WEB EXCLUSIVE Picking pumpkins is a fall rite of passage. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how skilled in carving you may be, when pumpkins show up outside of your go-to grocery store, you know it’s that time of year again. This season, we urge you to support local farmers by getting your pumpkins from a local pumpkin patch or farm. They’ll usually host fun fall activities to go along with pumpkin picking that make for a full day of entertainment for the whole family. Check out our list of pumpkin patches in the area, then let the creative carving commence!
Venture out Monday through Sunday for pumpkins, produce, ice cream and colorful mums. They also have fresh baked goods for sale all year around—you’ll regret going home without their cinnamon bread or pound cake!
Phillips Farms is the perfect place to spend a cool fall day. During the fall, they feature a pumpkin patch, corn maze, tube swing, haunted farm and other attractions and activities.
The farmers market has a plethora of pumpkins available from farmers located all over the state. You can find almost any size, color and type of pumpkin you could possibly want—even those that are meant solely for baking. Pumpkin pie anyone?
Although they’re most known for their amazing corn maze—it’s the first and longest running corn maze in North Carolina—Ken’s also boasts a pumpkin patch, rope maze, rubber duck races, a corn tunnel and a whole lot more.
Every year, Shepherd’s Way Farms sets up a giant pumpkin stand in North Hills with a variety of pumpkins—and mums!—available. Their standard round, orange pumpkins are ideal for carving!
There’s fun for the whole family at Naylor Family Farm. Pick a pumpkin, make your way through the 10-acre giant corn maze, pet farm animals at the petting zoo and let your kiddos loose in the kids play area. The only hard part is getting them to go home!
Since 2012 this family-owned farm has been selling pumpkins during the fall season. Along with the basic carving pumpkins, they also sell heirloom pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and hay bales.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Right about now Raleighites and out-of-towners from throughout the state would be flocking to the State Fairgrounds for the annual N.C. State Fair. We’d already be complaining about the traffic, or looking out at the city from high above the ferris wheel, or stuffing our faces with a funnel cake. But unfortunately, due to COVID, the State Fair was cancelled this year and there will be no rides, games or shows. However, we can still get our hands on some ubiquitous State Fair foods thanks to local restaurants and catering companies that are featuring State Fair-themed menus during the 10-day period the fair would have been operating (October 15 through 25). Below, we highlight some of the delicious fair food offerings from around the Triangle.
Japanese Fried Chicken (JFC) with Fried Ramen Mac-n-Cheese at Tonbo Ramen
Tonbo Ramen puts their own unique Asian twist on fried mac-n-cheese by adding ramen noodles to the mix then pairing it with a Japanese-style fried chicken quarter. It’s a delicious spin on a classic Southern meal that any North Carolinian can get behind.
Catering Works is combining the State Fair and Halloween into one delicious drive-thru event this Saturday, October 17. Preorder a box of festive goodies including turkey legs, corn dogs, caramel apples and funnel cake fries to enjoy in lieu of traditional State Fair festivities.
Time slots are selling fast and may or may not be available as of press time.
Everyone loves a Dole Whip, but wait until you try it in cocktail form. STIR’s refreshing drink includes Plantation Pineapple Rum, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Liqueur and pineapple juice served over shaved ice with grated nutmeg and a pineapple wedge garnish.
Ko•rn Dog, Zipper Roll and Fried Ice Cream from Kō•än
Kō•än’s State Fair menu incorporates classic fair foods like corn dogs and fried ice cream into unique dishes that are all their own for a classy take on fair delicacies that’s just as decadent. For the Ko•rn Dog, they make their own hot dogs in-house then serve it with gochu-chup, NC honey mustard and pickled onion.
If you’re not about all the grease and extra calories that come with typical State Fair foods, go for Sassool’s lighter grilled chicken sandwich. It features crispy garlic chicken, Sassool’s cabbage slaw, sliced roasted potatoes and whipped garlic aioli on a locally made potato bun. Yum!
