Simpson’s Seasonal Success: Patch Procures Pristine Pumpkins

Pumpkin season is in full swing, and for Charlotte locals, that can only mean one thing: Simpson’s Pumpkin Patch is back on the mound at Carmel Commons shopping center. Throughout October, right off Pineville-Matthews Road, this beloved roadside stand offers a variety of seasonal fixtures like pumpkins, flowers, corn, and gourds. They have become a staple of fall decorating for generations.

Simpson’s has been a fixture in Charlotte since the 1950s, with the stand across from Charlotte Catholic that opened in the 1980s. Though the Simpson family runs the operation, the pumpkins themselves are grown by an Amish community in central Ohio and purchased at auction before making their way south to delight Charlotte’s pumpkin lovers.

In addition to classic orange pumpkins, Simpson’s offers decorative corn, colorful gourds, and seasonal flowers that are perfect for cooking, decorating, and garnishing. 

Their largest pumpkin ever sold tipped the scales at 400 pounds last year, which broke the previous record of 300 pounds. 

Phil Simpson, the current manager of the family legacy, uses his profits from patch to expand his own farm. He said, “I love this stand. It’s nice to get away from the farm once in a while. Nothing makes my day better than seeing all the little ones amazed at all of the pumpkins.”

For all Charlotte families and especially those who attend CCHS, the patch is perfectly located. The school community loves to come and buy their decorations for Halloween at Simpson’s. Sophomore David Gutierrez bought his first pumpkins from the stand last year. He was pleased to report that his pumpkins stayed fresh until November. 

Once the pumpkin season wraps up, all the unsold products are sent to the Simpson family farm to feed the animals. A few weeks after that, the stand will become a Christmas tree lot, which continues to grow as a seasonal centerpiece for the community. 

For over 70 years, the Simpson’s have brought rustic charm and reliable quality to Charlotte’s fall celebrations, and they show no signs of slowing down.

Credit: Charlotte Catholic High School