CHESAPEAKE, Va.— Now’s the time to pick your perfect pumpkin.
Hickory Ridge Farm in Chesapeake says business is booming despite the pandemic.
“A lot of times people won’t buy a pumpkin before October 1, and this year they’ve just been ready for a new season, I think," says owner Robin Pierce.
Two-year-old Rowan helped pick three pumpkins Friday afternoon with mom Leah Morrison. She says the trip to Hickory Ridge Farm is a much-needed break from being cooped up in the house for months.
“It’s been nice to just have the weather cool down and to be able to get outside and be safely kind of around other people,” explained Morrison.
Owners say a lot of people are feeling the same way. The farm says it already sold hundreds of pumpkins since September and is on track to have a very busy season.
“The specialty pumpkins are a big hit, so that says to me that they’re not ready for their jack-o’-lanterns for carving, but they are ready to decorate,” said Pierce.
With 19 acres of land, there’s plenty of room to social distance while still enjoying a corn maze or a bite to eat from the food truck.
A fall favorite is the hayride, but they had to make a few changes to keeps things safe. People are asked to wear their masks, and they added an extra wagon in the back to give families more room to space out.
Behind the farm stand, they’re selling fall treats like apple cider and cider donuts in partnership with local bakery Amazing Glazed.
One thing you won’t find on the farm this fall is the bounce house — a casualty of living in a coronavirus world.
There’s plenty of memories to still be made. Whether that’s on a pony ride or a barrel train ride, Hickory Ridge is helping families rediscover fun this fall.
