Never in the history of the planet has a gourd so dominated a nation as the pumpkin has the United States. 

It may seem to some that the autumnal flavor reigns supreme only during the chilly pre-Arctic months, but the entire nation awaits the re-introduction of the Pumpkin Spice and pumpkin-flavored treats all year long.

Now that October is in full swing, pumpkins can be found everywhere. But, not everything is so ostensible… 

“Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He’s gotta pick this one. He’s got to. I don’t see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.”

And that, essentially, is Marion County. 

We’re taking our cues from the most accurate movie ever, It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. We’re eagerly anticipating the Great Pumpkin’s decision. And as we anxiously await the return of The Great Pumpkin, we’ll be partaking of the fully fall-flavored places in pumpkin preparation… 

Ice Cream 

Dairy Creme Corner: A Pumpkin Pie Avalanche is basically a two for one dessert, ice cream, and pie! Or shake things up with a pumpkin pie shake. . . at least for a few more days. 

Pufferbelly’s Ice Cream Station: Get creative with pumpkin ice cream with Pumpkin Pecan Pie Ice Cream, a Pumpkin Gingerbread Sundae and/or Pumpkin Roll Ice Cream with cream cheese icing swirls.

Delicacies

Cakes with a Personal Touch: Pay homage to the OG, the all-time classic Pumpkin Pie.

Little Red Hen: Get the best of both worlds with a breakfast-like dessert… or a dessert-like breakfast…  Either way, get some pumpkin muffins.

Bakers Nook: Pumpkins should be circular, so get your pumpkin doughnuts here along with pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, and pumpkin cookies.

Drinkables

The Rambling Root: Only pure pumpkin sincerity here! Get ready for pumpkin pie and The Rambling Root pumpkin beer, all made with the localest and sincerest of pumpkins.

Joe n Throw: Indulge in the cult classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, done right with locally roasted (and locally delicious) coffee. 

Do-ables

Tuscan Sun Spa: Did you know… Pumpkins are more than just ingestible! Pamper yourself with Perky Pumpkin Radiance Boost & Firming Facial and a Spiced Cider Pumpkin Pedicure.

Joe n Throw Pottery: Learn a new skill like pumpkin pottery. Fall shapes come to life with just a little bit of clay and a great teacher!

Mountain Creative: Paint pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and general fall merriment!

Adornments

Illusive Skull Costume Shop: Pumpkins aren’t just a part of a season but a whole holiday. Get your pumpkin-specific Halloween decorations at Illusive Skull. 

Rider Pharmacy: Prefer pre-made pumpkin decor? Pumpkin decorations of all shapes and sizes are available to entice The Great Pumpkin here. 

Craft Connection: Not as artsy as you thought? Craft Connection is wall-to-wall with pumpkin decorations for all tastes, styles, and fragrances.

Our Country Corner: Pumpkins for the walls, the shelves, the mantle and many other places we’ll need to put pumpkins to beckon the Great Pumpkin!

Oh, Great Pumpkin! Where are you?!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy this fall favorite?