We may be high-tech now, but once upon a time Huntsville and North Alabama was mostly farmlands. It’s quite charming actually that some of these farms are still working-farms and that they open their fields to us for a visit. So when you’re ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, venture out to some of the local farms for a change of scenery and fun farm-life activities.
Lavender Wynde Farm
Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh lavender? So relaxing and fresh and just a short drive north on Hwy 53 to Lavender Wynde Farm. Owners Mike and Lora Porter grow lavender and other herbs on their 15 acre farm in Harvest. Visit the farm on select you-pick dates and attend other events like candle making and wreath making. Find out about events and you-pick dates on the Lavender Wynde Facebook page. They also make and sell their own soaps, bath products, candles and more, so come prepared to shop!
When To Go: June for fresh lavender, other events year round
Website: lavenderwynde.farm
Hubert Family Farms Tulips
Hubert Family Farms in New Market just opened this year is already a big hit! The rows and rows of colorful tulips make for gorgeous photos and then you get to take home a lovely bouquet or two to enjoy or share! Only $5 for a day pass lets you explore more than 200,000 tulips, then pay per stem for the tulips you pick. Or visit as many times as you want all season for just $15. The farm is open everyday, not just weekends, so avoid the crowds and sneak over on a weekday. This makes a great outing for all ages and family-friendly. Pack a picnic, or on weekends buy lunch on site from local food trucks. Check their website for a calendar of events and food truck schedule.
When To Go: March through April
Website: hubertfamilyfarms.com
Brown Farms
It’s almost strawberry season, and you can pick your own strawberries at Brown Farms in New Market. This is another farm that smells SO great and makes for a fun day. A perfect outing for the kids. Give them a bucket and send them picking while you take pictures and enjoy the fresh strawberry-scented air. You can also shop their ferns and flowers and unique farmhouse decor.
When To Go: Mid-April through May.
Website: brownfarmsstrawberries.com
Scott’s Orchard
Scott’s Orchard in Hazel Green is a peachy place to visit for its fresh apples and, yes, peaches. For more than 100 years Scott’s Orchard on the Alabama/Tennessee state line has supplied area farmers markets with locally grown fruits, and a few years ago the family-owned farm added select pick-your-own dates. Follow Scott’s Orchard on Facebook to find out when pick-your-own days start. Don’t miss the general store for all kinds of things made from Scott’s-grown apples (and peaches), like apple cider, apple slushies, apple ice cream, caramel apples, candied apples, and more.
When To Go: June for peaches, October for apples
Website: scottsorchard.com
Tate Farm Pumpkins
One of the most popular fall-time activities in this area is a trip to Tate Farms in Meridianville to pick your own pumpkin. Go on an old fashioned hay ride pulled by a slow moving tractor and explore more than 80 acres of pumpkin fields til you find your perfect pumpkin. Just make sure it’s not too heavy to carry home! Tate Farms has big ones and little ones and some of those weird looking lumpy ones too. The pumpkins are the main event of course, but round out the day on the farm-themed playground, playing in the corn cribs, and petting barnyard animals. And try the pumpkin slushie! You’ll be glad you did.
When To Go: October
Website: tatefarmsal.com
Heather is proud to be a Huntsville native. Starting out as a newspaper reporter, she’s has had a blast with a very diverse writing career with stints at NASA, the U.S. Army, a leading biotech institute, the tourism industry, and now building materials. She is a tried and true “boy mom” raising two teenage sons, Finn and Caden, and dog mom to two pups, Hudson and Molly. Also a big fan of all things Disney and addicted to office supplies and coffee.
