Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is one of those delightfully unexpected travel discoveries that make the ideal, Pull Over and Let Me Out experience. The lovely farm, located off Interstate-40, welcomes guests of all ages to stop by, spend some time with the animals, and enjoy the farm, “where simple moments build a lifetime of memories.”
Visiting Spring Haven Farm
I went to Spring Haven Farm at my friend Maura’s invitation. She’d heard from reliable sources that Spring Haven Farm is the place to go in the fall for pumpkin carving with GOATS! Having been a goat parent in the past, I leaped at the chance to spend some time with the animals again. What I hadn’t expected, though, was how well-done the entire goat pumpkin carving experience, as well as all of the other components of visiting this lovely farm, would be.
Upon arrival, we immediately began immersing ourselves in the ambiance and pumpkin carving. We entered the Goat Yard, as it were, after selecting our pumpkin and were greeted by several of the gentle creatures. This was definitely not the goats’ first goat rodeo, as they instantly identified the two newcomers and found we were carrying grain feed and carrots that we purchased to share with the animals.
The goats surrounded us in no time, and we were quickly depleted of our supplies. They weren’t as interested in us when the grain and carrots were gone, but a couple did stick around to observe the pumpkin carving.
Carving Pumpkins with Goats!
Spring Haven Farm has devised an efficient system for carving pumpkins with goats. Once you’ve chosen your pumpkin, you’ll be given a basket full of tools, a bucket, and helpful carving instructions replete with design recommendations. There are plenty of wooden picnic tables to sit and do your work inside the Goat Yard, as well as, yes, GOATS! Nigerian Dwarf Goats, to be precise.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are small in stature, gentle, and have friendly personalities. They’re easy to handle and even small children can be at ease with these little goats. At Spring Haven Farm these happy creatures are curious critters and love watching and at times helping the humans carve pumpkins. The goats will often enjoy nibbling at the lid of your pumpkin or savoring the scoopings from inside, but if they’re not feeling it and not eating the pumpkin guts when you’re carving, that’s what the bucket is for.
We had a great day, and I even managed to carve a respectable Jack-O-Lantern. I also got to meet some friendly goats that adore people and posing for selfies.
Not Just Goats at Spring Haven Farm
While the goats are pretty captivating, there is much more to Spring Haven Farm than just goats.
The farm has a large number of animals that you can encounter. There are pigs and a donkey named Annie, as well as several chickens, horses, and guinea fowl. I was thrilled to meet Wilbur and Orville, two Highland cows. All of the animals are content and enjoy greeting visitors, especially visitors who come bearing snacks.
Speaking of food, while we were there there was a food truck with goodies to eat and drink, as well as music to listen to, while you hang out with the animals. The Tractor Train Express is available for children to ride, and there’s also a craft station staffed by a local artist eager to assist all aspiring artists with an array of amazing farm crafts and amusing creations.
Likewise, there’s a farm store where you can buy everything goat, from clothes to lotions to plush animals, which make the perfect gift or keepsake to remember the day.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but because certain events sell out quickly, it's preferable to buy them online for the hour you want to visit Spring Haven Farm.
About Spring Haven Farm
Spring Haven Farm made the decision to open the farm to the public in 2016. Spring Haven’s goal was to serve as a community center and to share the joy of the farm with the community. The family-friendly farm provides a space where visitors can interact with animals while learning about the agricultural world.
Between 10 am and 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday, guests are welcomed to the farm. Each hour has a limited number of tickets available, but once inside, guests are welcomed to stay as long as they wish.
Spring Haven offers General Admission tickets, Farm Experience tickets, Birthday parties and private events, Memberships, and Gift Cards. They also provide special events throughout the year. Events include Movies with Goats, Goat Super Heroes, Goat Princesses, and other fun kid and family-friendly goat-themed happenings. Each early November, the farm closes for a couple of weeks in preparation for their holiday favorite, Winter Wonderland with Goats!
Take Away
If I could give you a few words of advice if you’re planning a visit to Spring Haven Farm, I’d recommend wearing farm-appropriate shoes and clothing. You will get a little dirty, especially if you spend time with the goats. Also, if you’re afraid of animals, brace yourself for an invasion of your personal space. These goats are inquisitive and want to get to know you… especially if you have food for them!
Spring Haven Farm is an excellent itinerary addition for anyone wishing to get outside, explore the farm, and interact with goats. I had a great time carving pumpkins with the goats, and I can’t wait to go back to enjoy Winter Wonderland with Goats.
Any place that makes me want to go back is a definite Pull Over And Let Me Out favorite.
5306 Homer Ruffin Road Road
Chapel Hill NC 27516
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