Farm Fun This Fall

Destination farms to visit this season for Fall activities

By Crissy Neville

Autumn brings welcomed cooler temperatures to the Sandhills, the beautiful hues of gold, orange and red, and highly anticipated activities like football, fairs and fun on the farm. Moore County does not disappoint when it comes to the latter; from idyllic horse farms to traditional produce patches and everything in between, the home of golf is also home to agriculture and agritourism. So, grab the kids and check out Moore County’s pumpkin patches, hayrides and farm festivities; the season is short and will be gone as quick as your favorite pumpkin latte.

Happy Goat Ranch

Happy Goat Ranch is open in season Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, is a fall destination located at 508 US 15-501 in Carthage. In four short years, owners Doug and Kim Reagan have created a cheerful vista named for its rambunctious ruminants but known for the goodness they grow. The Reagans have 40-plus Kiko and Boer goats and a few miniature donkeys that visitors can pet and feed, if they wish. According to Doug Reagan, everyone loves the animals, especially the children.

“The goats are big stress-relievers and create lots of smiles and laughter,” he said. “You see, the goats don’t have the problems people do; all they do is eat and play and be happy. And the donkeys are pretty cute, too.”

On 26 acres Happy Goat Ranch grows and sells strawberries, peas, lettuce and sugar snaps in spring and then for summer, serves up squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, field peas, okra, melons, zucchini, peppers and corn. Autumn brings favorites like collards, turnips, beets, butternut squash and cabbage. With the addition of hoop houses this year, the farm owners plan to add more greens like kale and broccoli to the line-up. They are also working on their certified organic farm status, caring deeply about producing healthier products that people feel better about consuming. Currently, the Reagans have 6 acres of pumpkins and welcome Sandhills families and individuals out to pick their favorites to take home. Whether the pursuit is for the perfect one for a pie, jack-o’-lantern or the illusive Great Pumpkin, you are sure to go away as happy as a goat yourself.

Flint Rock Farm

Another farm destination for fall fun is Flint Rock Farm located at 6510 S. Plank Road in Cameron. Owners of this nine-generation property Mike and Laura Younts have created a field trip destination for educational activities, family reunions, birthday parties, business get-togethers and special events. As a retired local elementary school teacher, Laura Younts is happy to bring engaging farm experiences to students of all ages.

This season, the Younts invite you to come out to discover the inspiring story of Spookley, the Square Pumpkin, the "Official Spokes-Pumpkin" for October which is National Bullying Prevention Month. Flint Rock Farm has partnered with the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights’ (PACER) National Bullying Prevention Center and Spookley to raise awareness for bullying prevention. Children and guests learn the value of respect and kindness as they walk through Spookley's Storybook Trail at Flint Rock Farm. The farm offers a maze, hayrides, farm animals, agricultural and historical learning activities. Call ahead for more information or to reserve your trip date.

Kalawi Farm

Kalawi Farm at 1515 NC Highway 211 in Eagle Springs is famous for its fresh produce, plump peaches and delicious Ben’s Ice Cream but come September and October there’s a new game in town: Kalawi Farm Corn Maze opens its doors for both group bookings and general admission. Groups can enjoy all activities and receive either a complimentary pumpkin or a single cup of their famous ice cream. Call 910-690-8303 to book and to find out pricing details. For general entry, Kalawi Farms Corn Maze is open weekends from September 27 through November 3 offering the corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and a play area for children, featuring a jump pillow, super slide, barrel train, playground, mini maze and bounce house. The times are Fridays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pay per activity or purchase the value combo for all activities priced at $12 per person. Children ages 2 and under get in free, and there is a $1 off discount for military personnel and school employees.

Art and Jan Williams opened Kalawi Farms in 1982 on family land in Eagle Springs. Their farm fresh produce, ice cream and corn maze are popular crowd pleasers to locals and guests alike.

You can find these farms and others on the new Visit NC Farms phone app, a product of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Download the app to find fall fun on the farm just a click away.