Fun Fall Memories at Patterson Farm
By Guest Blogger Tracy Huneycutt
Last fall, my son and I took a day trip to Patterson Farm and had so much fun! We are looking forward to visiting the farm again this coming fall.
What is Patterson Farm?
Patterson Farms Inc. is a family-owned and operated farm that has been in operation since 1992, but the family has been in the business of farming since many decades before then. Located at 10390 Caldwell Road in Mount Ulla, NC (in Rowan County,) the farm has become a favorite spot for school field trips and for families to visit.
What to expect when you visit?
Depending on the age of your child(ren), I would plan to spend at least two full hours at the farm (if not a little longer.) You will first need to purchase tickets on their website, visitpattersonfarm.com, and select your desired date and entry time. (Seasonal passes are offered as well, if you feel you may visit the farm several times during the course of the year.) When you arrive, you will park near their market store (I would recommend visiting the store last, before leaving.) You will then walk along the pathway through a large field to arrive at their ticket window (there are tons of great fall photo opportunities along the way!)
After checking in and receiving your wrist band, you can start visiting any attraction of your choice! If you decide to participate in the corn maze, there are several themed-guides to choose from, in terms of answering topical questions to get to the next stop in the maze. There is a hay ride that travels around the entirety of the farm. Pawpaw Carl’s Playground provides a large area where children of various ages can enjoy activities like climbing through a rope “spider web,” playing on a wooden ship, riding a wooden tractor, and practicing roping “cattle.” There is a large slide visitors can ride down on sacks, and other games and activities available. If you visit the barnyard and petting zoo, you will get to see goats and chickens up close and personal (the signs on each pen will tell you if you’re able to pet or feed the animals or not.)
The farm has a clean bathroom and a covered picnic area, so if you decide to purchase lunch, snacks, or treats from the concession stand, you will have a place to sit and relax. There are beautiful spots located throughout the farm that make great photo opportunities. Depending on the season, guests can also purchase tickets to pick their own produce from the fields at Patterson Farm.
Before leaving, definitely check out the market. Full of seasonal produce and plants to purchase, you can also find toys, books, coffees, soaps, and other merchandise, many from local vendors. There is ice cream available for purchase, as well as packaged foods and treats. Last fall, we purchased several pumpkins of various sizes and colors to place on our front porch.
Definitely add a trip to Patterson Farm to your fall bucket list, for a day of fun that your whole family will enjoy!
For more Day Trip ideas, click HERE!
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