An introduction to fall... and the horned-sheep

Joy for fall. After all of the moaning and groaning, summer is o-v-e-r. Hurray for brisk mornings, mugs of hot cocoa, and casseroles. I can put on my red fleece pajamas and not melt. And, it’s time to hit the farm. My kid is 2 1/2 and since he’s been on this Earth, there hasn’t been a fall that we’ve missed a visit to The Hunter Farm. It’s the perfect way to kick-off the pumpkin season.

Here’s the scoop:

Hours prior to departure, give Claritin to family members susceptilble to allergies. Plenty of hay, animal, and outdoor fun awaits. May as well not sneeze your way through it.

Upon arrival, pay the entrance fee ($6 for children 2 and up, $8 for adults), and enjoy the massive photo opp that awaits at the various pumpkin patches and displays. For babies, I recommend bringing a bumbo to prop them up. Toddlers will enjoy a romp through the hay-bale maze, and pre-school/school-aged children can enjoy demonstrations in the farm house at the entrance.

After you’ve taken sufficient photos with the little ones and the pumpkins, jump on the hayride which will take you back through the farm. You’ll visit a milk-cow, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, bunnies and more. You and the kids will get to feed them. And if you’re lucky like I was this last time, you’ll get the guide that went into more detail than necessary about the difference between horned and non-horned sheep. Yay.

Finally, you’ll re-board the wagon and return back to the main entrance to claim your pumpkin “prize” for each paying person with you. If you pack a picnic lunch, meander up to the covered picnic tables and enjoy the countryside. Almost makes suffering through summer worth it to enjoy a perfect day at the farm. Almost.

I’m aware that there are other area-farms with more bells and whistles. But they are further away from my South Charlotte comfort zone. If I can’t grab a Starbucks Chai Latte in a matter of minutes post-farm, I ain’t goin’. Don’t hate.

The Hunter Farm is open 9am- 7pm Mon.-Sat., Sunday 1pm-7pm. Some weekdays are reserved for school/group outings prior to 1pm, so call ahead to check the hours for that day. For more info, visit: http://www.thehunterfarm.org/fall.html