You can almost feel the approach of fall in the air on the cool mornings, and after the hot summer we had in Winston-Salem this year, I am READY for sweaters, neighborhood fire pits, and all the fun fall activities! My family has lived in Winston-Salem for four years now, so I wanted to share FIVE local activities we love to do as well as some that are on our list to do this fall!

1) Visit a pumpkin patch.

Two of our favorite pumpkin patches to visit with young kids are Hawks Pumpkin Patch and Alpha and Omega Corn Maze.


Hawks Pumpkin Patch has many different varieties of pumpkins to purchase - small, big, smooth, bumpy, white, green, orange and everything in between. They also have cute scenes set up for photo opportunities with your kiddos and old tractors, trailers, and mail carriers that the kids can climb in. We make sure to hit this spot every year! It is a 15 minute drive from downtown Winston. Check their Facebook page for their opening date - they will be announcing it SOON!


Alpha and Omega Corn Maze is slightly further, but well worth the drive - about 35 minutes from downtown. You can spend the whole day here! From hay rides to pony rides, a corn box, and giant bounce pillows, games and a pipe playground - your kids will not ever want to leave! They are open now through November 9, and you can purchase tickets here.

Two kids choose their pumpkins at Hawk's Pumpkin Patch in Winston-Salem, NC.
Boy sits in front of the blue truck with pumpkins at Alpha and Omega Corn Maze.

2) Carolina Classic Fair

The Carolina Classic Fair is in town October 4-13. They have grandstand shows, rides, food, and more! We have never been as a family, but with a kid like mine who loves rollercoasters, we might have to plan on making a visit this year!

3) Go to an apple orchard.

Another thing we have not done as a family, but would love to - pick apples and taste all the fresh apple flavored treats at an apple orchard. Our oldest is going on a field trip to Perry Lowe Orchards this month, and I wish I was able to go with him!

4) Get outside!

From hiking at Hanging Rock State Park or Pilot Mountain State Park to enjoying the walking or biking trails nearby, you can't beat enjoying the cooler temperatures and seeing the beautiful leaves as they change colors in the fall. Our favorite trails in Winston-Salem are the trails at Reynolda Gardens and the Salem Lake trail.


Another fun fall event for the whole family is the Ardmore RAH! located in the beautiful Ardmore neighborhood. They host a 10K, 5K, and Fun Run and conduct a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank or Northwest NC. This year's race is on Saturday, October 19.

Kids run along a path covered with fall leaves at Reynolds Gardens in Winston-Salem.

5) Visit local coffee shops.

There's not much I enjoy more than a sitting in a cozy coffee shop, sipping on a warm cup of coffee (okay, okay... I don't like coffee, but I DO enjoy the tea options many coffee shops provide!). A few of my favorites have recently released their fall menus. Check them out - Ardmore Coffee (I'm eyeing the Iced Chai with Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam) and Dough-Joe's (I always love the Hot Apple Cider).

*BONUS* SCHedule Family Photos

I would be doing you a disservice as a photographer if I didn't also encourage you to schedule photos for your family this fall. With the holidays approaching, families are always thinking about Christmas card photos or gifting grandma an updated family photo. While these are both great reasons to schedule photos, I would like to welcome you to think about family photos not as a thing to check off a to-do-list, but as a fun, memorable experience that captures the love you share with your favorite people.


That's what you can get with EMP's in-home family sessions. I get to know your family - what you enjoy doing together, the unique bonds you share with each other - and then we create magic together that turns into art that showcases the love and joy that are building your family legacy. If you want to get on my books for this fall, I would be honored to document this season of your life and have fun while doing it!

A dad holds his little girl up in the air, creating laughs for both of them during an in-home family photo shoot.
Mom and dad gaze at their newborn baby boy in their Winston-Salem home at his newborn photo shoot.
Little boy plays with his trains in his playroom during a family photo shoot at home.

I hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of this beautiful time with your family. Whether you're picking pumpkins, enjoying local events, or simply sipping a warm drink, take a moment to savor the joy of the season. And if you're looking to capture these special moments, I'd love to help you preserve them with a cozy, in-home family session. Let's make this fall one to remember!