Smoked Turkey Leg and Fried Strawberries from Whiskey Kitchen
The State Fair wouldn’t be the State Fair without those huge smoked turkey legs. Whiskey Kitchen jazzes theirs up with a spiced Cheerwine and bourbon glaze for a touch of sweetness. Additionally, you can’t leave without trying the fried strawberries for dessert—they take frozen strawberries and dunk them in funnel cake batter, then fry them up and dust them with powdered sugar.
Grazin’ Gals’s State Fair Board features all the treats you look forward to most at the State Fair, including candy apples from Kandy Apples By K, doughnuts, giant s’mores marshmallow and artisan chocolate bars from Elevated Chocolates, a slice of apple pie from Slice Pie Company, kettle corn and more!
At the N.C. State Fair it’s acceptable to put anything on a stick, so why not fried sushi? Kanki’s play on the delicious handheld snack includes a tempura batter-fried sushi roll with spicy tuna and avocado served with spicy mayo and sweet soy sauce—all on a stick!
What do you get when you combine Carnival and the State Fair? Coronato’s Roman Carnival Doughnuts! Chef Teddy Diggs makes the pillowy soft doughnut holes in-house then serves them with your choice of cinnamon sugar or a sweet and colorful combo of royal icing and rainbow sprinkles.
Andia’s in Cary is known for their extravagant ice cream creations, so doing a State Fair-themed menu just makes sense. Their funnel cake sundae is a staggering stunner—a freshly baked funnel cake is loaded with a double scoop of ice cream and drizzled and sprinkled with a sauce and topping of your choice. Fruity pebbles and caramel make a delicious and colorful combo!
The State Fair’s fair food drive-thru is back at the fairgrounds from October 15 to 25, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Twenty-two local vendors will be on-site selling all your favorite fair foods for takeout only, including Old Style Foods (known for their fried confections), Party in a Pita, Ragin’ Cajun, Fat Boys BBQ and many more.
La Farm has always played a big part in the N.C. State Fair. Their food truck can usually be found on the fairgrounds, serving their coveted s’mores to hungry customers in search of something sweet and nostalgic. While their food truck won’t be at the fair this year, you can still order their delicious s’mores straight from the bakery on October 16 through 18 and October 23 through 25. They’ve also added seasonal pumpkin beignets to the lineup as well.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Coronavirus cases in North Carolina—and throughout the world—are increasing yet again and many public health experts are worried about another COVID spike. Many European countries have already shut down again, closing restaurants, bars and shops and encouraging everyone to quarantine. Is it only a matter of time before the U.S. is forced to do the same?
In a press conference held this afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper and DHHS secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen addressed the concerning coronavirus numbers in North Carolina. As of October 15, there are 238,939 cases of coronavirus in the state with 1,140 currently hospitalized. Additionally, today marks the highest single-day case count since the beginning of the pandemic, with 2,532 new cases reported overnight.
“North Carolina must be more vigilant to stop the spread of this virus,” Cooper said. “It’s up to every one of us to continue wearing masks, social distancing and using our best judgement.”
Dr. Cohen showed that viral spread is happening across the state, and unlike during the previous increase in cases, current trends don’t link to any one person or activity. As shown in the graph below, COVID cases peaked in July, with another bump in August from the opening of schools and universities; now cases are trending up yet again.
Dr. Cohen says that the current trends are especially concerning heading into flu season. North Carolina has already had one death over the age of 65 from the flu, and some hospitals are already feeling strain.
“Whatever your reason, I’m asking you to get behind the mask,” said Cohen.
During today’s press conference, Gov. Cooper also talked about the 2020 census deadline, which is today. He’s encouraging all North Carolinians to fill out the census in order get the state necessary funding, which will also help support COVID recovery. Billions of dollars are at risk if North Carolina residents don’t respond. You can take the census online at https://2020census.gov/en.html.
Additionally, Gov. Cooper encourages families who are facing serious financial hardships due to COVID-19 and are having difficulties paying rents and utilities to apply to his $117 million NC Hope program. Those in need can go to 211.org/hope to apply and be screened for eligibility, or dial 211 Monday through Friday. Payments are made directly to landlords and utility companies.
