Grace Presbyterian Church's annual pumpkin patch opened Sunday, Sept. 27, in downtown Fort Mill. Seven more fall farm destinations sit within a 45-minute drive.

The church's patch at 2955 W. Hwy 160 is free to visit and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. Pumpkins range from $1 for the smallest to $40 for the largest, according to the church's website. Mums are also for sale. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday, 11:15 a.m.–7 p.m.

The pumpkins are grown on the Navajo Nation reservation in New Mexico, and proceeds support ministries including Thornwell Children's Home and Isaiah 117 House. The patch has no hayrides or rides but offers a beanbag toss and photo spots for children.

For families wanting a fuller farm experience, several options are open now or opening soon, as Fort Mill Now first reported.

Hall Family Farm in Lancaster opened its season Sept. 18 and runs through Oct. 31 at 445 W Rebound Rd. There is no admission charge. U-pick pumpkins cost $0.70 per pound, and the farm offers a corn maze, hayrides, a gem mine and apple cider donuts.

Cherry Place Farm in Rock Hill opens Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1950 Oakdale Rd. The farm is open select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25, according to its website. Admission is $12 per person for ages 2 and up, which covers a two-acre corn maze, hayrides, animal feeding and free popcorn. Visitors who only want to buy pumpkins pay no admission.

Bush-N-Vine Farm in York opened Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1650 Filbert Hwy and runs every Saturday through Oct. 31, according to the farm's calendar. No entry fee. Large pumpkins start at $0.69 per pound. The Oct. 17 Saturday features helicopter rides.

The Hunter Farm in Weddington, N.C., opened Sept. 25 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, at 13624 Providence Rd. Parking is $10. Wagon rides to the petting barn cost $14 each and require a reservation. Children under 2 ride free.

Hodge's Family Farm in Charlotte opened Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 31 at 3780 Rocky River Rd. No entry fee. Weekend parking is $5, and hayrides cost $5 per person.

Black's Peaches in York holds its Fall Festival every Saturday in October, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at 1800 Black Highway, according to the farm's website. Saturday admission is $12 plus tax per person; children 2 and under are free. Activities include a corn maze, hayrides and Pumpkin Chunkin. The pumpkin patch is open every day in October.

Cotton Hills Farm in Chester opened its season Sept. 12 at 2575 Lowrys Hwy. The farm, in operation since 1882, charges $6 on weekdays and $12 on Saturdays, according to its website. Children ages 1 and under are free. U-pick pumpkins cost $0.60 per pound. Saturday admission includes unlimited tractor train rides and hayrides.

Upcoming

The Town of Fort Mill's Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2–6 p.m. at the Fort Mill Amphitheater and Walter Elisha Park.