 W Murray Ave

Durham, NC 27704

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Cost: $15 (3 and older) includes 1 pumpkin/ticket

Families in Durham are quite familiar with the wonder of the Museum of Life & Science, but come October, it transforms into a pumpkin paradise. The Pumpkin Patch Express is a ticketed add-on that invites museum-goers to an autumnal adventure with a hay maze, nature bingo, rubber duck races, and of course, a pumpkin patch. Once pumpkins are picked, you can ride the popular Ellerbe Creek Railway back to the station. Tickets sell fast and the patch is only open on weekends, so be sure to visit their website for available dates/times.

Many Rivers Farm

502 John Jones Rd

Bahama, NC 27503

Cost: Whatever you purchase; apples are $2/pound

One of the few (if not only) apple orchards in Durham County, Many Rivers Farm is a sustainable farm offering U-pick apples in 47 varieties. Mark your calendars for next summer, though, since they also offer peaches in 13 varieties, pears, and blackberries earlier in the year. Stock up on other orchard products, like cider, jam, and flavored cider vinegars and bring your own container for the apples. Be sure to check the Many Rivers Farm website for hours and what’s in season since this spot is only open on certain weekends.

For Garden’s Sake

9197 NC Hwy 751Durham, NC 27713

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Cost: Whatever you purchase

Weekends in late September and all of October are reason to celebrate at For Garden’s Sake with Fall Fun Days. In addition to offering fall gardening and decorating supplies during extended hours, FGS workshops and events provide opportunities to embrace the season with your family. Three Pick & Paint Pumpkin Workshops allow you to find not only the best gourd, but also flaunt your inner artist. Don’t miss Pumpkin Extravaganza on Oct. 2 nd , when Pick & Paint Pumpkins meets pumpkin brews, live music, vendors, and a food truck. Check out their website for hours and the variety of other fall events, like Jazz Night and the Autumn Mini Pop- Up Market.

Beyond Durham

If you’re open to road tripping outside of Durham, Fall festivities are bustling all around! Page Farms in Raleigh (not far from Brier Creek) will be hosting their Fall Fun events starting Sept 24th , with hayrides, corn maze, and 1 pumpkin with each ticket. Millstone Creek Orchards (about 1 hour west of Durham) offers apple picking and pumpkin picking adventures, plus delectable apple cider donuts. Want to involve animals in your Fall outing? Check out Carving Pumpkins with Goats at Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill. Lastly, if you’re more into the pumpkin flavor than the gourd itself, Discover Durham highlights all the best pumpkin drinks and eats around town.

Want more Bull City Scoop? Download the Durham Guide HERE for a free list of resources and get your dose of Durham fun facts!