FAQs

  1. How do you get to the farm? Driving directions are posted on our website
  2. What are your hours of operation? From late September through Halloween the farm is open 7 days a week. Monday – Saturday   9:00 am until 6 pm, and Sunday   10:00 am until 6 pm
  3. What is there to do? • Hayride • Pick a pumpkin • Pick corn from a real corn field • Shell corn in an old fashioned corn sheller • Feed corn to the barnyard animals • Pick cotton from a real cotton field • Wander through the corn mazes • Climb hay mountain • Play in the hay maze • Have a picnic • Shop in the barn store
  4. Do you have to pay admission to buy pumpkins or to shop in the barn store? No.  Shopping in the store does not require admission to the farm activities.  Admission is only for the purpose of enjoying the many fun activities the farm offers.  What can I buy in the farm store? • Pumpkins • Bales of hay • Apples • Honey • Homemade crafts • Yummy jams and jellies • Halloween novelties • Gourds • Bottled water
  5. Is there a place to have lunch? There is a wonderful, shaded picnic area, so pack your picnic and plan to stay.  There are tables available, or you may bring a blanket, if you wish.
  6. What is the admission cost? Entrance into the farm area is a single fee of $12.50 per person.  We have a special rate $10.00 per person for groups of 15 or more and $10.00 per student for field trips.  All the activities can be enjoyed at your leisure and in the order you choose.  (See activities listed under question #3.)
  7. Are any ages admitted free? Children who have NOT reached their second birthday are admitted free of charge, provided they do not pick a pumpkin.  Admission to the barn store for shopping does not require an admission fee.
  8. Do you have group rates? School field trips have a special rate of $10.00 per student and $10.00 per adult.  Classroom teachers are admitted free in the ratio of 1 teacher per 10 children.  Other groups receive 1 free admission for the coordinator of the event.  Field trips are only offered Monday through Friday.
  9. What is the minimum number of participants to qualify for a group rate? We cater to large and small groups.  However, we request a minimum charge of $50.00 for each group.
  10. Who is eligible for field trips? • Public and Private Schools • Day Care Groups • Special Groups • Church Groups • Mothers Groups • Play Groups • Home School Groups
  11. How much do hayrides cost? There is no separate charge for hayrides.  The hayride is included in your admission fee.
  12. How long are the hayrides? The hayrides average 20 – 25 minutes. 
  13. How much are pumpkins? Pumpkins are $.60 per pound if bought separately from those included with admission.
  14. Do you sell pumpkins for baking? Yes, they are called pie pumpkins. 
  15. Do you sell pumpkin pies? No, we do not sell pumpkin pies.
  16. What size pumpkins are in the field? Different sizes; however, we like to provide only small to medium sizes for school children so they can handle them.
  17. Can school classes take time to measure pumpkins? Sure – some teachers like to use this fun time as a learning experience.
  18.  How big is the farm? Over 100 acres!
  19. What kinds of animals are on the farm? Goats, pigs, roosters, hens and cows.  On occassion you may catch a glimpse of wild, native animals such as deer, turkeys, quail, etc. 
  20. Who makes the homemade items? Local crafters make most of our items.  Our canned goods are made at several different licensed and approved kitchens.
  21. Is the farm a working farm? Yes, Farmer Ganyard grows pumpkins, corn, cotton, etc.  Many months of hard work are required to have a successful growing season.
  22. How much does an average pumpkin weigh/cost? We have a wide range of sizes from 2 lbs. To over 40 lbs.  An average one might cost $5.00 – $10.00.
  23. How do you make pumpkin pies? You use the inside of the pumpkin, called the pumpkin meat.  Check out our recipes online.
  24. What do you do during the off-season? At the present time, the farm is only open during the fall pumpkin season.
  25. Will you be open during the spring? Ganyard Hill Farm is not open to the general public for walk-in visits in the spring but does schedule special events like picnics and parties and school field trips.  You can call or email us to arrange these types of activities:  919-596-8728 or mganyard @nc.rr.com.
  26. How are gourds made? Plant the seeds, give them water and plenty of TLC.  Then they are dried and the outer shell becomes hardened. 28. Where are the apples grown? Our apples are grown in the North Carolina Mountains.
  27. How long has Farmer Ganyard been farming? Farmer Ganyard grew up on a dairy farm.  He then pursued degrees at both the University of Georgia and Mississippi State University.  After completing his PhD in entomology, he was instrumental in eradicating the boll weevil from the cotton crops in North Carolina.  After many successful years as a scientist in the field of entomology, he decided to return to his love of farming and began operating Ganyard Hill Farm in 1995 to provide a community resource that would be both educational and entertaining.  Though the tourism portion is only during the fall harvest season, the agricultural portion is a year-round endeavor that utilizes his many skills to produce a bountiful farm for all of us to enjoy!