TAKE A SNEAK PEEK INTO WILSON COUNTY'S NEWEST PUMPKIN PATCH
By ANGEL KANE
October is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. From pumpkins to hayrides to bonfires, we all know that there is no better place to spend fall than in middle Tennessee.
And this year, one place we all can all get together and enjoy our favorite fall activities will be Wilson County’s newest pumpkin patch.
Located just one mile off of 840 (Exit 67 – Couchville Pike ) in the Gladeville area, the Pumpkin Place will offer pumpkins for the picking, hayrides, corn mazes, children’s games, animals, inflatables and much, much more.
The 80 acre farm, upon which the Pumpkin Place is located, has been in Lannom family for many generations. Initially, the farm belonged to Fred and Una Lannom who handed it down to their son, Earl Lannom. Their working farm included milk cows, hogs and crops. From its humble beginnings as a homestead for the Lannom family, the farm has now been lovingly restored by its current owners Lance and Cathy Lannom. Earl (or “Unk“) as he was referred to was Lance’s Great Uncle. “Unk loved this place. He always wanted to farm to stay in the family and be enjoyed. He would love the idea of our turning part of the farm into a place for families to come together and enjoy the outdoors”, notes Lance.
The idea, however, to turn part of the farm into the Pumpkin Place was Lance’s wife, Cathy’s. “As a mother of small children, I’d drive miles and miles each year looking for a pumpkin patch. Lance and his friend, Tim Gentry, have been friends all their lives and when we mentioned turning part of the farm into a pumpkin patch, Tim and Wendie Gentry agreed to help us.”
Wendie was a teacher before she decided to stay home with her children and enthusiastically agreed to come on board to help. “I’m looking forward to working with the children, planning activities and helping with all the school field trips we are booking.”
The effort and work involved putting together this new business venture has been enormous for the four partners. Enormous but enjoyable. Tim has been in charge of growing the pumpkins since early June and the pumpkin patch is expected to have six different varieties of pumpkins on over 13 acres. Tim says that “growing pumpkins is tough. The pumpkins have to be sprayed weekly, the area has to stay plowed to prevent weeds and regularly inspected for bugs. Bees were brought in to ensure proper fertilization. But I’ve loved every minute of it and expect we will have enough pumpkins for everyone in Wilson County!”
The Corn Maze is expected to be another crowd pleasure. Located on 5 acres with multiple twists and turns, it will surely be one to remember! And the little ones will have their own special hay bale maze just for them. Hay rides will also be available to take the guests through the 80 acre farm and by all the attractions including the general store and petting zoo.
The petting zoo will include Maria, the spotted donkey and her baby – named Baby. Also on hand will be the miniature horse, known as Iceman. And it wouldn’t be a farm without calves, chickens and goats and so, of course, the Pumpkin Place will have them all available for the kids to see.
The General Store will be open for business with fall produce, jams and jellies plus lots of fantastic fall décor up for sale.
And to just make this place even more special, each weekend the Pumpkin Place will host special activities including a crafts fair, pumpkin carving contests, costume contests, Anthony the Balloon kid and on-site trick or treating.
Admission will be $6.00 and will include access to everything on the farm. Those shopping at the General Store will not be charged an admission.
So mark your calendars and get ready to make memories at the Pumpkin Place this fall.
Angel Kane can be contacted at angel@ wilsonlivingmagazine.com
For more information about the Pumpkin Place please call 445- 6677 or contact them at thepumpkinplace@yahoo.com.