CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — If you ever wanted to carve a pumpkin with a goat, you can make your dream come to life at Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill.

What You Need To Know

Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill is open by appointment only

The family-operated farm aims to show kindness to animals as a way to build a foundation for respect and caring in the community

Goat and Pumpkin carving is available Wednesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Carving Pumpkins with Goats program takes people into its goat yard, which is full of goats and other barnyard animals. As you carve your pumpkin, you can expect the goats to jump up onto the table, either eating the pumpkin or sunbathing.

Machaela Mailley is the operations manager at Spring Haven Farm.

“Goats are really social animals, they are introduced to people at such a young age. They follow you around like a little puppy dog,” Mailley said.

The mission of the farm uses animals as a way to show kindness and build a foundation for respect and caring in the community.

Aside from the goats, there is also Toby the turkey, Peppa Pig, Annie the Donkey and Flynn the horse that visitors are able to feed treats and snacks to.

“We have a ton of different family-friendly activities, but the best part is all of the animals that we have, we always say it's all the fun of the farm but none of the work,” Mailley said.

The family operated farm has expanded since the coronavirus pandemic.

“We adjusted to having three festivals a year of 400 people to being open every single day to having family come all year long,” Mailley said.

By requiring a reservation, they are able to control the amount of people on their 10-acre farm. Masks are required on the farm when you are unable to social distance.

Added attractions include a tractor train express and a haunted forest.

If you are unable to make the Carving Pumpkins with Goats experience, don’t worry! Beginning Nov. 17, Spring Haven Farm will be kicking off its Winter Wonderland with Goats that will include a Christmas tree forest and a polar express tractor train ride.