The Ultimate Guide to All Things Pumpkin in Durham

It’s that time of year. The weather is cooler, the trees are putting on quite the show displaying their colorful leaves, and people young and old are flippin' out about pumpkins. Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin drink or treat or want to prep for jack-o’-lantern carving with a trip to a Durham pumpkin patch (plus a corn maze), here's the scoop on where to get your pumpkin fix.

Pick your pumpkin

'Tis the pumpkin season, so chances are you are looking for seasonal squash and decorative gourds in all shapes and sizes right about now. Perkins Orchard, Holder Hill Farm, and The Durham Co-op all have pumpkins available for purchase.

Perkins Orchard | 5749 Barbee Road

Perkins Orchard, a unique fruit and vegetable stand located in the heart of Southeast Durham, celebrates its 52nd season this year. Take advantage of the $99 deal to load up on pumpkins at a great price — fill a cart with any pumpkins in the lot, plus their popular “$25 bag” with any produce from the market and free item.

Holder Hill Farm | 4814 Holder Road

Sitting on seven acres in east Durham, Holder Hill Farm is your go-to Durham pumpkin patch. The fall farm provides a wide variety of pumpkins to fit all family needs, plus fun play areas, hayrides, corn mazes and walking trails.

Pumpkin Patch Express at the Museum of Life and Science | 433 W Murray Ave

Saturdays and Sundays through October, the Museum of Life and Science has a family-friendly fall festival with hay rides, a pumpkin patch and carving station, games and a train ride. Museum attendees can climb aboard with a special $15 admission ticket.

The Durham Co-op | 1111 W. Chapel Hill St.

The Durham Co-op is a grocery store owned by the community that focuses on carrying local, natural, and organic foods plus products made with sustainable, fair trade, and ethical practices. Need pumpkins? The co-op has numerous pumpkins of all sizes available for purchase. They also have an assortment of pumpkin-flavored baked goods from local bakeries. Pro tip for locals: Co-op owners receive a free gift every month, and October's gift is typically a free pumpkin!

Where to Sip Pumpkin Drinks

From coffee to beer, you can lean into fall vibes all day long with these seasonal pumpkin drink options all around Durham.

Cocoa Cinnamon | 420 Geer St./2627 Hillsborough Road/2013 Chapel Hill Road

Cocoa Cinnamon showed up and showed off for the coffee drinkers with their seasonal Harvest Latte, a unique and delicious take on the pumpkin spice latte made with house-made pumpkin seed and cinnamon syrup, ginger, allspice and cayenne.

Cloche Coffee | 721 Broad St.

When you visit Cloche Coffee, you'll find that their coffee shop, with a lovely patio, is the perfect space to work, catch up with friends and recharge for a bit. Stop by, check out all the lovely plants for sale and grab a cup of their seasonal pumpkin beverages!

Bull City Ciderworks | 305 S. Roxboro St.

Bull City Ciderworks, located in the heart of downtown, crafts unique ciders made with 100% apple juice. Their Jack and Oak, a pumpkin cider aged to perfection on American Oak, is everything you want in a fall beverage. Plus, you can enjoy the crisp air with a visit to their Durham location with an outdoor space and fire pit.

EverLou Coffee Co. | 506 N. Mangum St.

If you love fall flavors, head to the newly opened EverLou Coffee Co. in the heart of downtown. Try the pumpkin pie latte and keep an eye out for their pastries and other sweet treats.

Namu | 5240 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd

The cafe program at Namu does not disappoint, as much as its back patio escape amid a bamboo forest delights. Their fall spice latte is reminiscent of the seasons changing with pie spice, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg to keep you warm.

Oak House | 126 W. Main St.

Are you ready for some pumpkin pie in a glass? If you said yes, you must try the seasonal drinks at the Oak House. The Oak House has fall-themed coffee drinks and beers.

Where to enjoy a sweet pumpkin treat

Who needs a pumpkin spice twinkie (yes, that’s really a thing) when you have local, fresh-baked pumpkin treats and ice cream.

Monuts | 1002 9th St.

It's always time for doughnuts! Monuts, a bakery and cafe located in downtown Durham has a variety of baked goods and spooky Halloween-themed treats.

Ninth Street Bakery | 136 E. Chapel Hill St.

You will not regret a pumpkin bar from the Ninth Street Bakery. They also have loaves of fresh bread made with pumpkin. The Fall Harvest Boule highlights the flavors of the season, incorporating yellow cornmeal and pumpkin seeds, and the Danish Rugbod is a dense rye loaf with pumpkin and flax.

Bean Traders | 105 W. North Carolina 54 #249

Bean Traders had an assortment of seasonal pastries like pumpkin pie tarts and decorated cookies. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and something sweet.

The Parlour | 117 Market St. Durham

The Parlour always has fun seasonal specials that you definitely want to try. Stop by for a scoop or pint filled with pumpkin, apple cider, and other fall flavors.

Sweets by Shada | 105 W. Morgan St.

Head downtown to Sweets by Shada for delicious melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin spice macarons filled with fall spices.

Simon Says Dip This | 117 W. Parrish St.

Simon Says Dip This took the pumpkin spice challenge to the next level with their pumpkin spice dipped cone topped with ... cotton candy.

Two Roosters | Golden Belt Campus/800 Taylor St.

Two Roosters expanded to Durham with a new Golden Belt location. Be sure to try their pumpkin spice cookie ice cream.

Whisk and Rye | 3401 University Drive, Suite 5

Whisk and Rye is a French-inspired bakery that is crafting unique baked goods. Head on over for all the fall vibes and delicious pumpkin treats like pumpkin spice conchas, pumpkin crumb muffins (there's a gluten-free option), and pumpkin seed sourdough.