The hunt for a great pumpkin

As fall looms around the corner, our thoughts move to cooler temperatures, outdoor fun and…pumpkins! In Arkansas’s Upper Delta, two great attractions offer fall fun and the opportunity to find an amazing pumpkin for your fall décor. Peebles Farm and Corn Maze near Augusta and Pumpkin Hollow near Piggott offer great opportunities to have fun with the entire family this September.

In 1992, Ellen and Darrell Dalton decided to use a portion of the family farm to create Pumpkin Hollow, which featured Arkansas’s first corn maze. Over twenty-five years later, Pumpkin Hollow, located near Piggott in St. Francis, has grown into one of Arkansas’s largest fall attractions. Now, in addition to the corn maze and the pumpkin patch, there are activities for all ages. For the youngsters, there are pony rides, pig scrambles, the Kids’ Barn, the Friendly Forest, barrel train rides, pond slides and the Country Bumpkin Playground. The entire family will enjoy the hayrides, picking out the perfect pumpkin to take home, and tasty treats, such as pumpkin roll made from Pumpkin Hollow pumpkins! Spending a fall day at Pumpkin Hollow has become an autumn tradition for families from throughout the region. Pumpkin Hollow officially opens on Sept. 19.

However, on weekend nights beginning Sept. 26, the “darker” side of Pumpkin Hollow comes out…Horror in the Hollow! Those who enjoy being “scared” can visit the Bubba’s Butcher Barn, Misery Manor and the Forest of Fright. Or fight the “undead” during the Zombie Paintball Patrol. From September through the end of October, thousands visit Pumpkin Hollow and Horror in the Hollow. Visit www.PumpkinHollow.com to learn more.

Near Augusta, you’ll find Peebles Farm and Corn Maze, named one of the best pumpkin patches in the South by Southern Living magazine. Opened to the public in 2005, the farm has become a regional favorite for families for outdoor fall fun. It’s a great place to go pick your own pumpkin, of course. But there’s so much more. Explore the 16-acre, hand-cut corn maze (during Friday and Saturday nights in October, the maze becomes “haunted). Take a scenic wagon ride or do some “flying” on the zipline. Try your luck at the corn cannon for the chance to win a pumpkin. Let the kids greet the animals in the barnyard then head to the playground for some more fun. Peebles Farm and Corn Maze is open Sept. 22 - Oct. 31. Check out this great video featuring Peebles Farm.