With temperatures dropping and spooky season at its height, the 12 South Pumpkin Patch in Belmont’s backyard is in full swing, and there’s something there for everyone this season.
“We have names for different pumpkins, like snowballs, the jacks and bumpin’ uglins” said Taylor Vroon, a Belmont student who works at the pumpkin patch.
It’s pretty easy to tell which is which; from classic orange pumpkins ready for carving to smooth white snowballs as big as the kids toddling through the patch to, yes, bumpin’ uglins covered in gnarly warts, there are plenty of options to choose from.
“A lot of people like the white ones. They match everything,” Vroon said.
Taylor Vroon at the 12 South Pumpkin Patch. Belmont Vision / Luke Dunlap
From occasional tourists to everyday Nashvillians, the pumpkin patch sees plenty of visitors against the bustling background of the 12 South neighborhood.
“The weekends are pretty crazy … Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are usually when it’s nice out and everyone is kinda here, but there’s steady foot traffic throughout the week,” said Vroon.
Bumpin’ uglins: though a little lumpy, there’s still plenty to love. Belmont Vision / Luke Dunlap
Just a short walk away from the university, the patch sees its fair share of student customers.
“It’s close to campus,” said Belmont student Sarah Johnson. “Just a great place to go and hang out.” Johnson brought home some mini pumpkins for dorm decor.
Along with all the pallets of pumpkins, crates of colorful gourds and other festive fall flora comes the social media-worthy pictures. Instagram and Facebook feeds are flooded with seasonal Starbucks lattes, cozy fall outfits and, of course, pumpkin patch posts.
Folks from Belmont and beyond stop by to snap a photo or just to see the seasonal sights with friends and family.
“That’s the thing you do in fall,” said Belmont student Shaniya Turner, who visited the patch and with siblings, niece, nephew and baby cousins in tow. “It’s just fun to go out, especially when the weather’s nice.”
As Nashville comes up on Halloween this Sunday, be sure to stop by and pick up your perfect pumpkin before they’re all gone.
“Everything pretty much sells; everyone’s into something different,” said Vroon.
The 12 South Pumpkin Patch is open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Families makes their picks at the 12 South Pumpkin Patch. Belmont Vision / Melody Scott
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PHOTO: Belmont students Bishop Ryan and Sarah Johnson pose with one of the biggest snowball pumpkins in the patch. Belmont Vision / Melody Scott
This article was written by Melody Scott and Anna Jackson.