Gov. Cooper and Dr. Cohen will continue monitoring COVID numbers as they decide how to move forward after phase 3 is supposed to end on October 23.
“I know we’re all tired of this, but we can’t let weariness or frustration wear us out,” Gov. Cooper said. “We’ve brought our numbers down before and we need to do it again. Whether gathering with friends or family or running into the store, wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands.”
WEB EXCLUSIVE The time has come! Residents of North Carolina can officially start voting on Thursday, October 15. Early voting will operate much the same as in prior election years, whereby any registered voter or eligible individual may cast an absentee ballot in person during the early voting period, which lasts until Saturday, October 31. If you are eligible to vote but have not yet registered, you can register at early voting sites during the early voting period and then immediately cast your vote. Proof of residence is required, however, so make sure to bring proper identification to register. Prepare yourself for early voting in North Carolina by reading our helpful guide.
Where to Vote Early
Not every Wake County voting site is open for early voting as well. For a list, map and schedule of Wake County’s early voting locations and hours visit wakegov.com/elections/info/early/Pages/default.aspx. Make sure you give yourself enough time to wait in line, as voter turnout is supposed to be great this year!
Due to COVID-19, curbside voting has also been added this year. Every voting site in North Carolina will offer curbside voting for voters who are unable to enter the voting place due to age or disability, a medical condition that puts them at an increased risk of COVID, an inability to wear a mask due to a medical condition, or if they’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
What to Bring to the Early Voting Site
If you’re not registered to vote already, you’ll need to bring your driver’s license, government-issued photo identification, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck, or a current college photo ID card.
If you’ve voted in North Carolina before or are already registered, you don’t need to show ID to vote.
Why Should You Vote Early?
There are many reasons why people opt to cast their vote early. Typically, lines are shorter than on Election Day (November 3), plus you have more time to get to an early voting site. If you didn’t register to vote yet, the early voting period lets you register and vote on the same day. Additionally, if you know that you will be out of town on Election Day, getting to the polls during the early voting period ensures that your vote will still be counted.
If you’re unable to get to an early voting site between October 15 and October 31, make sure to cast your vote on Election Day between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.!
WEB EXCLUSIVE In North Carolina, there’s no better duo than oysters and barbecue (except maybe barbecue and mac and cheese). According to Sunny Gerhart, chef/owner of St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, it’s a longstanding tradition for pitmasters to snack on oysters while their pigs cooked overnight. So it only made sense for Gerhart to collaborate with Picnic’s pitmaster Wyatt Dickson and co-owner and pig farmer Ryan Butler on a whole hog barbecue pop-up at St. Roch every Saturday in October.
“We thought we’d make this incredible combination available to our guests this fall,” says Gerhart, whose oysters are favored by many in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle. His Louisiana-inspired restaurant features raw, roasted and fried oysters from North Carolina, as well as some rotating varieties from throughout the East Coast. During weekend brunch, St. Roch also serves a unique oyster hotcake with eggs, crispy chili, creole cane syrup, whipped cream cheese and chives.
BBQ Sandwich from Picnic | Photo by Forrest Mason
During the pop-ups on October, 17, 24 and 31, St. Roch’s full brunch and dinner menus will be available, in addition to Picnic’s $9 barbecue sandwiches and plates with slaw, of which all proceeds will support downtown’s pay-what-you-can cafe A Place at the Table. “We’re stoked to now be serving our friends in Raleigh as well as Durham,” said Dickson, who is also delivering barbecue to his forthcoming Wyatt’s Whole Hog Barbecue location at Raleigh’s Gateway Plaza every other Thursday until the spot officially opens this Spring.
To get your hands on Dickson’s barbecue and Gerhart’s oysters during the Saturday pop-up series, make a reservation through Resy, call 919-322-0359 or visit their website for curbside pickup, or walk-in from noon to 4 p.m.—or until the pig runs out, which we’re thinking may not take too long.
