16 Farms, Festivals, and Scares for Fall Fun
Whether you’re in it for the pumpkin patch or the hard cider, York County offers an abundance of seasonal activities for every fall fanatic.
Known for its welcoming nature and prime outdoor activities, York County, South Carolina, encompasses all things fall this year with its seasonally inspired festivals, farm destinations, and bone-chilling scares for those who dare. Venture outside Charlotte city limits for fresh fall experiences a short drive away from the Queen City.
Festive fun on the farm
Bush-N-Vine
Saturdays in October
Originally a peach orchard, the Bush-N-Vine Farm has remained a family-owned York County treasure for over 150 years. Now, the farm offers a diverse variety of fruits and vegetables for its surrounding community, including Charlotteans.
The farm especially thrives during the fall months, when its pick-your-own pumpkin patch is in peak season. Admission to the farm is free, but if you’re hoping to pick your own pumpkin, pay just $5 for a wagon ride to the patch and $2 off your pumpkin purchase (kids 2 and under are free). Ideal for families, Bush-N-Vine is open every Saturday in October featuring bounce houses, live music, apple cider, and pumpkins galore.
Cherry Place Farm
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 1 to 6 p.m.
Nestled on a back road in Rock Hill is the quaint family-owned-and-operated Cherry Place Farm. Drop in to pet and feed some of its furry friends or to pick out your pumpkin. Your $8 admission includes access to the corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.
Black’s Peaches
Every weekend in October
Another family-friendly favorite is Black’s Peaches, where kids (and—let’s be honest—adults, too) can get up close and personal with real farm animals, pick out the perfect pumpkin, play hide-and-seek in a maze, and go for a hayride all in one place! The farm is open every weekend in October and makes for an eventful, refreshingly outdoor day trip.
Old Town Farmers Market
Saturdays through November, 8 a.m. to noon
Stock up on all the leafy greens this fall at Old Town Farmers Market located at Rock Hill’s Legal Remedy Brewing Co. You’ll also be able to buy other local gems such as farm-fresh eggs, syrups, and more, depending on the vendors participating each weekend. Check out the Facebook Event Page for updates.
Tatanka Bison Ranch
Explore the western side of York County—unexpectedly home to a herd of bison. Gather your crew for a unique experience as you learn how Tatanka Bison Ranch puts sustainability first, all while getting an up-close look at the bison and calves themselves.
The popular Safari in South Carolina Tour brings four adults or three adults and two children on a two-hour safari-like excursion in a four-wheel-drive UTV (offroad vehicle). Passengers receive a tour of the ranch and the bison handling facilities, plus a special visit with the herd. The Bison Buggy Tour offers a 90-minute covered wagon experience ideal for young ones and larger groups. All tours are by appointment only, and tour days are Sundays through Fridays—call 704-860-2130 to book your South Carolina bison adventure.
Peach Tree Orchard
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays 2 to 7 p.m.
Scoop up the last of peach season before diving headfirst into the Not Yo’ Mama’s Pumpkin Pie Milkshake topped with pumpkin cookie crumbles at Peach Tree Orchard. Not to mention the delicious, homemade pimento cheese sandwiches to snack on as you load up on vibrant pumpkins and gourds for your front porch or DIY Thanksgiving tablescape.
When you’re in the mood for a scare…
SCarowinds
Every weekend in October, 7 p.m. to midnight
Experience the wrath of this transformed theme-park-turned-huge-haunted-house for the ultimate adrenaline-filled fall night. Interact with more than 500 ghosts, goblins, and spooky creatures all the while reassuring yourself it is in fact “just a mask.” (It is… right?) Open every Friday and Saturday of October, SCarowinds dares you to buy your tickets here.
Lanterns & Legends Tours
Every Friday, Saturday, and on select Thursdays in October
The Fort Mill History Museum hosts its third annual Lanterns & Legends Tour beginning in the historic downtown area’s spooky Unity Cemetery. The tour takes guests on a spooky stroll down Main Street as they hear tales of local ghosts and wraps up at the museum. Tickets are $15.
Paint a Black Cat Portrait
October 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
Get into the Halloween spirit and paint your very own spooky black cat portrait. Embrace the season (and maybe a glass of wine) as you partake in a guided painting session…. on a farm! Your ticket to this King’s Landing Farm event includes a rustic wooden plank canvas as well as all art materials. Click here for tickets.
Fall festivals for every taste
Blues & Jazz Festival
October 3 and 4
Take a break from the pumpkin patch while still enjoying the crisp, fall air at York County’s 15th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival. Celebrate the roots of soulful sounds with music by local instrumentalists on Thursday and Friday.
Tawba Fest
October 5, 5 to 9 p.m.
Spend the day on Rock Hill’s riverfront at Tawba Fest for craft beer, live music, food trucks, and creative vendors. Feeling adventurous? Hop in a kayak and float the river or opt for a scenic nature hike before indulging in on the fall fun!
Curtin Farms Fest 2019
October 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If local produce, artisans, and live music appeal to you, then Curtin Farms Fest 2019 is calling your name. Join the fun (rain or shine) for a day full of wholesome, homegrown foods and unique finds from more than 20 vendors as you sway along to live music.
Fall Frolic on Anne Springs Close Greenway
October 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate fall the last three weekends in October at the 10th annual Fall Frolic on the Anne Springs Close Greenway with all kinds of autumnal activities the kids will love—from wagon rides to a pumpkin patch, to hay bale mazes, horse rides, a corn crib, gem mining, a kiddie corn maze, and more. Parking is $5, and admission prices vary depending on membership, age, and whether or not you’re participating in the activities.
Windy Hill Orchard’s Apple Harvest Festival
October 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Farm-fresh apples, anyone? Visit Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, featuring its very own hard cider bar. Pegged as the “home of everything apples,” Windy Hill offers pick-your-own apples, live music, and regular apple-centered events, such as its 26th Annual Apple Harvest Festival on October 19, 2019. Kick-off fall the right way—by biting into a deep-fried apple cider doughnut. Grab your tickets here.
Old Town’s Oktoberfest
October 19, 4-10 p.m.
Gather at Rock Hill’s Fountain Park for a Bavarian-style celebration of authentic food by The Wurst Wagon and a variety of German brews at Old Town’s Oktoberfest. Don’t miss the famous and exceptionally adorable Weiner Dog Run benefiting the Humane Society of York County.
Tega Cay Fall Festival
October 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
To kick off the last weekend of October, the Tega Cay Fall Festival boasts fun and entertainment for every attendee, including arts and craft stations and performances by local musicians. Not to mention, there are plenty of activities for your little ones, including designated kid zones and a Halloween costume contest to cap off the night.
With spooky scares, family-friendly farms, and fun fall festivals, York County is full of excuses to step outside and explore all it has to offer this season. Click here to learn more about all the fun fall happenings in York County.