Let's Go to the Patch: The Story of Bennett Farms in Heflin

By Kelly Caldwell

Just off the beaten path in Heflin, Alabama, tucked among the hills of Cleburne County, there's a family-run farm where the month of October is more than a season—it’s a celebration. It’s where corn mazes and wagon rides replace the school routine, where woodsmoke and tea cakes scent the air, and where pumpkins, wildflowers, and small-town magic bloom across a landscape rooted in heart and hard work.

This is Bennett Farms, a place where the seed of an idea—planted quite literally—grew into one of the most beloved agritourism destinations in the region. For sixteen years, families from across Alabama and Georgia have returned year after year to create memories in this special corner of the South.

It All Started With a Dream

“It came to me in a dream,” says Jim Bennett, recalling the spark that started it all. “I dreamed I was taking our daughter to a pumpkin patch. And when I woke up, I just said—why not? Let’s build one.”

That was in 2010. At the time, Jim and his wife Lexi weren’t thinking about becoming a fall destination. They just wanted to create something simple and meaningful for their young family. But the idea stuck, and within months, Bennett Farms opened its gates for the very first fall season.

“It was small, just pumpkins and a few things for the kids,” Jim says. “But people came. And every year after that, we just kept building.”

That dream has since evolved into a full-blown, family-run operation with seasonal events, vendor markets, flower fields, food offerings, and a farm culture centered around hospitality and community.

Planting Roots, Growing Traditons

From the start, the Bennetts committed to growing their dream the old-fashioned way—step by step, year by year.

“We never wanted to go into debt to build it,” Jim says. “So we reinvested everything we made. One season paid for the next. If we made money, we added something new.”

It’s an approach that’s kept Bennett Farms authentic—and deeply connected to the land and people that make it possible. The original pumpkin patch has grown into a sprawling fall playground, complete with slides, duck races, wagon rides, a corn maze, farm animals, and more.

And while the pumpkin patch is still the star of the show, today’s Bennett Farms offers much more than a visit in October.

A Place for Makers and Markets

“We added the vendor markets a few years in,” Jim explains. “And they just took off.”

Held a few times a year, the Bennett Farms Markets showcase 50 to 100 vendors offering handmade, homegrown, and small-batch goods—everything from pottery and art to jewelry, candles, and baked goods.

“Some of these folks are just getting started,” Jim says. “They might not have a storefront yet, but here, they get to test the waters.”

Lexi adds that the markets have helped several vendors launch permanent businesses, including one who now sells in the Oxford Mall after debuting at Bennett Farms.

“That’s the kind of impact we love to see,” Jim says. “Helping people take that next step.”

Fall, Full Throttle

“Come June, we’re already prepping,” Jim says. “We start working the ground, planting pumpkins and flowers around the Fourth of July, and getting the corn maze ready by mid-July.”

From then until opening day in October, it’s all hands on deck—preparing attractions, testing rides, checking equipment, and keeping crops healthy.

“It’s a lot of work,” Jim says, “but we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it.”

Fall season kicks off the first Saturday in October and runs throughout the month. Admission is $14 per person (ages 2+), and includes access to all attractions:

• Wagon train rides

• Giant slides

• Corn maze

• Farm animal interactions

• Duck races, hay bales, and kid-friendly activities

Unlike many destinations, there are no upcharges for individual attractions.

“We want it to be affordable,” Jim says. “We don’t want families paying extra for every little thing.”

Family at the Core

For the Bennetts, running a farm isn’t just about the land—it’s about legacy.

Their children, now 17 and 15, have grown up on the farm. “They’ve been out here since they could walk,” Jim says. “Now they help us run the place.”

Their daughter handles much of the social media and guest communication, while their son works behind the scenes—handling equipment, helping with logistics, and learning the ropes of farm life.

“They know October means work,” Jim says. “But they also know it’s something we’ve built together. That means a lot.”

Many extended family members and neighbors pitch in during the season, and long-time helpers often return year after year—some who came as guests are now part of the team.

“It really does feel like a family,” Lexi adds. “Even if we’re not all related.”

Field Trips, Full Hearts

One of the most meaningful parts of the fall season is the school field trip program, which now books out months—sometimes a year—in advance.

“Kids love it,” Jim says. “We get groups Monday through Friday all October long.”

Field trips cost $10 per student and include all activities plus a small pumpkin to take home. It’s become a tradition for many schools, and several of the “field trip kids” from earlier years are now old enough to bring their own children.

“It really hits you when you see those full-circle moments,” Jim says. “That’s how you know you’re doing something that matters.”

Built on Heart, Fueled by Community

When asked what keeps them going after 16 seasons, Jim’s answer is simple: the people.

“We couldn’t do this without our community,” he says. “From the volunteers who help, to the families who return year after year—it takes all of us.”

During the fall season, Bennett Farms employs dozens of local workers, many from Cleburne and Randolph counties, and even West Georgia.

“We’re proud to be a part of Heflin,” Jim says. “And proud to give people a place to gather and make memories. That’s what it’s all about.”

Come Visit Bennett Farms

• Opening Day: Saturday, October 4, 2025

• Location: Heflin, Alabama

• Hours: Tues & Thurs: 2–5 PM, Saturday: 9–5, Sunday: 1–5

• Admission: $14/person (ages 2+)

• Field Trips: $10/student, includes a small pumpkin

• Website/Socials: bennettfarms.com or facebook.com/BennettFarmsAL

The Legacy Lives On

Sixteen years after Jim dreamed of taking his daughter to a pumpkin patch, that dream now lives on in every family that steps foot on the farm.

“We’re in the memory-making business,” he says. “And every October, when the fields are full and the air smells like tea cakes and woodsmoke—I know we’re doing something right.”