Whether you’re in search of the perfect summer photo op or you're a green thumb eager to learn about floriculture, these sunflower fields around the South are worth the trip!
Most sunflower fields and farms are only open during certain seasons. And while sunflowers represent long life and lasting happiness, if you blink, you just might miss when these bright yellow flowers are in bloom. But time your visits carefully, and you’ll be treated to a picture-perfect sea of yellow and green. According to seventh-generation farmer Chris Eckert of Eckert’s Farm in Versailles, KY, sunflowers are at their peak for only about 10 to 14 days!
Whether you’re interested in an idyllic summer photo background or want to learn about sunflower farming, here are a dozen places around the South we’d suggest checking out. Just be sure to verify that sunflowers are at their peak before you visit.
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Burnside Farms | Nokesville, VA
More info: burnsidefarms.com
Burnside Farms boasts more than 30 kinds of cutting sunflowers, planted in succession to ensure a month of blooms every year. After you’ve picked your bouquet of flowers, pop over to Effingham Manor Winery to sample award-winning wines.
PinBurnside Farms boasts 70 acres of sunflowers just 40 miles west of Washington D.C. Image: Burnside Farms
Coastal Ridge Farm | Picayune, MS
More info: coastalridgefarm.com
Coastal Ridge Farm offers sunflowers, zinnias, poppies, daisies, and more. While you’re in the area, make a stop at Crosby Arboretum for even more flora. As the premier native plant conservatory in the Southeast, it gives the public a space to enjoy some of the plant species that are native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin of south-central Mississippi and Louisiana.
PinSunflowers at Coastal Ridge Farm are generally available from May through June, and mid-September through October. The farm is closed from July through early September. Image: Coastal Ridge Farm
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Eckert’s Farm | Versailles, KY
More info: eckerts.com
There’s lots to do at Eckert’s, from picking fruit and flowers to traversing the corn maze or bringing little ones to the playground. But if you still have time to spare after your farm trip, make a stop at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Take a walking tour to learn all about the historic location, or experience an interactive tasting with award-winning whiskeys.
PinEckert’s Farm features two acres of six-foot-tall sunflowers. Image: Eckert’s Farm
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill | Georgetown, KY
More info: evansorchard.com
There’s a gift store, market, and cafe to add to your flower-picking fun at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill. If you have time to venture out and explore a bit more of the Bluegrass, visit Old Friends, a nonprofit thoroughbred retirement center. You’ll get up close with former racehorses who are happily living out their golden years in the Commonwealth.
PinEvans Orchard and Cider Mill offers 10 acres of sunflowers and zinnias for picking and picture taking. Image: Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
Fausett Farms | Dawsonville, GA
More info: faucetfarmssunflowers.com
After visiting this poultry farm-turned-flower field, traverse more than 1,500 acres of mountainous terrain at Amicalola Falls State Park. Home to the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, the site also offers lodging accommodations and ziplining.
PinThis Georgia farm boasts more than 900,000 flowers, including over 30 acres of sunflowers. Image: Fausett Farms
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Mick Farms | Saint Cloud, FL
More info: mickfarmsmarket.com
Shop for fresh fruit, veggies, and more at this small, first-generation family farm, then head to Deseret Ranches to see another gorgeous landscape as well as several species of wildlife. Tours are typically available Monday through Saturday and can be scheduled in advance.
PinMick Farms offers sunflowers for picking, as well as fruit, veggies, milk, and eggs for purchase. Image: Mick Farms
Sledd’s U-Pick Farm | Way Mims, FL
More info: facebook.com
If you happen to get out of the unique sunflower maze at Sledd’s U-Pick Farm in time, consider checking out the White Sands Buddhist Center. Guests are welcome to roam the grounds and shop the gift shop. Guided tours are also available.
PinGuests at Sledd’s U-Pick Farm can select their own sunflowers before traversing through a one-of-a-kind sunflower maze. Image: Sledd’s U-Pick Farm
Smith-Perry Berries | Ooltewah, TN
More info: smithperryberries.com
Pose with flowers and pick fresh berries at Smith-Perry Berries, then grab lunch at Ooltewah Whistle Stop. The vintage-inspired cafe specializes in comfort foods and specialty crafted milkshakes, and pays homage to the original historic Ooltewah Depot.
PinThe sunflower fields of Smith-Perry Berries are well-loved by two- and four-legged friends alike. Image: Smith-Perry Berries
Southern Hill Farms | Clermont, FL
More info: southernhillfarms.com
In addition to flowers and fruit, Southern Hill Farms features a kids’ zone with bounce houses, obstacle courses, and a giant slide. For more outdoor fun, make a stop at Lake Louisa State Park. The 4,500-acre space offers guided horseback rides, kayak eco-tours, fishing, hiking, biking, and more.
PinSouthern Hill is a 120-acre, family-owned and operated farm that has been serving the community since 2010. Image: Southern Hill Farms
Stanley Pond Adventure Farm | Astatula, FL
More info: stanleypondfarm.com
The name says it all — Stanley Pond Adventure Farm offers a full day of fun, with a plethora of kid-friendly activities as well as all-you-can-catch fishing. But if you have time to explore Astatula, check out Clay Island Trail. The rural area is a great spot for birding.
PinStanley Pond Adventure Farm plants sunflowers every Saturday to ensure fresh blooms year-round. Image: Stanley Pond Adventure Farm
The Homestead Farm | Winchester, VA
More info: thehomesteadfarmatfruithillorchard.com
Be sure to stop by The Homestead Farm’s bakery for made-from-scratch pies, cakes, cookies, bars, and breads. Then experience Shenandoah Valley via Rocking S Ranch. Horseback riding lessons and trail hikes are available for novices and experts alike.
PinThe Homestead Farm holds annual sunflower festivals that boast live music, local vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, and games for kids. Image: The Homestead Farm
The Sunflower Fields at Neuse River Greenway Trail | Raleigh, NC
More info: visitraleigh.com
After peeping at the only public sunflower field on our list, make your way to Pullen Park. One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, it is known for its wealth of recreational activities. Take a ride on a 100-year-old carousel, ride a miniature train, ride a pedal boat on the lake, or take advantage of the various sports courts and fields.
PinThis public field features more than 50 acres of sunflowers in southeast Raleigh. The city harvests the sunflowers to create thousands of gallons of biodiesel, which is processed into fuel for tractors, trailers, and farm equipment. Image: Paul MasonCan you think of a more cheerful way to spend a summer day?
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.
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