Go out and about at one of these NC farms

Find out how to find local farms to visit, plus get details about two area farms that WRAL contributor Tandra Wilkerson has enjoyed with her family.

Posted 10:00 a.m. Apr 6, 2022 — Updated 2:15 p.m. May 12, 2022

Tandra Wilkerson

, WRAL contributor

DURHAM, N.C. — It's finally spring and time to bask in the sunshine before it gets too hot. I love witnessing the change in our collective energy. The excitement in the air is easy to feel.

After experiencing cabin fever for most of the winter, spring shows up with boundless activity. There's always something to do! When people ask me about events this time of year, listing festivals to attend and parks to visit is a breeze.

I also tell them not to discount happenings at local farms. Some of them have a lot going on. Activities can range from animal feedings and strawberry picking to hay rides, camps, workshops, and food events. It's easy to spend an entire day hanging out, especially if you have kids.

While researching nearby farms, I came across Visit NC Farms, a website and app from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that helps you locate farms, farmers markets and restaurants.

Here are two farms my daughters are I really enjoyed visiting in recent years:

Old Mill Farm

8794 NC-751, Durham

Our first and only visit so far was during a fall event. We had a lot of fun. There was live music, a petting zoo, food, gem mining and more. They even had a short animal costume parade. So cute!

Read about and watch our experience on my blog.

The farm has many activities and classes throughout the year. Now that restrictions have been lifted, I'm sure Old Mill is getting back into the swing of things. According to the website, all visits are currently by appointment only. See their upcoming happenings on their website.

Blackwood Farm Park

4215 NC-86,Chapel Hill

This park is located in a historic area that's now a hay production working farm. In the past, it was a plantation. The moment that moved us most was visiting the cemetery of those formerly enslaved there. It moved us to tears for various reasons. We made sure to be respectful of all the grounds but especially this place of rest.

The farm offers beautiful walking trails, a pond for fishing (with a fishing license), eating areas, and a slew of outbuildings to read and learn about. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

We've only visited once and that was in summer. It was extremely hot but such a peaceful experience. We'll get there again in the future. You can see our first visit in more detail on my blog.

The farm closed temporarily in July 2021 for a 12-month construction project. If everything is on track, they should be open again in mid-summer of this year.

Tandra Wilkerson is a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. You can read more of her adventures on her blog, Thriller Mom.

Suggest A Correction