Enchanted Pumpkin Garden in Carefree, Arizona

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What to Do in Carefree, Arizona

I first heard of the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden in Carefree, Arizona through social media. Being fairly new to Arizona I am always looking for somewhere to visit. A nearby neighbor liked the Facebook page of the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden and I was immediately intrigued.

Carefree, Arizona, a town of approximately 3700 people (according to U.S. Census Bureau), is located about 35 miles north and east of the city of Phoenix. The elevation of Carefree is at 2700 feet making it about 5-7 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It’s rolling hills, beautiful vegetation and small-town feel make it an alluring city.

Most Livable Town in Arizona

The town of Carefree was the vision of Tom Darlington and K.T. Palmer in the early 1950s. It became known for the care that was taken in protecting and preserving the indigenous desert growth. The streets had whimsical names, such as Lazy Ln, Dog Leg Dr. and Breathless Dr. In 1984 it was incorporated as the Town of Carefree.

According to the US Census Bureau and Areavibes.com it is ranked #1 in Arizona for livability. It is home to renowned artists, entertainers and fortune 500 executives.

Things to do in Carefree include Sunday concerts in the spring, the 3.5-acre Carefree Desert Gardens, Farmers Market, Fine Art Fairs, Christmas Festival and the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibits.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden

The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibits is an annual event lasting one week in October. It started in 2015, and runs each October. It includes daily pumpkin carving, a pumpkin pie eating contest, adopt a pumpkin patch and pumpkin exhibits.

The pumpkin exhibits and carving are what it is known for. I went on a Saturday and strolled through the pumpkin exhibits which are whimsical and creative. The pumpkin carving is amazing. There were food and craft vendors, making it an enjoyable day. The weather was beautiful.

It was definitely popular and crowded on the weekend. I would recommend not being in a hurry or trying to go during the weekday to avoid some of the crowd.

Visit www.visitcarefree.com and www.carefreepumpkingarden.com for more information.