Hanover’s Perspective
Fall Fun in Hanover County, VA – 2020
It’s no secret that fall makes us crazy for pumpkins! Since we are conveniently located within 30 miles of downtown Richmond, you won’t need to drive far to find fun autumn activities and the perfect pumpkin for carving. Gather family and friends and head to the pumpkin patch!
For the thrill seekers, Ashland Berry Farm and Hanover Vegetable Farm are serving up spine-tingling haunted attractions. For ghost walks steeped in historical lore, visit Hanover Tavern and the Ashland Haunted History Tour.
Be sure to plan your fall fun in advance by visiting each venue’s website.
Ashland Berry Farm
Ashland Berry Farm offers free hayrides to the field to pick pumpkins. There is also a 3D Boo House, Fort Pumpkin Adventure, gift shop, animal corral, and homemade donut shop.
When: Pumpkin picking started Saturday, September 26, 2020. Tuesday-Friday 12-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note: Last hayride at 4:30 p.m)
Cost: Pumpkins are all you can carry for $20, or if you don’t want to pick, pumpkins can be individually purchased.
Haunts: Terror on the Farm October 2 – October 31, 2020
Ashland Haunted History Tour
Focusing on the town’s rich and storied history, tour groups will follow the train line as guides spin fascinating tales of the dark and macabre that will both thrill and delight. Learn all about the surprisingly rowdy history of this antebellum town by stories passed down from business owners and residents.
When: Fridays & Saturdays: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Visit website
Hanover Vegetable Farm
You can find the perfect pumpkin at Hanover Vegetable Farm any day of the week. On the weekends, additional activities include hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn maze, animal petting/viewing, giant sand pit, corn cannons, pallet maze, Charlotte’s Web hide-and-seek, face painting, food trucks, beer and wine, and live music. See their calendar of events for specific attractions available on any given date.
When: Pumpkin Picking Hours: October 3 – October 31; Weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m.; Hay rides to the field are included. No other activities are open during the week. Weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Last weekend hayride to the patch is 5:45 p.m. Additional activities available.
Cost: Pumpkins are priced per pound. On weekends, admission is $5-$12 per person based on activity level.
Special Event: Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival – October 17 and 18. (Added Dates – Click here for tickets.)
Haunts: Red Vein Haunted House
Red Vein Escape
A year round, multi themed escape room. Visit website for details.
Lloyd Family Farms
Lloyd Family Farms has a 50+ acre pumpkin patch with a great selection of a variety of pumpkins and gourds. Additional activities include hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze and much more. Food vendors will be on-site.
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through October 31, 2020. Also open on Columbus Day, Monday October 12, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $10 per person, 2 years old and under are free. Pumpkins are priced individually by the pound. Additional fees may apply for other activities.
Hanover Tavern
Tour the haunted Tavern, Old Stone Jail, and Historic Courthouse as you hear ghostly tales of actual events, and recorded paranormal activity at each location. You never know what might be lurking around! Proceeds benefit the Hanover Tavern Foundation.
When: October 25, 26 & 27, 2020; Tours start at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person.
Haunted Hanover Tavern: Dinner & Investigation
Join Transcend Paranormal and the Hanover Tavern Foundation as we break bread at the Hanover Tavern. We’ll dine and discuss the paranormal on-goings at the Hanover Tavern and County Complex, as well as discuss paranormal investigation techniques, ideas, and more. Bring your ghost stories, and we’ll bring ours!
When: November 7, 2020; Dinner: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.; Investigation: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Cost: Dinner & Investigation – $65 per person; Investigation only – $50 per person. Reservations are required.
Special Event: Fifth Annual Hanover Autumn Fest – TO-GO 2020 Edition
Now in its fifth year, the Hanover AutumnFest was started by the Hanover Tavern Foundation with one goal in mind – celebrating the community! Under normal circumstances, Historic Hanover Tavern would host thousands of guests for free family activities, live music, craft beer, Virginia wine, and great food during Hanover AutumnFest. “Although this year will be different, AutumnFest will provide comfort foods to lift the spirits of the community and we are proud to be a sponsor of this effort”, stated Reinhard Eberl, Director of the Americas for Anton Paar. Every order comes with a free swag bag!
When: Place your order by October 14, 2020 to pick-up on October 17, 2020.
Cost: Meal packages vary. Order here.
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown – Spirits of Scotchtown Lantern Tour
Does the ghost of John Chiswell, infamous son of the original builder of Scotchtown, still roam these grounds? Help us find out as we search outdoors by lantern light for people who may just know. Ghost hunters of Transcend Paranormal will end your evening sharing stories of some of their findings on their many explorations at Scotchtown.
When: October 17, 2020
Cost: $10.00 (Register online for timeslot preference)
Creepy Hollow Scream Park – Scream Forest
Creepy Hollow Scream Park has live actors, monsters, incredible animatronics, amazing illusions and acres of screams. Join us for Richmond’s legendary Scream Forest, located just 10 minutes from Short Pump and are open select nights in October.
When: Every Friday and Saturday night in October, additional dates added the week of Halloween.
Cost: Varies. Visit website to purchase tickets.
This is scary entertainment and may not be appropriate for small children or those faint of heart.
James River Cellars Winery – Fools’ and Ghouls Festival
Since the venue couldn’t host its annual April Fools’ Day Festival this past spring, please join the Heart of Virginia wineries for a socially distant day of wine, Fall fun, and Halloween! Costumes encouraged! Listen to live music, enjoy wine, shop local vendors, and browse the food truck court! Check the venue’s event calendar for more fall fun!
When: October 24, 2020; 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 (includes a souvenir wine glass)
Center of the Universe Brewing Company – Saturday Campfire Stories
Ghost Stories from Red Vein Army – Grab a pint, pull up your camping chair around the fire, and enjoy story telling love from our beer garden stage! Join storytellers from Ashland Haunted History Tours as they share some of Virginia’s most mysterious and haunted history. As the sun sets and the fire crackles, they’ll share their tales of ghostly apparitions and things that go bump in the night!
When: October 17, 2020; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Castle Glen Winery – Fall Harvest Festival
Come join us for a safe outdoor event featuring 2 wineries and a cidery. Limited to 250 guests, this event will sell out. Numerous vendors and food trucks to be announced soon. We are following all CDC guidelines as well as Executive Orders and instructions. Family and dog friendly. Music by Kari Smith!
When: October 24, 2020; 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $25/person