Update: Hill Ridge Farms massive sunflower field to open this weekend

I shared some great spots to see sunflowers across the region last week, and I have a fun update. The sprawling patch at Hill Ridge Farms will be open starting July 17, not July 31 as originally planned.

Jennifer Garry of Hill Ridge Farms tells me the the flowers are blooming earlier this year. The farm launched the sunflower field last year and had 50,000 blooms for visitors to see and pick. Unlike last year, however, the farm also will have its massive outdoor play park open with all kinds of activities, including a sprayground, massive tube slide and farm animals. You could spend lots of hours here.

"They look great, and we are so excited to be able to offer all of the play park activities this year," Garry tells me.

Starting Saturday, July 17, Hill Ridge's Sunflower Festival will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, until Aug. 22. The farm is at 703 Tarboro Rd., Youngsville.

Visitors will get a free sunflower with each paid admission. (Be sure to bring your own clippers or scissors to pick a free flower.) Only cash will be accepted at the pick-your-own field, but you can pay with credit or debit cards inside the farm's Country Store.

Parking is free, and a covered wagon ride will take you to the field. Admission is $14 for ages 2 to 64 and $13 for ages 65 and up, military and groups of 10 or more. Advance tickets are not sold.

More information is on Hill Ridge's website.