Get your carving knives ready, it's time to find your pumpkin

"OK. We'll need a knife or two, a big bowl, maybe a spoon, some newspaper -- a lot of newspaper -- a marker, a candle. Oh, and a pumpkin, of course."

In order to create a truly "spooktacular" jack-o'-lantern, you need the perfect pumpkin. Whether you're looking for a pumpkin that tips the scales or one with lots of character, choosing your glorious gourd can be just as fun as scooping out the seeds and goo.

Your family's pumpkin-picking trip can become a day of fall fun at farms and festivals across Beaufort County. From hayrides and mazes to potbellied pigs and llamas, these pumpkin hot spots offer plenty of photo-worthy moments.

HOLIDAY FARMS

When: 9 a.m. till dark, Monday through Saturday; last hayride at 6 p.m.

Where: 10884 Grays Highway, Ridgeland

Cost: $7 for children, $5 for adults; includes hayride, activities and a pumpkin

What: Lots of activities to celebrate fall. Children can race tricycles on the "Haytona Speedway," frolic in a bounce house, explore the playground and pet barnyard critters, including a llama, donkey and miniature horse. Challenge the entire family to a game of cornhole, horse shoes or washers, or try your hand at roping a (plastic) steer. School trips are also available.

Details: 843-726-5527

LOWCOUNTRY PRODUCE

When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Where: 1919 Trask Parkway, Lobeco

Cost: Pumpkins are $8 or less; hayrides are $2 a child

What: In addition to pumpkins, Lowcountry Produce offers hayrides, haystacks for romping and climbing and a maze of hay bales suitable for young children. There's also a petting zoo where you can get friendly with goats, potbellied pigs, a miniature horse and rabbits, and a restaurant and gift shop.

Details: 843-846-9438

PUMPKIN PATCH CARNIVAL

Hosted by The Island Recreation Association and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

When: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island

Cost: $10 a child, includes a small pumpkin to paint at the event; all proceeds benefit the Island Recreation Association

What: This year's event moves from Jarvis Creek Park to Shelter Cove, and organizers hope the bigger venue translates to a bigger crowd. The event will feature a petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, a costume contest, face painting, pumpkin painting, a haunted hayride and live entertainment from Shannon Tanner. Street Meet and Giuseppi's will offer food for sale.

Details: 843-681-7273, info@islandreccenter.org or www.

islandreccenter.org

CARTERET STREET UNITED METHODIST PUMPKIN PATCH

When: Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Carteret and North streets, Beaufort

Cost: Tiny pumpkins start at 50 cents and big ones go for up to $20. All proceeds benefit the church's youth ministries.

What: The pumpkin patch is open to the public and offers pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale. School trips are also available.

Details: 843-524-3841