Worth the drive: Millstone Creek Orchards near Asheboro

Millstone Creek Orchard planted over 10,000 pumpkin and gourd seeds across three different pumpkin patches in preparation for their Pumpkin Pickin’ Adventure days, occurring every weekend in October.

Whether your seasonal plans for the pumpkin include decoration, baked goodies or just carving a happy face or scary frown, kids and adults alike will enjoy turning pumpkin fun into adventures and traditions. And don’t forget to check out the gourds for their many functional and decorative uses.

Pile on for a hayride around the orchard and enjoy the playground and picnic areas. On Oct. 22-23, visitors can get acquainted with baby cow Holly and Ruby the goat. There will be live music by the pond.

These sorts of activities tend to make one hungry. Visitors can indulge with pumpkin seed tasting, apple cider donuts, mini apple cider slushies and the all-new Orange Scream-sicle Float. Watch an apple cider pressing demonstration to see how it’s done.

While the apple picking is over for the season, there are plenty of pre-picked apples in the Apple Barn perfect for baking, canning or eating fresh. Also at the barn are baked and canned goods.

On Oct. 29-30, visitors to the orchard can participate in the Boo Bash Costume Contest. Others may choose to dress up their pumpkins with paint.

Millstone Creek Orchards is located off of Interstate 64 in Randolph County, less than two hours from Charlotte.